Government-backed capital, longer runway.

An SBA loan is a commercial loan partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The government doesn't lend directly. A bank or non-bank SBA-preferred lender does. But the SBA guaranty (typically 50 to 85 percent of the principal) reduces lender risk, which lets the loan price lower, stretch longer, and carry more flexible underwriting than a comparable conventional loan.

There are two flagship programs we work with. SBA 7(a) is the general-purpose program: working capital, expansion, refinancing higher-cost debt, partner buyouts, equipment, business acquisitions, and owner-occupied real estate. SBA 504 is purpose-built for major fixed-asset purchases. Owner-occupied commercial real estate and heavy equipment. With a CDC second-mortgage structure that offers some of the best long-term financing available to small operators.

SBA loans suit established operators with a defensible business, a clean credit profile, and a use of funds that justifies the longer underwriting timeline. Expect a thorough package: business and personal tax returns, financial statements, a use-of-funds memo, business plan for newer businesses, and personal financial statements from all owners holding 20 percent or more. Closing typically takes 30 to 90 days, sometimes longer for complex 504 transactions. In exchange, you get terms a conventional lender usually can't match.