Be Careful When Applying for an SBA Loan

A Small Business Administration (SBA) loan can make big things happen for your small company. But the agency’s loan program is sometimes abused by con artists who know that many small business owners have little experience applying for financing and are, therefore, vulnerable to scams. Here’s what you should know when applying for an SBA Loan. Applying for an SBA loan: Background on SBA products The SBA provides various financing options with favorable terms and greater flexibility to small businesses and start-ups. It doesn’t disburse loans directly but gives lenders federal guarantees and backing to reduce lending risk. Individual businesses must themselves make arrangements with financial institutions that make loans. Three key SBA programs are: 1. SBA 7(a) loans. This is the flagship product. It typically frees up working...