The SBA offers numerous loan programs to assist small businesses. It is important to note, however, that the SBA is primarily a guarantor of loans made by private and other institutions.

7(a) Loan Guaranty Program

The 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program is one of the SBA's primary lending programs for businesses that might not be eligible for business loans through normal lending channels. The program operates through private-sector lenders that issue loans that are, in turn, guaranteed by the SBA. Loan proceeds can be used for most sound business purposes including working capital, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, land and building (including purchase, renovation and new construction), leasehold improvements, and debt refinancing (under special conditions). Loan maturity is up to 10 years for working capital and generally up to 25 years for fixed assets. > Learn more

Other Types of Loans

SBA Export Working Capital Program (EWCP)
EWCP loans are targeted for businesses that are able to generate export sales and need additional working capital in the form of transaction financing to support these sales. The SBA delivers its export loan program through a network of SBA Senior International Credit Officers located in U.S. Export Assistance Centers throughout the country.
> Learn more

SBA CAPLines Loan Program
Short term loans and revolving lines of credit designed to support small business short-term and cyclical working capital needs. There are five types of CAPLine Programs including the Seasonal Line, Contract Line, Builders Line, Standard Asset-Based Line, and Small Asset-Based Line.

As part of America’s Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the SBA is offering loans to businesses that already have a bank-issued loan. The business can borrow up to $35,000 to make interest payments and pay down principal on existing debt up to six months. The loan is essentially interest free with no repayment for a year and full repayment in five years. Contact your local bank to learn if they are issuing this type of loan as the SBA will fully subsidize the interest and 100% guarantee the loan making it very attractive for the bank to work with you.

Launched in June of 2007, this pilot loan initiative is targeted toward veterans and members of the military community who want to establish or expand a small business. Learn more or contact your local private-sector lending institution to inquire if they provide loans that are, in turn, guaranteed by the SBA Patriot Express 7(a) Loan Program.

Visit SBA Loan FAQs to learn how an SBA Loan Program works and where to apply.

If you are in a declared disaster area and are the victim of a disaster, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration - even if you don't own a business. As a homeowner, renter and/or personal-property owner, you may apply to the SBA for a loan to help you recover from a disaster. > Learn more

An SBIC is a privately owned and managed venture capital firm that is licensed and regulated by the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBICs are located across the country and use a combination of funds raised from private sources and money raised through the use of SBA guarantees to make equity and mezzanine capital investments in small businesses. Search for a local SBIC.

Any business that is majority owned, operated, and controlled by a citizen of the United States, or lawfully admitted permanent resident, that is Black, Hispanic, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Islanders, Subcontinent Asians, or women. regardless of race, may consider becoming a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) in order to become eligible for doing business with government agencies and hundreds of national corporations who are looking to specifically do business with DBEs. To become certified, you will need to complete a Uniform Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Application. Click here for more information.

SBA grant programs generally support nonprofit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments in an effort to expand and enhance small business technical and financial assistance. The SBA does not offer grants to start of expand small businesses.

• SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business More than 10,000 volunteers provide training and one-on-one confidential counseling at no charge.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
• Women's Business Centers
  SBA's network of more than 60 Women's Business Centers (WBC) provide a wide range of services to women entrepreneurs at all levels of business development.

The Business Start-Up Kit offers information on entrepreneurial characteristics, getting started, sources and components of financing, regulations, local SBA resources, definitions of business terms, freqently asked questions.

Learn the basics for starting a new business with Frequently Asked Questions

Explore, Decide, Build, Connect and Succeed in business by discovering and using online resources including a student activities guide, a volunteer guide, and an assessment tool.
Visit www.mindyourownbiz.org.

District Director:
Robert J. Blaney
District Office:
2828 North Central Avenue
Suite 800
Phoenix, AZ 85004-1093
P#602-745-7200
F#602-745-7210

"The SBA offers financing, training, and advocacy for small firms with offices in every state, including the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. In addition, the SBA works with thousands of lending, educational and training institutions nationwide. If your business is independently owned and operated, not dominant within its field, and falls within size standards, the SBA can be a useful resource."

Newsletter Subscribe