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SBA Loan vs. Conventional Loan: Which Is Best for Your Business?

Colleagues discussing whether to get an SBA loan or a conventional loan.

Tempura / GettyImages

Bu🔯sinesses typically need funding in order to grow, and😼 they frequently turn to conventional business loans or SBA loans to accomplish these goals. There are pros and cons with both types of loans, but for the most part, loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) tend to be the better option due to their lower interest rates and longer repayment terms.

Key Takeaways

  • SBA loans from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) tend to have more favorable rates and terms that make repayment easier, although their application and approval process takes longer overall.
  • Conventional business loans are funded by private lenders and often have higher interest rates and faster approval times.
  • Key differences between SBA loans and conventional loans include funding sources, interest rates, application processes, and collateral requirements.

What Is an SBA Loan?

SBA loans are backed by the government, so they can provide better rates and terms to eligible borrowers. These loans are offered in amounts ranging from $500 to $5.5 million, and they can be used for a variety of business purposes, including 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:working capital and long-term business investment.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility♌ criteria for most SBA loans includes:

Addi🔥tional requirements will vary depending on the specific type of SBA loan applied for.

Types of SBA Loans

The main types of SBA loans include:

  • 7(a) loans: 7(a) loans are offered in amounts up to $5 million for businesses that fall within SBA size requirements. These loans typically come with 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:fixed interest rates and fixed monthly payments for the duration of repayment, and funding can be used for a variety of purposes.
  • 504 loans: 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:SBA 504 loans offer long-term, fixed-rate financing in amounts up to $5 million for eligible borrowers. These loans are available to companies with a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:tangible net worth of less than $15 million dollars and an average net income of less than $5 million after federal taxes for the two years prior to applying. Funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including job creation and business growth.
  • Microloans: These SBA loans are offered in amounts up to $50,000, and they're available for small businesses who need working capital, inventory, equipment updates, supplies, etc. Microloans are backed by the government and offered through SBA funding intermediaries.

Pros and Cons of SBA Loans

Pros Explained

  • SBA loans often have lower interest rates and better loan terms than conventional loans.
  • Longer repayment terms can also be available.
  • Some small businesses can qualify for SBA loans easier than they could with conventional loans.

Cons Explained

  • Closing an SBA loan tends to take longer than conventional loans, from up to 30 days to several months.
  • SBA loans can have strict eligibility requirements depending on the loan type, including income and net worth limits.

What Is a Conventional Loan?

澳𝔉洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Conventional loans forও small businesses are offered through privat꧑e lenders, so they don't come with government backing. Teꦬrms for conventional loans also vary widely based on the type of loan, the lender, and other factors.

Eligibility Criteria

As with the loan terms, eligibility requirements vary widely based on the loan type and lender, in addition to the amount being borrowed. Hꦫowever, small business lenders typically want to see the following from their applicants:

Fast Fact

You may also have to show a business plan to qualify for a private business loan, and it's possible you'll have to supply some form of 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:collateral.

Types of Conventional Loans

While many companies offer several different types of business loans, the most common are term loans for business and business 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:lines of credit

There are also some unconventional types of funding that small businesses can utilize, including 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:invoice factoring and a merchant 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:cash advance.

Pros and Cons of Conventional Loans

Pros Explained

  • Some business lenders promise fast funding within a few business days.
  • Certain small businesses may qualify for higher loan amounts with a private lender versus the SBA.
  • Terms offered through private lenders may be more flexible.

Cons Explained

Which Loan Is Right for Your Business?

Before you decide between an SBA loan and a conventional loan, you should consider the ad💧vantages and disadvantages of both options. You can also utilize the to see if any of the availab꧒le SBA loan options might suit your needs. 

Additionally, don’ꦇt forget to consider the following additional factors:

Business Age and Credit History

Your business age and credit history will matter to both private lenders and lenders that offer government-backed loans through the SBA. However, private lenders may put more emphasis on 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:your personal credit history when you apply.

Loan Purpose

Some SBA loans can only be used for specific purposes, although this can also be the case for conventional business loans. Either way, understanding why you need to borrow moꦗney could help guide you toward the correct lender.

Financial Health

Financial health is another major consideration to keep in mind, as is annual business revenue and net worth. Both SBA loans and 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:conventional loans for business can have minimum or maximum annual revenue requirements in place, in 🍸addition to other potential requirements.

Can a Business Apply for Both an SBA Loan and a Conventional Loan Simultaneously?

Businesses can apply for both 𓂃types of loans at the same time, and many companies use mult𓂃iple types of funding to accomplish different goals.

How Long Does the SBA Loan Approval Process Usually Take?

Getting approved for an SBA loan can🅠 take up to 30 days or several months from start to finish.

What Types of Collateral Are Typically Required for Conventional Loans?

The types of collateral required for conventional loans can include real estate, equipment, or anything else of va🤪lue.

The Bottom Line

Small businesses that need funding can𓆉 turn ༺to government-backed loans to get the cash they need, or they can opt for a private lender instead. The best option for a business depends on its financial health, how much funding it needs, and how quickly it needs the money.

Overall, SBA loans tend to have lower rates and better terms, with the caveat that fundin💖g won't happen quickly. Private lenders can offer the funding you need on a speedy timeline, at a higher overall cost.

Article Sources
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