It is worth noting that while the SBA endeavors to facilitate matches between borrowers and lenders, they cannot guarantee successful pairing or the most favorable interest rates for your business. As such, we strongly advise that you also consider applying through a broker or direct lender, like GUF.

At GUF, we have established a network of specialist lenders who have been approved by the SBA and trust our ability to drive the financial and operational success of our clients. Our goal is to connect your business with the most suitable stakeholders in your industry through expert consultation and our extensive network of business leaders.

These services are available to you upon submission of your loan application. Once we receive your application, we will process your request and present you with executable loan options by the following business day, all at the best possible rate.

The Small Business Administration guarantees SBA 7(a) loans, which are highly sought after by small businesses. These loans are perfect for both short and long-term working capital, refinancing existing business debts, purchasing equipment or machinery, buying a business or franchise, and obtaining real estate loans (for more information on real estate loans, see “504 Loans” below). The maximum amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million, with a duration of up to 10 years for working capital and 25 years for real estate. To qualify for a 7(a) loan, small businesses must satisfy the following requirements:

• The business must be considered legally small, as defined by the SBA
• The business must be based in the United States or its territories, or intend to do so
• No previous debt obligations to the U.S. government can be in arrears
• The business must demonstrate creditworthiness and a reasonable expectation of loan repayment
• The FICO score should be around 660 or higher.

Certain businesses are ineligible for SBA loans, such as non-profits, governments, religious organizations, financial service providers, real estate investment firms, and businesses involved in gambling, pyramid schemes, or illegal activities. For more detailed information on the 7(a) loan terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria, please visit the SBA website.

The SBA 7(a) Standard Loan is a highly sought-after option because of its fast processing time of 5-10 days and substantial loan amount of up to $5 million. The SBA backs up to 85% of loans under $150,000 and 75% for loans above that amount. Interest rates and collateral requirements are determined through negotiations with lenders, following SBA guidelines and caps. Typically, a 10-20% down payment is required for 7(a) loans, and loans exceeding $25,000 must be secured with collateral.

If you find yourself in need of a modest loan, the SBA 7(a) Small Loan may prove to be a viable choice. This loan affords you the opportunity to borrow up to $350,000, with the SBA guaranteeing 85% of the loan for amounts under $150,000 and 75% for loans exceeding that figure. The collateral prerequisites for this loan mirror those for the Standard 7(a) loan.

The SBA 7(a) Express Loan is tailored to suit the needs of small businesses seeking loans under $350,000. With a speedy turnaround time of just 36 hours, it’s an excellent option for entrepreneurs requiring quick access to funding. It’s worth noting, however, that the SBA guarantee drops to 50% for this type of loan. This loan type features a revolving line of credit that can remain active for up to seven years, and it also offers the potential for maturity extensions.

The SBA CAPLines program provides a flexible revolving line of credit, specifically designed to assist small businesses in meeting their cyclical and short-term working capital requirements. The program is divided into four distinct categories to cater to different business needs:

There are four distinct options for CAPLine loans, each tailored to meet the unique needs of different businesses:

• Seasonal CAPLine: This choice helps businesses navigate seasonal changes in accounts receivable and inventory.
• Contract CAPLine: This loan specifically covers the direct labor and material expenses associated with contracts.
• Builder’s CAPLine: For those requiring funds for construction or renovation expenses, this option uses the project itself as collateral.
• Working Capital CAPLine: This asset-based revolving line of credit is the perfect solution for businesses that may not meet long-term credit standards.

SBA Export Loans For small businesses, exporting can be a daunting and uncertain prospect. Fortunately, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has created specialized loan programs to assist with this challenge. These programs offer a guarantee of up to 90% on export loans, which helps to reduce risk and incentivize banks to lend to small businesses. For more information on these programs, please visit the SBA website.

If your business requires additional working capital to generate export sales, we recommend applying for SBA Export Working Capital or Export Express loans. Lenders will carefully review your application and submit a request to the U.S. Export Assistance Center. The Export Express program is especially beneficial as it expedites the lending process, providing SBA-backed financing for loans and lines of credit up to $500,000 with a response time commitment of 24 hours.

For businesses seeking financing to expand their operations globally, the International Trade Program is an excellent option. This program offers a substantial guarantee of up to $4 million for working capital, providing the financial support that businesses need to take their operations to the next level.

