What You Need to Know about SBA Loans
There are some things you should really know SBA loans. If you’re about to go into business for yourself or are looking to expand, you[‘ve probably heard about the Small Business Administration.
It’s an institution which exists to help small companies establish a presence, grow, and thrive. But, it’s not actually what most people believe it is (though these facts should be well-known). Yes, the Small Business Administration does assist companies in many industries with different needs, but it does so in a way that’s not like most people realize. With this in-mind, let’s take a look at what you need to know about SBA loans.
What You Need to Know about SBA Loans
Okay, we’ll begin with the first thing you ought to know about the SBA -- did does NOT loan money. That’s right, although you might hear about SBA loans, the governmental entity itself just doesn’t loan money. Instead, it helps connects businesses to lenders who generally offer one of three types of business loans: 7(a), CDC/504, and microloans. Each of these are different and suit various needs.
For instance, 7(a) loans are for purchasing just about anything. While the CDC/504 are intended for large assets, like equipment or even for commercial real estate. Microloans are also for purchasing anything but are the smallest, averaging just $13,000.
But, these aren’t the only thing you need to know about SBA loans. Here’s a little more you should know about SBA loans:
●      The SBA is a guarantor. Instead of loaning money, the SBA guarantees loans (generally ranging from 75 percent to 85 percent). This means two things: you’re not personally liable for the whole amount but you are personally liable for the remainder outside the guarantee.
●      Collateral is generally needed. The old adage “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” certainly rings true here. In most instances, the borrower must pledge collateral in order to obtain financing.
●      Interest rates might be higher. Just because the SBA helps small businesses doesn’t mean they set the terms of loans. That’s still up to the actual lenders. As a result, interest rates can be competitive or higher than if you go directly through a lender.
●      Not all SBA loans perform the same. As stated above, the three SBA loan types function differently. But it’s also important to note that there are other choices. For instance, dealing directly with a small or regional bank might yield better terms.

Article courtesy of Bruce Myles. For more information about SBA Loans, see his site.

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