By Fernando Berrocal

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It’s in the federal government’s best interest to give startups and small businesses the necessary resources they need to succeed. Therefore, the government will do everything in its power to finance the establishment and growth of such businesses. Many founders consider federal funding when seeking capital for their startup; in this article, we will review a range of federal loans that may be suitable for your organization. 

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First, you must be aware that there are two different loan types: private and government loans. On one side, private lenders frequently demonstrate a reluctance to take a chance on startup companies.  Thus, these loans can be kind of rare.  On the other side, the US government has made strong efforts to support startups; these loans are more accessible.

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As you will see, getting a government loan to launch a business may be much simpler than getting one from a private lender. Typically, the government collaborates with lenders like the Small Business Association (SBA). They may need less paperwork than other forms of business finance. and are frequently offered at cheap rates. Banks, credit unions, and other financial organizations are more likely to provide these loans than any other kind (since the government guarantees them). They are aware that the U.S. government will reimburse them if a consumer fails on their debt.

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Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

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This is a federal government program that is commonly referred to as the SBA.  It primarily provides small business and startup loans, but this organization also engages in mentoring, training, and counseling to people in need of funding. The SBA was established in 1953 with the  goal of assisting newly established businesses. To obtain an SBA loan, you must locate a nearby lender with the necessary capital. Three distinct types of loans are available from the SBA, and you may apply for any of them. These include the 504 Loan Program, the 7(a) Loan Program, and the 7(m) Microloan Program. Keep reading if you're seeking a more detailed explanation of the various SBA loan kinds.

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After contemplating this information, you’re probably wondering: Who is eligible for government loans to launch a business? You must fulfill certain standards to be eligible to apply for government financing to launch a new business. Additionally, you'll need to maintain a high credit score. Note: ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model. Generally, credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good.  Scores from 800 and up are considered excellent. 

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Sums of the Small Business Administrative (SBA) Loans

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The SBA loans are an excellent option for individuals who require smaller amounts of funding because they have a 5 million dollar maximum available. They're ideal for fledgling businesses; often startups and established enterprises will demand similar (high) sums of funding.

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Time to Funding

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The SBA loan application procedure might take up to six weeks, although most applicants are accepted after a few weeks of waiting. It takes roughly a week for the cash to be released after your application is approved and all personal eligibility checks are successfully completed.

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Rates of Interest

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Rates for loans with an SBA guarantee will fall between 7% and 9. 50% if you're seeking one.

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SBA Loan Benefits and Drawbacks:

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There are several potential benefits of SBA loans.  All founders should contemplate the following:

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• These loans are essentially secured by loans from the federal government to launch a firm. As a result, banks are more inclined to lend to riskier businesses, such as startups, than they otherwise might.
• Compared to other loans, the equity requirement is comparatively low.
• The interest rate for SBA loans is variable and based on the prime rate. For loans due in 10 years or less, the maximum interest rate is Prime Rate + 2.25 percent for loans maturing in 25 years or more, the maximum interest rate is Prime Rate plus 2.75 percent

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However, there are cons to be aware of, as well.

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• Small company loans from the SBA tend to be modest. Their maximum amount is $5 million.
• The documentation for these loans might be more than for a conventional loan.  Prepare for the possibility of a lot of paperwork.
• Startup entrepreneurs with bad credit are unlikely to be accepted.

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Required Paperwork for Submitting an SBA Loan Application

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Your most recent personal tax return and balance sheet must be provided to the lending institution when you qualify for an SBA small business loan. When they ask for these documents, you should prepare them in advance and bring them with you. In your full application portfolio, you'll need to make sure you have the following documents:

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• A personal background check report.
• Your curriculum vitae.
• A plan of business for your startup.
• A breakdown of your loan use goals.
• Your credit report.
• A credit report for your business(es).
• Both company and personal tax returns.

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Applying for a government small business loan might be the best option for your startup. Always have in mind the benefits and drawbacks of these types of loans. Finally, be familiarized with the documents required listed in the list above.  With the right materials and resources at hand, the sky’s the limit for your startup!

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Ready to bring your startup to the next level? Apply to MassLight’s next batch. MassLight supplies capital and a dedicated tech team. We take equity in return. Have questions? Refer to our FAQ page.