7(a) Loan Guarantees
Small Business Administration
Provides aid and assistance to small businesses by providing SBA guarantees on loans from lenders to eligible for-profit small businesses, which are unable to obtain financing in the private credit marketplace but can demonstrate an ability to repay loans if granted, in a timely manner. The SBA guarantees 7(a) Program Loans through various loan processing methods including: (1) Standard 7(a) Loans; (2) 7(a) Small Loans; (3) SBA Express Loans; (4) CAPLine Loans; (5) the Qualified Employee Trust (
Jargon-free version
Helps small businesses get loans by guaranteeing part of the loan amount, making it easier for them to secure funding. This program is for businesses that can repay loans but struggle to get financing from banks.
Quick Facts
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What Is This Program?
What Benefits Are Offered?
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📋What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?
- 📝Steps to Apply
- Use SBA’s Lender Match tool to connect with a participating SBA lender.
- Apply for your loan directly through your lender.
- Provide necessary documents as determined by your lender.
- 🌐Application Portal
- http://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans
- 📤Submission Method
- online
- 🔄Intake Type
- rolling
📄What Documents Are Required?
- ✅Required Documents
- Business case
- Financial statements
- Business credit report
- Business valuation
- Business forecast
- 📐Format Requirements
- PDF only, max 10MB
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💰What Expenses Are Eligible?
- 🧾Eligible Expenses
- Acquiring real estate
- Refinancing current business debt
- Short- and long-term working capital
- Purchasing machinery and equipment
- Purchasing furniture, fixtures, and supplies
- Changes of ownership
- Multiple purpose loans
- 💳Payment Model
- mixed
- ⏪Retroactive Expenses Eligible
- No
🤝Is Matching Funding Required?
- 🔀Matching Required
- Yes
- 📊Matching Ratio
- 25% minimum
- 🏦Eligible Matching Sources
- cash
- in-kind contributions
- 📚Stacking Rules
- Yes, can combine with other government funding
- 🛡️Proof of Matching Required
- Documentation of funds used for matching, such as financial statements.
📊What Are the Reporting Requirements?
- 🗓️Reporting Frequency
- annual
- 📑Reporting Requirements
- SF-425 Federal Financial Report
- performance progress report
- 🔍Audit Requirements
- OMB Uniform Guidance Single Audit if the recipient expends $750,000 or more in federal awards.
- 📢Branding Requirements
- Acknowledgment of federal funding is required.
- 🗄️Record Retention Period
- 3 years post-final-report
How Do I Apply?
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Visit the program page for detailed eligibility requirements.
This program offers funding up to $9,999,999,999 (minimum $5).
This program accepts applications on a rolling basis.
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