Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small business owners obtain loans to finance their small business goals. Although there are many types of government loans, the most widely known loan programs are the SBA 504 and SBA 7(a) loans. The SBA 504 loan is a fixed rate, long term loan designed to assist small businesses in obtaining a higher loan-to-value loan that most traditional lenders would not otherwise be inclined to make. A standard 504 loan is broken into three parts, with the small business borrower only having to put down 10 percent of the project cost. 40 percent is provided by a non-profit corporation that provide loans to encourage small business growth in their local communities called Certified Development Companies (CDCs). The remaining 50 percent is provided by a bank. The SBA 504 is available with 25, 20, and 10-year fixed interest rates. Generally, project assets being financed are used as collateral, and the personal guaranties of the principal owners are required.

Each SBA 504 Loan must be closed with the assistance of an attorney who provides an opinion of CDC counsel. Roberto F. Fleitas III, Esq. taken the SBA-approved training courses (504 Loan Closing Course and 504 Loan Closing Update Course) that are required for Designated Attorneys, and our law firm’s staff is well-trained to handle SBA 504 loan closings from start to finish.

The SBA 7(a) loan is somewhat different from the SBA 504. Down Payments range between 10% – 30%. The interest rates are typically variable (although there are some fixed rate options available),and include a guaranty fee on the guaranteed portion of the loan. The term of the loan is determined by industry type, annual sales, and number of employees. The loan amounts vary up to a maximum of $5 million. Subject assets acquired by loan proceeds are used as collateral together with a pledge of personal residence unless bank can justify why unnecessary, and the personal guaranties of the principal owners are required.

Please contact our firm and let us assist you in closing your next SBA Loan.

To learn more about these programs and for more information, please visit the United States Small Business Administration website at: https://www.sba.gov/.