There are many different kinds of small business loans available to entrepreneurs. Here is a look at the Community Advantage Loans program and the 504 loan program. Read on for additional information. WeҬl also talk about the 8(a) loan program. These are geared towards small businesses and are available for a variety of reasons. In this article, weҬl cover the basics of each loan type and provide tips on how to apply for them. Community Advantage Loans The U.S. Small Business Administration Community Advantage Loan program offers low-interest loans of up to $250,000 for new and existing businesses. These loans can be used for startup companies, expansion of existing small businesses, and even for the purchase of real estate. Listed below are some benefits to applying for a Community Advantage Loan. Listed below are the top three benefits of a Community Advantage Loan. Read on to learn how to apply for one. Applicants must be for-profit businesses that meet the SBAҳ definition of a small business. Non-profit entities, religious institutions, and real estate investors are not eligible. The program also has several unique costs. The loan term is between seven and 10 years, while the maximum loan amount is $250,000, or up to $500,000 for real estate. Unlike other loans, there are no prepayment penalties for loans under 15 years. 7(a) loans The SBAҳ 7(a) loan program has seen dramatic growth over the last decade, with gross loan approvals rising from nearly $9 billion in 2009 to almost $20 billion in 2011. The number of loan applications has been relatively flat compared with the period from 2007 to 2008, but the average loan size increased sharply from 2010 to 2011. This trend may reflect the increase in the maximum amount of loans available. While the number of loan applications has decreased slightly, the total volume of 7(a) loans has remained steady at about $14 billion in 2012. The SBAҳ 7(a) loan program guarantees a portion of loans for eligible businesses. The loans can be for industrial purposes, business acquisitions, or expansion. Most SBA 7(a) loans are one-year maturities. Many of these loans are secured loans, so there is an excellent chance that the lender will cover all interest costs. This type of loan can also be used for small business loans. 504 loans If youҲe interested in receiving SBA 504 financing for your business, the requirements are a bit more stringent than those for other types of commercial loans. You must be the owner of at least five percent of the company or building. Even if you have tenants in the majority of your building, you must still be at least 60 percent owner-occupied within the first ten years. If you have a high credit score, you may not qualify for this type of loan, but there are lenders that are more willing to approve you for a loan. First, you must have an agreement with the business to be financed through an SBA 504 loan. The contract must include an agreement to assign the lease to the business to the SBA and a Landlordҳ Waiver. You must use a substantial portion of the loan proceeds to make leasehold improvements and attach the collateral to the leased land. This requirement can be an obstacle if youҲe trying to sell your business or transfer the ownership of your business to another individual. 8(a) loans SBAҳ 8(a) program assists small business owners in the creation of jobs and the development of a viable business. In order to be eligible, a small business must belong to a specific disadvantaged group or be owned by a company with limited resources. Companies that meet these criteria can bid on government contracts, form joint ventures with larger companies, or even receive technical assistance from the SBA. To qualify for an SBA 8(a) loan, an organization must be owned or controlled by at least 51% of minority shareholders. In addition to this, the organization must be located in a specific area, be owned by a minority, and be operated by people from that group. The SBA considers certain quantitative information to determine eligibility, such as a companyҳ net worth and average annual adjusted gross income. Applicants must also disclose personal financial information in order to be approved for a loan. 8(a) Program The 8(a) Program offers a number of incentives to small businesses. In order to be eligible, a firm must be small, have at least one owner who is economically or socially disadvantaged, and have good character. For Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations, there are separate requirements. Once a business is certified, it must maintain its eligibility for at least three years before it can move forward to the next stage of the program. Moreover, the program is over 40 years old. Congress established the 8(a) Program to help minority-owned businesses gain access to government contracts. It involves subcontracting with federal agencies to qualified small businesses. The program has a history of discrimination and is under fire from federal courts. However, todayҳ government is committed to increasing economic equity, and it is crucial to continue to promote this vital program. 8(b) Program The SBAҳ 8(a) Program is a nine-year certification program for firms owned by disadvantaged individuals. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA issued an interim final rule in January 2021 that will extend the program for eligible firms. The program is divided into two phases: a four-year developmental phase and a five-year transition phase. Once a firm passes the development stage, it will receive professional benefits and validation as a diverse business. The 8(a) Program is only open to new businesses and individuals. Existing businesses are not eligible for the program. Additionally, applicants cannot participate more than once. The purpose of these changes is to streamline the process and increase participation. However, there are some important caveats to these changes. Listed below are the most common questions that arise during the 8(a) Program application process. If you are interested in applying for this program, contact SBA today. 8(c) Program TheSBAҳ 8(a) Program was established to encourage small businesses to start, expand, or improve existing businesses. Among the changes in the program is a shorter waiting period for unsuccessful applicants. Instead of waiting a year, applicants will now only need to wait ninety days to reapply. While this cutback should lower the cost of appeals, it does come with a tradeoff: Applicants who do not receive a response from the SBA may forgo the reconsideration process. The presumptive term of the 8(a) Program is nine years, but can be extended or terminated with the SBAҳ approval. The presumptive term can be suspended for various reasons, including failure to meet eligibility requirements. A few rare cases require a suspension of eligibility, including the COVID-19 pandemic. To apply, applicants must provide supporting information required by the SBA. To learn more, contact the local SBA office. 8(d) Program Under the SBAҳ 8(d) Program, qualified small businesses can receive government contracts at competitive prices. SBA contracts can be either sole-source or in competition with other Participants. They are subject to certain procurement thresholds and procedures. However, once awarded, these contracts are considered ӯpenԠby the SBA and must be reported to the SBA. For more information, visit the SBAҳ website. The suspension period for applicants under the 8(a) Program has been reduced from 12 months to 90 days. The reduction will save the SBA money on appeals, but comes with a trade-off. Applicants who are unsuccessful once have to give up the reconsideration process. However, if an applicant meets all the eligibility requirements, they can apply again. However, the SBA says that the rule does not apply to firms that employ family members. 8(f) Program To qualify for the SBAҳ 8(f) Program, you need to own and control a small business with a majority minority ownership. If you have other owners or third parties who control the business, you will not qualify. This eligibility requirement is partially based on quantitative information. To meet the requirements, your personal net worth should be less than $250,000 and your average annual adjusted gross income should be less than $4 million. The 8(a) Program also provides incentives for participating firms. To qualify for the program, firms must be small, owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged people, and have good character. Native Hawaiian Organizations and Indian Tribes have separate eligibility requirements. Once approved, you must continue to meet the eligibility requirements to stay eligible. However, you can take advantage of the SBAҳ Mentor-Protege Program, which can help you get started. 8(m) Program Small business owners who qualify for the SBAҳ 8(a) Program can access training, marketing assistance, and procurement assistance. Moreover, the 8(a) Program allows them to access surplus government property. In addition, participants are eligible for SBA-guaranteed loans and bonding assistance. The only stipulation is that the business must be owned by a socially or economically disadvantaged individual. To become certified, business owners must complete several SBA-provided checklists. It is also essential that all documents provided are in accordance with program requirements. For example, the 8(a) application requires firms to submit prior tax returns and financial statements to establish eligibility. To apply, applicants should have the proper documentation on hand. Once they have completed the application, they can then submit their applications for 8(a) certification. The postSBA Loans For Entrepreneurs appeared first onSMB Place.