The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) American Recovery Capital (ARC) program is meant for small businesses that are at least two years old and have suffered a decline of 20% in revenue and working capital. You can use the loans to pay off outstanding debt, lease, or debts to vendors and suppliers.
Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of the SBA's new small business loan program:
Pros:
· You do not have to pay any fee. Your lender is prohibited to ask for any costs from you.
· The SBA pays your loan’s interest and fully guarantees it.
· The disbursement period lasts up to six months, and is followed by a 12-month deferral period where you are not required to repay the principal of the ARC loan amount.
· After the deferral period, you only pay the principal and take up to 5 years to pay the amount.
· You have additional cash flow to pay employee wages and buy equipments.
Cons:
· The number of loans is limited. The program, in reality, only helps a fraction of businesses to get back on their feet.
· Even if ARC loans are guaranteed by the SBA, finding a lender who would issue funds without receiving the loan’s principal for a full year, is very difficult.
· The number of lenders participating in this SBA program is less.
To qualify for the SBA new business loan initiative, the quarterly cash flow projections of your business must indicate its ability to meet current and future debt obligations, including future repayment of the ARC loan.