Small Business Loans

Most small businesses rely on lenders to provide the capital they need to either open a business or to finance capital improvements. Without loans, many small business owners would be unable to realize their dreams of opening a business or expanding their operations.

SBA’s Role

Even though SBA does not loan money directly to small business owners, we play an important role for people who want to finance or grow their business. When you apply for a SBA-backed loan at your local bank or credit union, you are asking SBA to …

SBA Loan Programs

SBA offers a variety of loan programs for very specific purposes. Take some time to study the programs described in this section, to see if you qualify to participate.

Disaster Loans

SBA provides low interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery & equipment, inventory and business assets that have …

How to Prepare Your Loan Application

Each SBA loan program has its own eligibility criteria and application process. However, as you prepare to submit your paperwork, you will need to gather and prepare similar loan application documentation. This section provides resources to help …

Find Small Business Loans

Federal, state and local governments offer a wide range of financing programs to help small businesses start and grow their operations. These programs include low-interest loans, venture capital, and scientific and economic development …

via Small Business Loans | SBA.gov.

Advantage Loan Initiatives

Small Loan Advantage and Community Advantage 7(a) Loan Initiatives

SBA is committed to expanding access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities so that we can help drive economic growth and job creation. In line with that, SBA is rolling out two new initiatives on February 15, 2011, aimed at increasing the number of loans in these communities.

SBA and U.S. Department of Commerce studies have shown the importance of lower dollar loans to small business formation and growth in underserved communities. With that in mind, and building on the agency’s “Advantage” platform, both Small Loan Advantage and Community Advantage will offer a streamlined application process for SBA 7(a) loans up to $250,000.

via Advantage Loan Initiatives | SBA.gov.

This is a really good take on what we mean when we say “disadvantaged”.

Surprisingly, the concept of “disadvantaged” that we heard was not centered primarily on those causes traditionally cited: race, ethnic group, poverty, or sex. Rather, the concept of “disadvantaged” was focused on “denied access to the tools needed for self-sufficiency.”

You can read the full articles here: What is Meant by “Disadvantaged?”