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Article Check - 7 SBA Loan Myths
"I want my own business, but where do I begin?" You asked.The first requirement for any business is to have a product or service. How will, for example, your service or product be better or different from its current counter-part? Do you provide something others forgot? You pay more attention to detail?What makes my critiquing service more personalized?I address any, all issues. I tune into the small, not yet a problem situation. I rather handle it early, before a full blown crisis.It is less stressful plus customers prefer smooth running projects.A client sent me a certain type of bond paper to use for ghostwriting. Yes, it is one of my services. The end result would not look professional once it was typed and printed. So, I purchased what was needed at my expense. Re-peat business outweighs a few dollars spent. I sent a sample of twenty-five pages for the client's approval. She was pleased.If a mistake sneaks by, remedy it a
Financial Fact- The SBA defines a qualifying small business as “one that is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its’ field of operation.” The SBA does not discriminate between start-ups or established businesses, and company size requirements are not the same across the board. The actual standard used in determining qualification is calculated by number of employees or average annual receipts and varies by industry. For example, in the manufacturing and mining industries, a business can have no more than 500 employees to qualify. Average receipts in most retail and service industries can total no more than $5.5 million. The SBA size regulations are located at sba.gov. Most lenders can tell you immediately if your business qualifies regarding income and number of employees.
Myth #5- SBA loans require a lot of collateral
Financia
Financial Advisors come from varied backgrounds, wear different hats and offer vastly different services. So, that begs the question, “What makes an advisor from Merrill Lynch, or UBS, or MetLife, or another firm, big or small, different from any other?”That's a great question – one I get asked all the time. But, the question I often sense lurking well below the surface is one far more rarely asked, if ever. That question is, ... “Who is the right advisor for me and my family?”Slick slogans and fancy websites aside, one thing is sure. It's way harder than ever before to determine who's who in the financial industry and answer that question.Just a few short years ago there were clear differences between financial service firms, their representatives and the services they offered. Banks existed to help consumers save money or get loans. Stock brokers worked for wirehouses and broker/dealers and sold securities. Mutual Funds sold shares directly or through their own sales represent
There are many myths surrounding SBA loans. Some of these myths are substantial and strong enough to discourage a small business owner from expanding, getting out from under onerous debt, or even staying in business. Understanding how an SBA loan works and how to successfully get one for your business is a matter of separating the facts from the myths. You may recognize yourself in some of the following misconceptions of SBA loans. You will finish this article more informed and in possession of the facts. The facts regarding SBA loans can help you to be a better, more successful small business owner.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA recognizes that small business is critical to America’s economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
THE 7 MYTHS
Myth #1- All banks evaluate the risks of a SBA loan request with the same viewpoint.
Financial Fact- Although all banks are subject to the same SBA Guidelines, the rules are subject to different interpretations with respect to analyzing a particular loan request. Some banks may be willing to take greater risks. Some banks will take a more optimistic evaluation of the facts and your business’ future success. Therefore, choosing the best bank for your SBA loan needs can make the difference between loan approval and denial.
Myth #2- All banks offer the exact same types of financing for SBA loans.
Financial Fact- Loan pricing and structure can vary substantially at different banks. Interest rates on SBA loans are based on the prime rate plus a margin. Some banks are more competitive in price to be leaders in SBA lending. Some banks will carve-out a provision for accounts receivable and inventory financing from their loan agreement to permit additional third party commercial financing in addition to the SBA loan. For the same loan, some banks will require additional collateral guarantees, such as a lien on your house. Evaluating the adequacy of such additional collateral guarantees is also subject to interpretation.
Myth #3- It takes too long to get through the red tape of SBA loans.
Financial Fact- This may be true if the bank has to deal through the SBA bureaucracy. Many lenders have “delegated authority” to directly approve a SBA loan. They can provide a full written loan proposal within 48 hours, and some provide a loan commitment within a week of receiving a full loan package. Closing the loan depends on the specific requirements of each transaction, but takes no longer than closing a conventional commercial loan. If the loan requires an appraisal, this may add several weeks to the process.
