Government Business Loans

By: EconomyWatch Content   Date: 23 December 2009

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Government business loans are sponsored by both federal and state agencies to facilitate new company start-ups and spur economic growth. These agencies act as a guarantor to the business owner, wherein if the owner defaults on the business loan, the agency takes the responsibility of making the repayments. This backing eliminates the risk of default, encouraging lenders to lower the interest rate on government business loans.

Government Business Loans for Small Businesses

 

Most banks and financial institutions have strict qualification criteria for obtaining a business loan, particularly in case of startups, which do not have an established source of income or cash flow. The government offers relief to assist such startups in the form of small business loans. These are governed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Additionally, if the amount of an SBA loan is insufficient to cover business expenditure effectively, one can apply for multiple SBA government business loans within a two-week period, without affecting the credit rating adversely.

Government Business Loans for Small Businesses: Types

 

Popular government business loans funded by the US Small Business Association (SBA) are:

 

·        Loan 7(a) Guaranty Program: This is the most basic, and most used, form of government business loan intended for businesses that fail to qualify for sources of financing. The maximum duration of a 7 (a) loan is 7 years for acquiring working capital and 25 years for purchasing real estate. A business can qualify for a maximum loan amount of $2 million loan under this program.

 

·        Certified Development Company (CDC) 504 Loan Program: This is a long-term, fixed-rate small business loan intended for purchasing real estate, equipment or machinery for modernization or expansion. Generally, a 504 loan is secured by a private-sector lender, covering about 40 percent of the total project cost. Additionally, the borrower contributes at least 10 percent of the loan amount to build equity on the loan.

 

·        Microloan Program: Loans under this program are arranged through nonprofit local lenders. These lenders act as intermediaries, who advance the loan to local eligible businesses. A business can qualify for a loan amount of up to $35,000 under the Microloan Program.

 

Government business loans are an affordable lending option. They may be obtained with minimal qualification requirements. Nonetheless, a business has to exhibit a fairly decent financial standing to ensure its ability to repay the loan.

           


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