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June 20, 2022

SBA 7(a) Loans vs. SBA Microloans: How to Decide

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FF

Fora Financial

Staff

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  • Business Finances

  • Small Business Loans

Though the mission of the SBA is clear, the specific workings of the organization can sometimes be complex. Most notably, a common misconception is that the SBA is the sole provider of their loans. However, the SBA guarantees a portion of their loan amounts, with an approved SBA lender being the primary provider. In addition, it’s important to note that SBA approvals are only given to business owners that can’t secure traditional funding options. Therefore, before applying for an SBA loan program, you’ll need to prove that you’ve applied and been rejected by traditional lenders. There are numerous types of SBA small business loans, but in this post, we’re going to focus on 7(a) Loans and Microloans. The SBA loan that’ll make the most sense for your business will depend on your business size, goals, and current financial situation. In this blog post, we’ll compare SBA 7(a) Loans and Microloans so that you can decide if either funding option is right for your small business. New call-to-action

What is the Difference Between SBA 7(a) Loans and SBA Microloans?

SBA 7(a) Loans

In general, 7(a) Loans are the most “standard” type of loan the SBA offers. Use of Funds: These loans can be used for numerous purposes, including,
  • Purchasing new real estate properties
  • Equipment
  • Inventory
  • Restructuring Debt
  • Having additional working capital on-hand
Loan Amounts: The maximum amount for the SBA 7(a) program is $5 million. Term Lengths: The loan’s maturity will depend on its use and your ability to repay. For example, loans used for purchasing real estate will typically be longer-term than those used for working capital. Interest Rates: The maximum interest rate for the loan is determined by the prime lending rate, the size of the loan, the length of the loan, and an added premium. Also, loans repaid in less than seven years have a maximum interest rate of 4.25 percent above the prime rate. Qualifying Process: To qualify for an SBA 7(a) Loan, you’ll need to have a for-profit business that can demonstrate a reasonable ability to repay the loan on time. SBA Loans are often easier to qualify for than traditional bank loans. Although the approval process is quite fast, approval isn’t guaranteed. If you’re eligible, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of long-term financing and an improved cash flow.

SBA Microloans

As the name suggests, SBA Microloans are meant for much smaller purposes than their 7(a) counterparts. These loans are administered through various nonprofit lending organizations. Use of Funds: Business microloans cannot be used to pay off existing debt, but business owners can utilize them for other purposes such as:
  • Purchasing new equipment
  • Expanding your business operations
  • Accessing needed additional working capital
Loan Amounts: The SBA microloan program has a maximum loan amount of $50,000 because, as the name suggests, it is a microloan. Term Lengths: Compared to other SBA Loans, the SBA microloan program has a relatively short-term limit of six years. Interest Rates: The interest rates will vary depending on the administrating partner, but they typically have an added premium of up to 8.5 percent. Qualifying Process: The qualifications for an SBA Microloan are the same as those for a 7(a) Loan.

Are There Other Business Financing Options to Consider?

Now that we’ve compared the SBA 7(a) and SBA Microloan options, you should be able to determine if either option fits your funding needs. However, don’t be discouraged if neither option is the right funding program for your business. Although the SBA 7(a) loan and microloan programs can benefit various business owners, they aren’t suitable for everyone. Due to this, you should also research other funding options before committing to a loan offer. Below, you’ll find an expansive list of other popular loan programs from the SBA and alternative lenders.
  • SBA 504 Loan: Your business must use the loan amount to create jobs or work to improve SBA-approved areas such as energy efficiency and public policy.
  • SBA Disaster Loan: You may qualify for an SBA disaster loan if your business is in a declared disaster area.
  • SBA Express Loan: This loan program is meant for business owners who need fast financing. Once approved, borrowers can receive funds in as little as 36 hours.
  • Small Business Loans from Alternative Lenders: Small business loans from alternative lenders typically come with flexible loan amounts and terms, and there aren’t any restrictions on how you can use the funds.
  • Merchant Cash Advances: If your business frequently accepts credit card sales, you could be approved for this lump sum financing option. You’ll remit the advance based on your credit card sales at the time, so there are no set terms.
  • Bank Loans: As you probably know, banks provide business loans, but getting approved can be challenging and time-consuming.
  • Business Lines of Credit: When you receive a revolving line of credit, you’ll receive a set amount of funds to use and pay back as needed. If you take out a non-revolving line of credit, you’ll need to reapply to get approved for additional funding.
  • Business Credit Cards: Having access to a business credit card allows business owners to charge expenses to their card when necessary. However, following a budget, avoiding overspending, and paying your credit card bill on time are crucial.
  • Invoice Financing: If you’re waiting on customers to pay their invoices, you can pursue invoice financing to ensure you have cash flow in the meantime.
  • Bridge Loans: Many businesses, such as construction firms, need funds to bridge the gap between payments. Access to bridge financing can be beneficial if your business is paid at the beginning and end of a project.
  • Equipment Financing: An equipment loan or lease can be the perfect funding option if you need funding specifically for equipment costs.
  • Inventory Loans: Like equipment loans, inventory loans are meant solely for inventory expenses.
As you can see, a wide range of business financing options exist. We encourage you to spend time researching available loan options before deciding!

Conclusion: Compare Your Business Financing Options

Before starting the loan application process, you should consider different kinds of SBA Loans and other business funding products. Remember, each loan option was designed with a specific purpose in mind. Examine your business plan, consider your use of funds, and compare loan amounts and terms to ensure you’re selecting the right option. SBA 7(a) loans have a maximum limit of $5 million and are typically most useful for larger operations. Due to this, SBA 7(a) loan terms are longer than microloan terms, which is something to keep in mind. SBA Microloans are used for much smaller expenses but may make more sense for a sole proprietorship or other businesses operating on a smaller scale. Contact your local SBA office or reputable alternative lenders if you’re interested in either of these options or want to hear about their other financing programs. By taking the time to understand the dynamics of your business and the different loans available, you should be able to make the correct decision. Editor’s Note: This post was updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in June 2022.