Myth # 4- SBA loans are only for start-ups or small companies, and not for “big” companies.
Financial Fact- The SBA defines a qualifying small business as “one that is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its’ field of operation.” The SBA does not discriminate between start-ups or established businesses, and company size requirements are not the same across the board. The actual standard used in determining qualification is calculated by number of employees or average annual receipts and varies by industry. For example, in the manufacturing and mining industries, a business can have no more than 500 employees to qualify. Average receipts in most retail and service industries can total no more than $5.5 million. The SBA size regulations are located at sba.gov. Most lenders can tell you immediately if your business qualifies regarding income and number of employees.
Myth #5- SBA loans require a lot of collateral
Financial
As the cost of office space continues to skyrocket, office managers everywhere are looking for better ways to conserve floor space. This trend has caused an extraordinary increase in use of vertical document storage systems in offices worldwide.Most filing and storage systems found in office supply stores are designed for letter or legal-size documents. The large drawings, maps, and charts required by engineering and architectural firms have been stored mainly in flat files or “pigeonholes” in the past. By storing the documents in a flat position, the footprint of the “old fashioned” storage systems naturally take up a lot of expensive floor space.Vertical storage filing systems store the same number of documents as the “older” three and five drawer flat files, but require 75 percent less space. Office administrators and project managers have experienced a 68 percent saving in time spent retrieving and storing drawings, since it typically takes less than 10 seconds to find and remove a
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA recognizes that small business is critical to America’s economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
THE 7 MYTHS
Myth #1- All banks evaluate the risks of a SBA loan request with the same viewpoint.
Financial Fact- Although all banks are subject to the same SBA Guidelines, the rules are subject to different interpretations with respect to analyzing a particular loan request. Some banks may be willing to take greater risks. Some banks will take a more optimistic evaluation of the facts and your business’ future success. Therefore, choosing the best bank for your SBA loan needs can make the difference between loan approval and denial.
Myth #2- All banks offer the exact same types of financing for SBA loans.
Financial Fact- Loan pricing and structure can vary substantially at different banks. Interest rates on SBA loans are based on the prime rate plus a margin. Some banks are more competitive in price to be leaders in SBA lending. Some banks will carve-out a provision for accounts receivable and inventory financing from their loan agreement to permit additional third party commercial financing in addition to the SBA loan. For the same loan, some banks will require additional collateral guarantees, such as a lien on your house. Evaluating the adequacy of such additional collateral guarantees is also subject to interpretation.
Myth #3- It takes too long to get through the red tape of SBA loans.
Financial Fact- This may be true if the bank has to deal through the SBA bureaucracy. Many lenders have “delegated authority” to directly approve a SBA loan. They can provide a full written loan proposal within 48 hours, and some provide a loan commitment within a week of receiving a full loan package. Closing the loan depends on the specific requirements of each transaction, but takes no longer than closing a conventional commercial loan. If the loan requires an appraisal, this may add several weeks to the process.
Myth # 4- SBA loans are only for start-ups or small companies, and not for “big” companies.
Financial Fact- The SBA defines a qualifying small business as “one that is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its’ field of operation.” The SBA does not discriminate between start-ups or established businesses, and company size requirements are not the same across the board. The actual standard used in determining qualification is calculated by number of employees or average annual receipts and varies by industry. For example, in the manufacturing and mining industries, a business can have no more than 500 employees to qualify. Average receipts in most retail and service industries can total no more than $5.5 million. The SBA size regulations are located at sba.gov. Most lenders can tell you immediately if your business qualifies regarding income and number of employees.
Myth #5- SBA loans require a lot of collateral
Financia
If you sell goods/services to other businesses or to the government, then you know that commonly you have to wait 30 to 60 days to get paid for your services. Unless your business is well capitalized, waiting to get paid can drain your working capital and affect your business.Lack of working capital can prevent you from making new sales, forcing you to sentd customers to your competition. What is worse, if the problem is not corrected, it can affect you ability to pay employees or suppliers. Missing payroll and supplier payments is a sure indication that a business is in serious financial troubles. The solution to this problem is, of course, simple. You just need to get business financing.Obtaining business financing (such as a line of credit or business loan) is easier said than done. If you go to a bank, they will require that you provide them with three years audited financials and a solid business plan. That kills any chances of financing for most startups and new businesses. There
THE 7 MYTHS
Myth #1- All banks evaluate the risks of a SBA loan request with the same viewpoint.
