SBA Loan 7(a) Application Checklist
SBA Loan documents and underwriting requirements can vary between lenders. Banks tend to have stricter requirements, but if they understand your industry they may be more likely to approve your loan.
In general, we work SBA Preferred Private Lenders and SBA Public financial institutions, to have more flexible requirements. Some will allow credit scores as low as 600 if other criteria meet their underwriting guidelines. Typically, real estate would need to be purchased for a score below 700. Some private lenders will fund SBA 7 (a) loans with credit scores down to 650 and no real estate. We can help most businesses looking for $500,000 to $20,000,000 using SBA lenders and Conventional lenders partners, or a combination of both.
Below is a checklist of items the SBA requires for a 7(a) loan package, but each lender can request additional information.
Once you have decided to apply for a loan guaranteed by the SBA, you will need to collect the appropriate documents for your application. The SBA does not provide direct loans. The process starts with your local lender, working within SBA guidelines.
Use the checklist below to ensure you have everything the lender will ask for to complete your application. Once your loan package is complete, your lender will submit it to the SBA.
- SBA Loan Application – To begin the process, you will need to complete an SBA loan application form. Access the most current form here: Borrower Information Form – SBA Form 1919
- Personal Background and Financial Statement – To assess your eligibility, the SBA also requires you complete the following forms:
- Statement of Personal History – SBA Form 912
- Personal Financial Statement – SBA Form 413
- Business Financial Statements – To support your application and demonstrate your ability to repay the loan, prepare and include the following financial statements:
- Profit and Loss (P&L) Statement– This must be current within 180 days of your application. Also include supplementary schedules from the last three fiscal years.
- Projected Financial Statements– Include a detailed, one-year projection of income and finances and attach a written explanation as to how you expect to achieve this projection.
- Ownership and Affiliations – Include a list of names and addresses of any subsidiaries and affiliates, including concerns in which you hold a controlling interest and other concerns that may be affiliated by stock ownership, franchise, proposed merger or otherwise with you.
- Business Certificate/License – Your original business license or certificate of doing business. If your business is a corporation, stamp your corporate seal on the SBA loan application form.
- Loan Application History – Include records of any loans you may have applied for in the past.
- Income Tax Returns – Include signed personal and business federal income tax returns of your business’ principals for previous three years.
- Résumés – Include personal résumés for each principal.
- Business Overview and History – Provide a brief history of the business and its challenges. Include an explanation of why the SBA loan is needed and how it will help the business.
- Business Lease – Include a copy of your business lease, or note from your landlord, giving terms of proposed lease.
- If You are Purchasing an Existing Business – The following information is needed for purchasing an existing business:
- Current balance sheet and P&L statement of business to be purchased
- Previous two years federal income tax returns of the business (some lenders require 3 years)
- Proposed Bill of Sale including Terms of Sale
- Asking price with schedule of inventory, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures
If you have questions about an SBA Business Loan or SBA Loan for real estate, please feel free to call (317) 589-0118 or contact us.