What does my business need to qualify for a SBA loan and how long does it take?
To qualify for an SBA loan, your business generally needs to meet the following criteria:
- Be a for-profit business operating in the United States
- Have a reasonable amount of owner equity
- Have exhausted other financing options
- Have a solid business plan and financial projections
- Have a good credit score (typically 680 or higher)
- Meet the SBA size standards for your industry
In addition, some SBA loan programs have specific requirements. For example, the SBA 7(a) program, which is the most common type of SBA loan, requires that the business demonstrate a need for the loan, that the loan will be used for a sound business purpose, and that the business is able to repay the loan.
The time it takes to get an SBA loan can vary depending on several factors, including the lender, the type of loan, and the complexity of the application. In general, the SBA loan application process can take several weeks or even months. Here are the basic steps involved in the SBA loan application process:
- Research SBA lenders and choose one that meets your needs.
- Gather and submit all required documentation, such as financial statements, tax returns, and business plans.
- Wait for the lender to review your application and make a decision.
- If approved, complete any additional documentation required by the lender and the SBA.
- Wait for the SBA to review and approve the loan.
- Sign the loan agreement and receive the funds.
The entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the loan and the responsiveness of the lender and the SBA.