The U.S. Small Business Administration’s popular 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program guarantees loans of up to $5 million. Many small businesses in Renton, however, need much less than that for most business purposes, so the SBA has developed a program specifically to make smaller loans more easily available.

The program, SBAExpress loan, has a maximum loan size of $350,000 with a streamlined process that usually results in a completed process within 36 hours.

The streamlined process, one of the many advantages of the SBAExpress loan for both lenders and borrowers, is made possible by the agreements with qualified lenders authorizing them to make credit and eligibility determinations without direct SBA involvement. The program allows lenders to apply for 7(a) loans using their own forms and processes instead of the SBA’s official paperwork.

Adding to the popularity of the SBAExpress is the fact that lenders are not required to take collateral for loans under $25,000, and may use their own collateral policy on loans over $25,000 and up to $150,000.  For larger loans, SBA’s general collateral policy applies.

SBAExpress loans can be used by small businesses in Renton:

• To purchase land or buildings, cover new construction as well as expansion or conversion of existing facilities;

• To acquire equipment, machinery, furniture, fixtures, supplies, or materials;

• For long-term working capital including the payment of accounts payable and/or the purchase of inventory;

• To refinance existing business indebtedness which is not already structured with reasonable terms and conditions;

• For short-term working capital needs including: seasonal financing, contract performance, construction financing, export production, and financing against existing inventory and receivable under special conditions; or

• To purchase an existing business.

Interest rates on SBAExpress loans are tied to the prime rate (as published in the Wall Street Journal) and may be fixed or variable.  Lenders and borrowers can negotiate the interest rate, but they may not exceed SBA maximums, which are up to 6.5 percent over prime rate for loans of $50,000 or less, and up to 4.5 percent over the prime rate for loans over $50,000.

SBAExpress allows revolving loans up to 7 years with maturity extensions permitted at the outset. For more information on the SBAExpress and other SBA programs, visit www.sba.gov.

Calvin W. Goings is regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, overseeing the Obama Administration’s small business programs and initiatives in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.