If you’re a veteran business owner, you may be eligible for the SBA Veterans Advantage loan, which offers reduced fees. To qualify, your business must be owned at least 51% by honorably discharged veterans, current or widowed spouses, active duty military service members, active reservists, or National Guard members.

The SBA Microloan program caters specifically to small businesses and select not-for-profit childcare centers that require small-scale financing support. The program offers loans of up to $50,000 to aid in the initiation and expansion of small businesses. On average, the microloan amounts to approximately $13,000. Mission-based lenders facilitate these loans and also extend their services by providing business counseling.

If you’re seeking financing for your business, traditional bank loans are a reliable option. These loans are available through banks and other financial institutions, and often have competitive interest rates. The details of the loan are determined by the lender and the creditworthiness of the business. At GUF, we have access to a network of private bankers who can offer exclusive deals to help you secure the financing you need.

Government USA Funding offers conventional business loans, which are standard loans provided by banks and traditional financial institutions. These loans have fixed interest rates and repayment terms, which make them predictable and stable for businesses. At GUF, conventional business loans are one of the many types of loans we offer.

At GUF, we understand that sometimes there may be a need for a quick loan based on a factor rate and future cash flow, which is why we offer Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs). Our MCAs can be secured in less than 24 hours, making them a convenient option for those who require urgent funding. However, we want to emphasize the importance of being cautious when considering MCAs, as many businesses can fall into a cycle of debt. We only offer MCAs if they are specifically requested or if there is an urgent need for funding.

• When contemplating borrowing options, it’s critical to consider factors such as credit score, existing loans, and any hard assets secured through World Business Lenders (WBL). Here are some essential points to remember:
• Credit Score: Securing favorable loan terms is heavily reliant on having a good credit score. Building and maintaining a strong credit history can significantly improve your chances of obtaining competitive interest rates and loan offers.
• Existing Loans: Taking on multiple loans can impact your business’s financial health and hinder your ability to access future financing. It’s crucial to carefully assess your current loan positions and obligations before taking on additional debt.
• WBL Real Estate Secured Loans: WBL is a direct lender with a focus on providing real estate-secured business loans. Access to capital through WBL can help small-to-medium-sized businesses grow and develop, especially those that lack access to traditional funding.
• Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC): Businesses that retained at least two W-2 employees during the pandemic (2020-2021) may qualify for the ERTC, a federal grant that provides them with $26,000 per retained employee. This credit is only available for a limited time. (Update, this is no longer available at the current moment).

At Government USA Funding, we’re more than just a banking service. We strive to help your business expand by linking you to fitting business opportunities and utilizing our vast network and industry expertise. We take a personalized approach to identifying prospects that align with your unique business objectives.

Our commitment to your success goes above and beyond; we assist in developing deals that balance risk and reward, laying the groundwork for long-term profitability. We’re not just brokers; we’re dedicated partners fully invested in your business’s growth.

Moreover, we provide specialized services for a variety of industries, bringing together clients with similar goals and objectives:

• Trucking & Logistics: We connect businesses within the trucking and logistics industry, fostering partnerships and opportunities for expansion
• Construction & Contracting: Our network enables construction and contracting businesses to find compatible partners for joint ventures and projects
• Pools & Summer: For businesses operating in the pool and summer industry, we offer targeted connections to increase growth and collaboration.
• Foreign Trade (China): We assist businesses involved in foreign trade, particularly with China, in finding suitable partners and expanding their reach in the global market.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a range of contracting assistance programs designed to help small businesses connect with federal contracting opportunities. To promote the growth of small businesses, the government has mandated that at least 23% of all federal contracting dollars are reserved for them. However, a certain percentage of this budget is further allocated to businesses that meet specific socio-economic criteria. These include being a women-owned business (5%), a disadvantaged business (12%), a service-disabled veteran-owned business (3%), or a business situated in HUBZones or historically underutilized business zones (3%).

GUF is committed to helping minority leaders rise to their fullest potential. That’s why we’ve put in place specific programs to maximize our impact (with more to come):

GUF’s Women-Owned (OWO) lending community is launching Q4.

GUF’s Spanish-Only (OSO) lending community is launching Q4.