Easier to qualify for
The guarantee lowers the lender's risk, so owners who might not get a conventional loan can still be considered.
Plainsboro, New Jersey
Money Financial Services has 30 years of experience in financing. We help business owners compare SBA and USDA loan programs and get their paperwork in order before they apply. We're based in Plainsboro, New Jersey.
Try the loan finder. It takes ten seconds. Prefer to talk? Request a call.
An SBA loan is made by a lender, and the U.S. Small Business Administration guarantees part of it. That changes what the lender is willing to offer.
The guarantee lowers the lender's risk, so owners who might not get a conventional loan can still be considered.
Longer repayment terms usually mean smaller payments, which keeps more cash in your business.
Equipment, real estate, inventory, working capital, or buying an existing business, depending on the program.
| Feature | SBA loan | Conventional loan |
|---|---|---|
| Backing | The SBA guarantees part of the loan | No government guarantee |
| Down payment | Often lower. SBA 504 borrowers typically put down about 10% | Commonly 20% or more for commercial real estate |
| Repayment term | Up to 25 years for real estate, up to 10 for most other uses | Often shorter |
| Monthly payment | Usually lower, because the term is longer | Usually higher, because the term is shorter |
| Paperwork and speed | More documents up front. A complete package helps avoid delays | Varies by lender |
These are general patterns. Your terms depend on the lender, the program, and your application.
Most small business loans fall into one of these. The right one depends on what you're buying and how much you need.
| Program | Loan size | Repayment term | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Up to $5 million | Up to 25 years for real estate, up to 10 years for equipment and most other uses | Working capital, equipment, inventory, real estate, buying a business |
| SBA 504 | Up to $5.5 million | 10 or 20 years, fixed rate | Real estate and major equipment |
| USDA Business & Industry | Varies by project and lender | Up to 30 years for real estate, 20 for equipment, 7 for working capital | Businesses in areas with a population under 50,000: real estate, equipment, working capital, buying a business |
Limits and terms follow SBA and USDA program rules, which change over time. We confirm what applies to your loan before you apply.
These are the basics lenders look at. If most of them describe your business, it's worth a conversation.
Final eligibility follows the SBA's published rules at sba.gov. We'll walk through yours with you.
Most delays come from missing paperwork. We front-load that part.
What you're buying, how much it costs, and how your business is doing today.
Business plan, financial statements, and tax returns. Get the checklist.
We look for gaps and weak spots before anything is submitted.
After approval, the funds are released and you put them to work.
Download the application package, fill it in, and send it back to us. Read the checklist at the front first so you know what to gather.
Download the application package (PDF)The package asks for Social Security numbers, tax returns, and financial details. Please don't send those by regular email.
Short answers. Ask us about anything that's specific to your business.
Owners of eligible for-profit small businesses, including newer businesses and ones that may not qualify for a conventional loan. The lender makes the final decision.
Each program has its own rules. In general, SBA loans can fund equipment, real estate, inventory, working capital, or buying a business. The programs table above shows what each one is typically used for.
It depends on the program and the lender. Larger real estate loans take longer. A complete, well-organized application is the best way to avoid delays.
Usually a business plan or overview, financial statements, business and personal tax returns, and details about what you're buying. We give you a checklist so nothing is missed.
Lenders generally take available collateral, but an SBA loan can still be approved when collateral is limited. We'll explain what's likely to apply to your loan.
No. It's an illustration using the interest rate you enter. Actual rates and terms are set by the lender and depend on your application.
Money Financial Services has 30 years of experience in financing, including commercial mortgages and construction loans for hotels, motels, office buildings and apartment complexes. When you reach out, you're talking to the owner.
Usha Jay Baxi
Money Financial Services
Tell us what you're planning. We'll reply to talk through your options. This is a request for information, not a loan application.