Financial Fact- Although all banks are subject to the same SBA Guidelines, the rules are subject to different interpretations with respect to analyzing a particular loan request. Some banks may be willing to take greater risks. Some banks will take a more optimistic evaluation of the facts and your business’ future success. Therefore, choosing the best bank for your SBA loan needs can make the difference between loan approval and denial.
Myth #2- All banks offer the exact same types of financing for SBA loans.
Financial Fact- Loan pricing and structure can vary substantially at different banks. Interest rates on SBA loans are based on the prime rate plus a margin. Some banks are more competitive in price to be leaders in SBA lending. Some banks will carve-out a provision for accounts receivable and inventory financing from their loan agreement to permit additional third party commercial financing in addition to the SBA loan. For the same loan, some banks will require additional collateral guarantees, such as a lien on your house. Evaluating the adequacy of such additional collateral guarantees is also subject to interpretation.
Myth #3- It takes too long to get through the red tape of SBA loans.
Financial Fact- This may be true if the bank has to deal through the SBA bureaucracy. Many lenders have “delegated authority” to directly approve a SBA loan. They can provide a full written loan proposal within 48 hours, and some provide a loan commitment within a week of receiving a full loan package. Closing the loan depends on the specific requirements of each transaction, but takes no longer than closing a conventional commercial loan. If the loan requires an appraisal, this may add several weeks to the process.
Myth # 4- SBA loans are only for start-ups or small companies, and not for “big” companies.
Financial Fact- The SBA defines a qualifying small business as “one that is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its’ field of operation.” The SBA does not discriminate between start-ups or established businesses, and company size requirements are not the same across the board. The actual standard used in determining qualification is calculated by number of employees or average annual receipts and varies by industry. For example, in the manufacturing and mining industries, a business can have no more than 500 employees to qualify. Average receipts in most retail and service industries can total no more than $5.5 million. The SBA size regulations are located at sba.gov. Most lenders can tell you immediately if your business qualifies regarding income and number of employees.
Myth #5- SBA loans require a lot of collateral
Financia
My corporate career, excluding my VA experience, spans some 25 plus years. I've had government office bosses, travel industry bosses, airline bosses, coachline bosses, hotel bosses, engineering bosses, manufacturing bosses, sales and marketing bosses, human resources bosses, small office bosses, large state and country wide business bosses, editing bosses, medical bosses, magazine bosses and probably some others I can't remember. I've experienced a wide range of personalities wearing the Boss hat, and I've come to this conclusion: If your Boss hates you, you're in trouble. If your Boss doesn't understand you, you won't fare much better. Doesn't matter that you’re a Sister Theresa clone, if your Boss doesn't like you, don't expect any favors. What you have to remember is bosses are human, and as with all other humans on the planet, there are going to be those that you cannot get along with no matter how hard you try. Some people are like that. They are very hard to please. You c
Myth #3- It takes too long to get through the red tape of SBA loans.
Financial Fact- This may be true if the bank has to deal through the SBA bureaucracy. Many lenders have “delegated authority” to directly approve a SBA loan. They can provide a full written loan proposal within 48 hours, and some provide a loan commitment within a week of receiving a full loan package. Closing the loan depends on the specific requirements of each transaction, but takes no longer than closing a conventional commercial loan. If the loan requires an appraisal, this may add several weeks to the process.
Myth # 4- SBA loans are only for start-ups or small companies, and not for “big” companies.
