Small-business Q&A: Federal agency can help with loans

Starting or expanding a small business takes time, hard work and money. Depending on your type of business and present financial situation, you may need to reach to outside sources for funding. 

One resource you can turn to for assistance in obtaining a loan to start or grow your business is the U.S. Small Business Administration. While the SBA does not directly lend money to small businesses, it can facilitate loans with third-party lenders. Various banks, credit unions, community development organizations and micro lending institutions throughout the U.S. partner with the SBA to provide funding to small businesses without access to other financing options, with reasonable terms.

The agency sets specific guidelines for loans, which are made by its partners, and it guarantees that they'll be repaid by the borrowers. This benefits small business owners by giving them access to much-needed funding, and it eliminates some of the risk to the lending partners.

Points in favor

Among the advantages of SBA loans over conventional loans are lower down payments and longer repayment terms. To qualify for an SBA loan, your business must meet certain criteria regarding business size, financial standing, and others. You must also meet the credit qualifications of the lender.

The SBA 7(a) loan program arranges for loans that may be used to establish a new business or to assist in the acquisition, operation or expansion of an existing business. These loans can be used for various purposes, such as, satisfying short-term or long-term working capital needs; purchasing equipment, machinery and supplies; buying real estate; refinancing existing debt; and more.

The SBA Microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help businesses with lower dollar financing needs. You can use microloans for working capital and purchasing inventory, supplies, furniture, equipment, machinery, etc.

For information about SBA loan programs, visit www.sba.gov/loanprograms.

Seminar ahead

Also, learn more about SBA financing by attending the seminar "Business Plans to Launch and Grow & Funding to Make It So," hosted by the Houston Community College and SCORE. This seminar will be held 12:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the HCC-Spring Branch campus.

The following senior officials will speak: Tim Jeffcoat, director, SBA Houston District; Nasrullah Khan, chief lending officer of Wallis State Bank, a leading SBA lender; Richard Gianni, regional vice president of LiftFund, a micro lender; and Jeff Jones, president of Advanced Business Brokers and SCORE volunteer.

To learn more about this seminar and register, visit www.houston.score.org/local workshops.