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Small Business and SBA Lending Blog
Last updated on May 19, 2023
4 min read

SBA 7(a) Loans for Landscaping Companies

There are nearly half a million landscaping businesses across the U.S. Learn how the SBA 7(a) loan can set yours apart from the crowd.

In this article:
  1. Landscaping Companies and SBA 7(a) Loans: Uses
  2. Purchasing New Landscaping Equipment
  3. Working Capital Financing
  4. Purchasing a landscaping business
  5. Refinancing Debt
  6. Other Forms of SBA Financing for Landscaping Firms
  7. Case Study: Altering the Landscape of SoCal
  8. Find the Best Financing for Your Landscaping Business
  9. Related Questions
  10. Get Financing
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There are nearly 500,000 landscaping businesses in the United States, producing more than $60 billion in revenue each year and employing almost a million people.

If you’re looking for a loan for your landscaping business, SBA 7(a) financing can be a great option, as it typically has lower credit score requirements than comparable bank loans, and can be used for equipment, working capital, and commercial real estate financing.

Landscaping Companies and SBA 7(a) Loans: Uses

SBA 7(a) loans can be used to buy, expand, or refinance debt on a landscaping business. Here are some of the most common uses for these loans.

Purchasing New Landscaping Equipment

Whether you need a riding mower for your lawn care company, or a cherrypicker for your tree-trimming business, an SBA 7(a) loan can help. And, with 10-year terms for equipment financing, you won’t have to worry about high monthly payments.

Working Capital Financing

In addition to being used for equipment, SBA 7(a) loans can also be used for working capital, whether that means gas for equipment and vehicles, investing in marketing materials, or even paying employee salaries when you’re low on cash.

Purchasing a landscaping business

Whether you want to get into the landscaping business for the first time, or you’re already in it and you want to buy out a competitor, the SBA 7(a) program is a great way to acquire an existing business. Plus, if you have a business partner that wants to move or retire, you can also use SBA 7(a) financing to purchase their stake in the company.

Refinancing Debt

If you currently have business debt on unreasonable terms (very high interest rates, excessive fees) and you want to refinance it, a 7(a) loan could be a good way to do so. Keep in mind, however, that the debt you want to refinance must have been used for business purposes, such as a funding working capital or financing a commercial real estate transaction.

Other Forms of SBA Financing for Landscaping Firms

The SBA 7(a) loan is a fantastic choice for many landscaping entrepreneurs, but some businesses might be better served by other SBA loan options.

For example, since landscaping businesses are often seasonal, the SBA CAPlines program, which offers a revolving line of credit for eligible businesses, could be best for businesses that want a smaller source of working capital.

Or, if you own a landscaping businesses that needs up to $350,000 fast, an SBA express loan may be the best choice. And, if your business has less than stellar credit, and doesn’t need any more than $50,000 in financing, an SBA microloan might be the best solution.

Case Study: Altering the Landscape of SoCal

Joshua, an experienced landscaper in San Bernardino, California, had always dreamed of starting his own landscaping business. He decided to take the leap and launch "San Bernardino Green Landscaping," a company that would provide high-quality landscaping services to both residential and commercial clients.

To get his business off the ground, Joshua needed funds to cover the initial startup costs, such as purchasing landscaping equipment, hiring a team, and investing in marketing efforts. After researching various financing options, he determined that an SBA 7(a) loan would be the best fit for his needs.

Joshua requested a loan amount of $200,000 to cover the costs associated with starting his landscaping business. In his loan application, he included a detailed business plan outlining his company's mission, target market, and projected revenue. He also provided financial projections that demonstrated the potential profitability of his landscaping venture.

After a thorough review of his application, Joshua was approved for the SBA 7(a) loan. With the funds in hand, he was able to purchase the necessary equipment, such as mowers, trimmers, and a company vehicle. He also invested in marketing efforts, which included creating a professional website, designing eye-catching flyers, and establishing a strong presence on social media.

As San Bernardino Green Landscaping began to gain traction in the community, Joshua hired a dedicated team of experienced landscapers to help him manage the growing workload. The business flourished, and Joshua's dream of running his own successful landscaping company became a reality.

This is a fictional case study provided for illustrative purposes.

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Related Questions

What are the eligibility requirements for an SBA 7(a) loan for a landscaping business?

In order to be eligible for an SBA 7(a) loan for a landscaping business, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be a for-profit business
  • You must be operating legally in the United States
  • You must have a good credit history
  • You must have a demonstrated ability to repay the loan
  • You must have collateral to secure the loan

For more information, please visit the SBA 7(a) Loan Program page.

What are the advantages of an SBA 7(a) loan for a landscaping business?

The SBA 7(a) loan is a great choice for many landscaping entrepreneurs, as it can be used to purchase new landscaping equipment, provide working capital financing, purchase a landscaping business, and refinance debt.

Advantages of an SBA 7(a) loan for a landscaping business include:

  • Equipment financing with 10-year terms
  • Working capital financing for gas, marketing materials, and employee salaries
  • Purchase of an existing landscaping business
  • Refinancing of existing business debt

For more information, please see SBA 7(a) Loans for Landscaping Companies.

What are the disadvantages of an SBA 7(a) loan for a landscaping business?

The disadvantages of an SBA 7(a) loan for a landscaping business include:

  • Lengthy approval times (for standard SBA 7(a) loans)
  • Lots of documentation
  • Collateral is often required
  • Certain businesses, including real estate investing, lending, gambling, and speculation are prohibited
  • High credit scores are typically required (typically 680+)
  • May be restrictions on supplemental/additional financing

For businesses that need a smaller source of working capital, the SBA CAPlines program may be best. For businesses that need up to $350,000 fast, an SBA express loan may be the best choice. And, if your business has less than stellar credit, and doesn’t need any more than $50,000 in financing, an SBA microloan might be the best solution.

What documents are required to apply for an SBA 7(a) loan for a landscaping business?

To apply for an SBA 7(a) loan for a landscaping business, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • Agreement to purchase the business
  • Letter of intent to buy the business
  • Business tax returns for the past three years
  • Any outstanding business debt
  • Long-term business contracts
  • Documentation of business assets
  • Business lease agreement
  • Incorporation documents and/or business license
  • Business plan

In addition, the SBA will usually order an independent business appraisal to give lenders an idea of what the true value of the business is.

To complete your application package, you’ll be required to submit SBA-specific forms and documents. The forms and documents commonly required in the application package include:

The SBA allows applicants to get help (for example, from a lawyer or a translator) filling out the application paperwork, but your lender will be required to submit information about who gave you help to the SBA, so you’ll need to document who this person is as well.

How long does it take to get approved for an SBA 7(a) loan for a landscaping business?

For landscaping businesses, the SBA 7(a) loan program is a great choice. If you are working with a certified lender, the SBA is able to expedite application approvals and the process only takes three business days. For more information on the SBA 7(a) loan program for landscaping businesses, please see this page.

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