SBA VS Conventional Business Loans – What is The Difference?

Types of SBA Loans

There are several types of SBA loans, as discussed below:

SBA 7(a) Loans – The most common type of SBA loan offers financial assistance to small businesses that majorly operate on profit. The lender assesses one’s activities in the business, credit history, and business location. SBA 7(a) loans have a maximum limit of $5 million.

SBA CDC/504 Loans – This loan applies to commercial real estate owners. During the application, one is required to hand out a 10% down payment. Eligible participants may receive amounts ranging between $125,000 to $20 million.

SBA CAPlines – Business owners up to SBA loans or line of credit can utilize CAPLines. They are programs that offer small business owners short-term and cyclical working capital financial assistance of up to $5 million.

SBA Export Loans – It majors in helping small businesses maneuver in foreign markets, such as export activities and international transactions. SBA export loans have a maximum of $5 million and are effective for growing international business for American residents.

SBA Microloan – These programs offer financial aid to non-profit lenders, which may be used for direct loans to small businesses. It has a maximum term of 72 months, and the average loan amount is $13,000.

SBA Disaster Loans – are viable in a declared physical or economic disaster. Small businesses can use them as recovery, which can be applied several times to meet contemporary demands.

Pros and Cons of SBA Loans

It would be best for one to familiarize themselves with the pros and cons when evaluating SBA loans, as discussed below:

Pros

• Businesses without conventional loan qualifications can qualify
  The loans are backed up by guarantees, meaning the lender has mitigated the risk of losing their funds. This is because they can get a percentage of the balance once the borrower defaults. As such, businesses that do not qualify for traditional loans, such as new businesses, can find solace in SBA loans.
• Capped interest rates
  SBA loans are prominent for their low-interest rates. The rates include the base rate and additional rate percentage by the lender. Base rates depend on the prime rates, which are prone to fluctuations. SBA loan interests depend on the maximum limits, which enables them to be affordable.
• Disseminate crucial information to enlighten borrowers
  These loans have resource centers that offer business owners relevant financial assistance before applying for the loan. This includes information on SBA loans and extra support, especially to underserved communities. They may also play an imperative role in processing the required paperwork when applying for a loan.

Cons

• A down payment is required.
  In most instances, borrowers are required to make a down payment of about 10% to 20%. Most lenders prefer collaborating with business owners willing to match up equity in their businesses.
• Collateral is a necessity.
  Despite making a down payment, most lenders ask borrowers to avail collateral for insurance. Some lenders will go the extra mile and ask for a personal guarantee from the borrower. For instance, SBA 7(a) loans require collateral for loans above $350,000, while 504 loans require assets as collateral.
• Slow processing
  Sometimes the approval process may take up to two months. This is because after the lender approves the application, they must consult the SBA for a second approval. Thus, it lengthens the processing period.

Is a Conventional Business Loan Better than an SBA?

Though SBA loans have reliable benefits, numerous merits come with acquiring a conventional business loan. Let’s start by taking a look at how each loan works, as well as their rates and terms: