Do I Qualify for an SBA 7(a) Loan?

For many entrepreneurs, figuring out how to finance their plans is just as difficult as figuring out those plans in the first place. For that, online commercial loan calculators are an incredibly valuable resource.

The SBA7a loan, backed by the Small Business Administration, has made it easier for new borrowers and so-called “weak” borrowers to secure the capital that they need to open a small business. But as with most other loans, borrowers still have to be able to come up with a down payment.

When you’re in the market for a business loan, getting access to the funds you need quickly is definitely a priority. If you work with an SBA Preferred Lender, you’ll get your loan processed far faster than working with another lender.

Commercial real estate lending isn’t rocket science. But the lack of resources out there on the topic certainly make it feel that way, sometimes. That’s why we’ve designed this infographic to break it down into logical steps.

In 2017, laundromats and dry cleaners generated $14 billion of revenue and employed nearly 200,000 workers across the U.S. While the industry has faced serious threats due to shifting consumer preferences and an increase in in-home laundry machines, there’s still a huge demand for laundry and dry cleaning services, especially in certain markets.

SBA International Trade Loans (ITLs) are a form of SBA-guaranteed export financing available for businesses who are involved in producing goods in the U.S. that will be involved in international trade, or to support businesses that have been negatively affected by international trade in recent years. SBA International Trade Loans have a maximum loan amount of $5 million, and provide the lender with a 90% loan guaranty.

In 2017, over 6 million homes were sold across the United States, and nearly 90% of sellers used a real estate agent to help them through the process. Right now, there are over 2 million Americans with active real estate licenses, and over 1.3 million members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). So, while the housing market may be hot, there’s a ton of competition to contend with. And, if you’re a real estate agent or realtor looking to get an edge over the competition, getting an SBA loan could be great way to do so.

The U.S. plumbing industry generates more than $100 billion in revenue each year, and employs nearly 500,000 Americans, making it an essential facet of the U.S. economy. If you own a plumbing business, and you want to expand your company, buy a competitor, or refinance business debt, getting SBA financing could be one of the best way to do so.

Do you need to have a physical office or sell goods and services in person to qualify for an SBA loan? The answer is no. Online and fully-remote companies are just as eligible for SBA loans as their traditional counterparts. However, they still have to prove that they have what it takes to qualify, including a good credit score, strong financials, and that they’re in an SBA-approved industry.

Unfortunately for borrowers, SBA 7(a) loans cannot be used to purchase part of a business. Partial equity, earn outs, and employment arrangements are also generally prohibited. In addition, due to the SBA’s ban on employment arrangements, the seller may not stay on as a director, officer, shareholder, or essential employee of the business that they are selling. However, an SBA loan borrower is permitted to offer the seller a consulting agreement, but that agreement may not last any more than 12 months.