SBA Loans are loans that are partially guaranteed
by the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans can be very attractive,
because they can provide for more time to repay the loan. This longer
amortization means that the regular payment will be smaller, and therefore,
easier to make. It also means that you can invest more of your cash
back in the business. Both banks and non-bank lenders offer SBA loans.
Loans usually consist of term loans under the 7A loan or 504 debenture
programs, although lines of credit are also available. SBA loans are
somewhat limited in size, more expensive than bank loans, but less expensive
than asset based loans. Excessive paperwork is a big drawback and consumes
considerable time, so SBA loans are not for everyone. That being said,
the longer amortization schedule for loans can be very appealing.