Getting a loan that gets approved sits on many different factors and also comes with documentation process. So, are you also an entrepreneur, who wants to build their startup?
You are at the right place to understand the documentation required for one of the most suitable SBA loans for small business owners, that is SBA 7(a) loans. This can be your perfect solution too.
This article will not only help you with the documentation of this loan but will also help you understand the application process and eligibility criteria.
Understanding SBA 7(a)
The SBA 7(a) loan is one of the most demanding financing options amongst small business owners. To qualify for this SBA loans, there are certain criteria that your business must fulfill. These include industry, size of the business, and financial health.
The maximum amount of loans you can take through SBA loans depends on these factors, with a significant amount available for qualified businesses. These demands are discussed in detail below:
Financial health
Your business should provide solid financial health in order to qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan. Some essentials that help in this process are cash flow, creditworthiness, and coverage ratio of debt service. These considerations help in ensuring the financial stability of your venture, which makes the SBA loans approval process smooth.
Moreover, your credit score should usually be 640, to get funding from SBA 7(a) loan. To evaluate whether you can repay the loan amount, lenders usually check your cash flow and other financial obligations.
The debt service coverage ratio is a fundamental metric lenders utilize to judge a business’s ability to settle debts. To qualify for this SBA loan, there are certain criteria that your business must fulfill.
Business size
Your business should meet the SBA’s size standards to qualify for SBA 7(a) loans. This requirement is applied to all the businesses from manufacturing to mining industries, where the employees are less than 500, and non-manufacturing with an average annual receipt of $7.5 million.
Moreover, business assets considerably influence the eligibility for SBA loans. Showcasing a detailed business plan that efficiently portrays your business potential is crucial.
Additional eligibility
There are other additional eligibility criteria apart from industry, size, and financial health, that your business should meet to qualify for SBA loans.
Some of them are:
- Personal investment
- Collateral
- No delinquencies
- Sound business purpose
- Credit history
- Personal guarantee
Your business must have two years’ working experience, provide a 10% down payment, and submit collateral that is above $25,000. Lastly, a personal guarantee is a must, that shows that the borrower is a- liable source for repaying the loan.
Documents for 7(a) loans
To secure a successful loan application, you need to provide all the documents, like your financial statement, personal and business information, and collateral documents.
Personal & business information
You would have to show your legal structure, tax identification numbers, and ownership in order to secure this type of SBA loans. It’s necessary for you to provide correct information, as bluffing could delay the sanction of loan or lead to rejection.
Making sure that all the important documents are in place will be beneficial for a smooth process and increase your chances of obtaining the financial funding you require for your business.
Tax returns & financial statements
Presenting accurate financial statements and personal tax returns is crucial for the success of your SBA 7(a) loan application. These documents are helpful for your lender to understand your financial standing and repayment capacity.
You need to submit the following for your application:
- Balance sheets
- YTD profit and loss statements
- Current income statements
- Filed tax returns
- Personal financial statement
Collateral documentation
Collaterals are usually important for getting these types of SBA loans, where necessary documents are important. These include:
- SBA Form 1919 (Borrower Information Form)
- Personal residential and/or investment real estate
- Filed tax returns
- SBA Form 413 (Personal Finance Statement)
- Balance sheet
- Year-to-date profit and loss statement
- Agreement to purchase the business
Assets of great value like real estate or equipment are used for securing loans, that ensures the lender has a means of recovering the money funded, in case you are unable to repay the loan amount.
Conclusion
Securing an SBA 7(a) loan can be a highly beneficial solution for entrepreneurs looking to grow their small businesses. However, to ensure approval, it is essential to meet the SBA’s specific eligibility criteria related to financial health, business size, and industry.
Preparing thorough documentation, such as tax returns, financial statements, and collateral details, will help streamline the application process.
Demonstrating strong creditworthiness, providing personal guarantees, and ensuring all required forms are in place will enhance your chances of obtaining this valuable funding for your business expansion.