Financial Fact- The SBA defines a qualifying small business as “one that is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its’ field of operation.” The SBA does not discriminate between start-ups or established businesses, and company size requirements are not the same across the board. The actual standard used in determining qualification is calculated by number of employees or average annual receipts and varies by industry. For example, in the manufacturing and mining industries, a business can have no more than 500 employees to qualify. Average receipts in most retail and service industries can total no more than $5.5 million. The SBA size regulations are located at sba.gov. Most lenders can tell you immediately if your business qualifies regarding income and number of employees.
Myth #5- SBA loans require a lot of collateral
Financia
A potentially profitable business can fail because of poor management of cash flow. Equally, an unprofitable business can enjoy a period in which is has plenty of cash before the bills arrive!Cash flow and profits are two very different concepts:- A business makes a profit if, over a given period of time, its rebenue is greater than its expenditure. A Business can survive without making a profit for a short period of time, but it is essential that it earns profits in the long run.- Cash Flow relates to the timing of payments and receipts. Cash flow is important in the short term as a business must pay people and organisations to whom it owes money.Unless a business manages the timing of its payments and receipts carefully, it may find itself in a position where it is operating profitability but is running out of cash regularity. This could be because it is forced to wait for several months before receiving payment from customers. In the meantime, it has to settle its own
Financial Fact- The SBA defines a qualifying small business as “one that is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its’ field of operation.” The SBA does not discriminate between start-ups or established businesses, and company size requirements are not the same across the board. The actual standard used in determining qualification is calculated by number of employees or average annual receipts and varies by industry. For example, in the manufacturing and mining industries, a business can have no more than 500 employees to qualify. Average receipts in most retail and service industries can total no more than $5.5 million. The SBA size regulations are located at sba.gov. Most lenders can tell you immediately if your business qualifies regarding income and number of employees.
Myth #5- SBA loans require a lot of collateral
Financial Fact- SBA lenders do consider collateral when reviewing a loan application, but they also look at several other factors. Your character, your creditworthiness with respect to you history of paying your debts, your management capabilities, and your equity contribution are just as important as having collateral. SBA lenders.look at your business as a whole, and although they will not deny you loan solely due to lack of collateral, it can be a contributing factor if there are other weak spots in you application. Ultimately, your ability to repay the loan from your business’s cash flow is the most important consideration.
Myth #6– SBA loans are loans from the Federal Government.
Financial Fact - SBA loans come from commercial lenders who participate with the SBA in SBA lending. The Small Business Administration is an agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government. It establishes guidelines that lenders must follow when giving SBA loans and the SBA backs each loan with a guarantee that eliminates some of the risk to the lender. The actual funds for each loan will come directly from the financial institution. The SBA loans are backed, up to the amount of the guarantee, by the SBA.
Myth # 7- SBA loans are a loan of last resort.
Financial Fact- Lenders that offer SBA financing should be one of the first places a start-up or small business owner goes when seeking a business loan (unless you have a friend or relative willing to invest in your business). The express purpose of the SBA is to help Americans start, build, and grow businesses in order to promote a healthy economy. SBA loans are structured with longer terms, lower down payments, and can have lower rates than conventional commercial loans so small business owners have increased cash flow. Going to a lender for a SBA loan is especially valuable for business owners seeking loans who may not have collateral required with typical commercial loans. There is a reason the SBA is the largest single financial backer of U.S. businesses in the nation.
You need to assess your business’s current health and growth potential. Would it benefit your company if you refinanced old debt? Could you increase business with more equipment? Would a facelift bring in more customers? Would a combination of SBA financing with commercial financing for accounts receivable and inventory help you succeed?
It is critical to your business that you know not only when to seek financing, but how much you will need, and what is available. Many businesses suffer of even fail because their owners do not take out loans when they need to; or they fail because their owners do not borrow enough. Understanding your options will help you determine these things, which can in turn help your business flourish.
Conclusion: An experienced Commercial Finance Broker can help you separate the myths from the financial facts. They can find the best SBA loans. They can evaluate the best overall financing structure for your particular situation with lower interest rates, longer payback times and lower upfront costs. They can help you understand the big picture and create new opportunities for your consideration.
Copyright © 2007 Gregg Financial Services
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