Start Up Businesses -- Getting A Loan

By Benedict Yossarian

Starting a small business may cost less than starting a medium or large corporation or company, but the process is just as complex. If you want to start a small business of your own, getting financial help from the Small Business Administration or SBA may be a good idea.

Although the SBA technically doesn't provide loans, it acts as a guarantor to lenders so that they may extend financial help to small businesses that have a hard time accessing loans through the usual channels.

Micro-loan Program

In the Micro-loan Program, the SBA provides funding for non-profit money lenders in specific areas. The funds are then used by the lenders to provide loans to qualified business-owners. Small-scale businesses can get loans as high as $35,000 under the Program although most business-owners take out about $13,000 on average. Generally, the payment term covers more than six years, although this can fluctuate depending on various available loan schemes. The interest charges also differ, but they are generally between 8 to 13%.

To apply for the microloan, you will have to satisfy certain requirements. For example, lenders may ask for a collateral or written guarantees. Some lenders may also require borrowers to take a seminar of short term training prior to approving the loan. This can be beneficial because you will acquire information and skills necessary for operating your small business.

SBA's 7(a) Loan Program

Under the 7(a) Program, the SBA provides a guarantee to lenders so that they share the potential risks associated with lending the money to borrowers. The lenders are the one who make the final decision as to whether to award the loan or not. A guarantee from the SBA does not mean you will automatically get the loan. Once you do qualify, however, you can borrow up to $750,000.

Qualifying for this type of loan also means meeting tight requirements. Such criteria include:

- Meeting certain criteria in business size

- Certain business types

- Where the loan will be used

- The business's financial capability

The 7(a) Program has many different kinds of loans. An example is the SBA Express, which lets borrowers take out a maximum of $350,000 in loan money in 36 hours or less.

Another useful kind of loan is called the Community Express loan, which is best for businesses getting established in areas that need them the most. Borrowers can take out as much as $250,000, and the SBA also assists in technical training.

SBC's CDC or 504 Loan Program

The SBA has set up a more stringent eligibility criteria under this special type of loan program. The loan cannot be used as working capital, for re-financing, or for amortizing other loans. The loan can only be used for the following purposes:

- In buying land

- For expanding, renovating, and adding new facilities

- Construction of facilities for parking

- To buy equipment and machinery

- For landscaping

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