Government Small Business Loans
Government small business loans help put your own business within reach. First there’s the quest for a decent location, then comes building a customer base, followed by all the initial hiccups of generating a cash flow before your business grows roots and gains momentum. The beginning of a business is crucial because it’s when you gain or lose market credibility. If you disappoint your customers, they may not give you a second chance. If your business gets off to a rocky start (most do), and you believe you can recover but need further financing to make this happen, you can apply for government small business loans.
Why Government Loans?
For-profit lenders are reluctant to issue loans to anyone who does not have a strong credit report and financial history. That is not the case with government small business loans. Obviously, a decent credit report is important, and you will have to follow the guidelines regarding the repayment period and the interest rate set by the government, but usually the interest rates charged by government loans are lower than those you could expect in the private sector.
More about Government Small Business Loans
Government loans are typically offered through banks and credit unions that partner with the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA is a U.S. government body, with the motive of providing support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. For each loan authorized, a government-backed guarantee offers serious credibility, since the lender knows that even if you default, the government will pay off the balance. These loans can be applied to a number of uses, such as:
1.Purchase of new equipment, machinery, parts, supplies, etc.
2.Financing leasehold improvements
3.Commercial mortgage on buildings
4.Refinance existing debt
5.Establishing a line of credit
Government small business loans benefit both small businesses and the lending agency. For small businesses, it is beneficial because this is money & capital they may not have access too. For banks, the loan’s risk is decreased due to the loan being backed by the SBA.
Different SBA Government Loans
The SBA extends financial help through various lending programs it has to offer. Some of the more popular loans are:
1.7(a) Loan Guarantee Program: aimed primarily in helping a small business start or expand its services. The maximum size of such a loan is $5 million.
2.MicroLoan Program: mostly used for short-term purposes, such as purchase of goods, office furniture, transportation, computers, etc. The maximum amount is fixed at $50,000.
3.504 Fixed Asset Program: featuring fixed-rate and long-term financing, these loans are aimed at applicants whose business model will benefit their community directly, either by providing jobs or bringing needed services to an underserved area. Again, the maximum amount is $5 million.
4.Disaster Assistance: under this program, loans are sanctioned to renters or homeowners with a low-interest, long-term plan for the restoration of property to its pre-disaster condition.
In most cases, maintaining a good business credit report is enough to qualify. In addition, it instills confidence not only in the lender, but also in you. There is at least one SBA office in every state in America. If you contact them regarding the startup status of your business model and plan, you can get started on a government small business loan that will give you the financing to make your dreams a reality.
