The best SBA loans for minority business owners include the standard 7(a) loan, the SBA microloan, the Express Loan and the Community Advantage Loan. Below, we’ll review each option in detail.
SBA 7(a) loan
The standard SBA 7(a) loan is a term loan that gives eligible business owners up to $5 million to purchase real estate, refinance debt and use as working capital. You can also use a 7(a) loan to construct a new building, renovate an existing space or purchase equipment, machinery, furniture, fixtures and supplies.
In addition to their versatility, SBA 7(a) loans are known for having favorable loan terms. Interest rates range from 5-11%, and repayment periods are between 10 and 25 years, depending on what you use your loan for.
To qualify for a 7(a) loan, your business must meet the SBA’s small business size guidelines. Your credit score should also be strong; lenders usually look for scores of 640 or above.
SBA microloan
True to its name, an SBA microloan is a small, short-term business loan. The SBA offers microloans of up to $50,000 to business owners who need a small injection of capital. You can use the funds for startup expenses, furniture, machinery, supplies, inventory and working capital.
The average microloan is $13,000 with interest rates ranging from 8-13%. Repayment periods vary, but the maximum repayment term for a microloan is six years.
Eligibility requirements for SBA microloans depend on the SBA-approved intermediary lender you work with. The good news is that you don’t need excellent credit to qualify for a microloan. However, you might have to put down some form of collateral and sign a personal guarantee.
SBA Express loan
If you need funds on an accelerated timeline, the SBA Express promises to get back to you within 36 hours—and generally delivers funding within a month. With the SBA Express, you can get up to $500,000 for either a term loan or a business line of credit. Like the 7(a) loan, you can use Express funds for a variety of purposes, including business expansion, working capital, debt refinancing and equipment and real estate purchases.
Interest rates for Express loans are generally 4.5-6.5% above the current prime rate, depending on the loan amount you receive. As an example, in March 2023 the prime rate was a historical high at 8%, which would make the Express loan interest rate roughly 12.5%.
Repayment periods for lines of credit are up to seven years, and between 10 and 25 years for term loans. Qualification requirements for Express loans are similar to 7(a) loans, but might vary depending on the lender.
SBA Community Advantage loan
The SBA Community Advantage loan program is a temporary program (set to expire on September 30, 2024) designed to support small businesses in underserved markets. That can include minority businesses in low-income communities, veteran-owned businesses and startups, to name a few.
The loans are administered through community-based, mission-focused lenders like certified development companies (CDCs) and microloan intermediaries. You can get up to $350,000 as a term loan or line of credit to improve your business. That includes putting the funds toward renovation, expansion, startup expenses, machinery and equipment or working capital.
Interest rates range from 4.5-6.5% above the prime rate, and repayment periods range from 10 to 25 years. To qualify, you have to meet the 7(a) loan small business requirements as well as your lender’s individual requirements. You typically need a credit score of at least 600, plus proof of strong business financials.