SBA loans for veterans are essential to America’s small businesses. Many veterans decide to launch a business after their time in the military is complete. In fact, military veterans own about 7. 5% of the businesses in the United States. These business owners may eventually apply for an SBA loan, just like any other small business owner, whether it’s to finance a startup project, equipment purchases, or business expansion.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re a veteran looking for startup loans or SBA loans. Read on to discover what SBA loans are accessible to veterans, what qualifications are needed, and how to apply.
What Is The SBA?
SBA stands for Small Business Administration. It’s a government organization that assists small businesses.
Through the SBA, business owners have access to training, education, and information. The SBA acts as a voice for small businesses and offers business financing, a crucial component of the entrepreneurial puzzle.
In our guide to SBA loans for small businesses, you can learn more about the Small Business Administration.
SBA Loan Programs For Veterans
Two major funding programs offered by the SBA specifically for veterans of the armed forces are:
Read on to discover more about these initiatives and other veteran-specific SBA resources.
Additional SBA Resources For Veteran-Owned Businesses
The SBA offers a variety of resources in addition to the two loan programs to give veterans the tools they need to be successful in business. SBA training programs for veterans include:
The SBA also offers government contracting opportunities for military-owned businesses. You can visit the SBA’s website for the specifics on these SBA veteran resources and others.
Please be aware that the SBA does not provide grants to veterans. However, in our guide to the best business grants for veterans, you can find additional options.
SBA Veterans Advantage Guaranteed Loans
Because you can use the loan for the majority of business purposes, such as growing or acquiring a business, buying equipment, working capital, or debt refinancing, the Veterans Advantage Loan Program is a popular option for veterans.
SBA Veteran Loans Program Terms, Rates, & Fees
The SBA Veterans Advantage Loan Program’s current interest rates and fees are as follows:
| Borrowing Amount | Up to $5 million |
| Term Length | Usually 5-10 years for working capital and equipment; up to 25 years for real estate |
| Percent Guaranteed by SBA | 50%-85% depending on loan amount and loan program specifics |
| Interest Rate | Current SBA loan rates |
| Guarantee Fees | Between 0% and 3.75% depending on loan amount; ongoing service fee of 0.55% |
| Borrower Requirements | The business:
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Veteran SBA Loan Rates: What To Know
The cost of a veteran SBA loan varies depending on the lender issuing it and the loan’s specific terms. The maximum interest rates for SBA loans, including SBA Veterans Advantage loans, are set by the SBA. These rates are normally based on the prime rate.
How Can Veterans Benefit From The SBA’s Fee Relief On Small Loans?
Small SBA Veterans Advantage loans under $150,000 have no annual service fees and no upfront guarantees. The guaranty fee is still waived on SBA Express Loans for veterans up to $350,000, but loans above that amount will be subject to an annual service fee.
What Is The Veterans Advantage 7(a) Loan Program?
The SBA’s most well-known program, the SBA 7(a) Loan Program, includes the Veterans Advantage Loan Program. When you apply for a Veterans Advantage Loan, you follow the standard SBA 7(a) Loan procedure (or, if the loan is for $350,000 or less, the SBA Express Loan procedure).
The main benefit of the SBA’s VA loan program is that, in comparison to other borrowers, veterans have access to lower guaranty fees.
The time it takes to receive an SBA Veterans Advantage 7(a) Loan is one of its biggest drawbacks. The majority of the time, the application, approval, and funding processes take months. However, the SBA Express Loan program can provide faster approval.
How To Qualify For A Veterans Advantage Loan
You must fulfill the requirements for an SBA 7(a) loan in order to be eligible for a Veterans Advantage Loan. These include:
In our guide to SBA 7(a) loan requirements, you can learn more about 7(a) qualifications.
Proof Of Veteran Business Ownership
In addition to fulfilling the standard requirements for a 7(a) loan, you must demonstrate that veterans own and control at least 51% of your company. The SBA definition of veterans includes:
How To Apply For An SBA Veterans Advantage Loan
You must locate an approved lender to work with for the SBA Veterans Advantage Loan Program, such as a bank or credit union.
Through its Lender Match service, the SBA matches businesses with local lenders. Although some applications can be submitted online, most lenders demand that the applicant call them or go to their offices in person.
You will need to prepare an application after speaking with a lender. You must be prepared to demonstrate your ability to both repay the loan and successfully run your business. The application process will require additional documentation, including:
Check out these top SBA lenders for veterans if you need a lender.
Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (MREIDL)
When a reserve veteran is called to active duty, the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is intended to assist with paying business operating expenses. Military reservists and National Guard members who encounter financial difficulties during or after a deployment can obtain the capital they require for their company through an MREIDL.
MREIDL Program Terms, Rates, & Fees
These are the current rates and fees for an MREIDL:
| Borrowing Amount | Up to $2 million |
| Term Length | Up to 30 years |
| Interest Rate | 4% |
| Collateral | Required on all loans over $50,000 |
| Borrower Requirements |
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Even though the SBA typically requires collateral on Military Reservist EIDL, it’s important to keep in mind that the SBA won’t deny a loan merely because there isn’t enough collateral. The borrower will nevertheless be required to provide any available collateral, such as real estate
Because of their terms for repayment and low interest rates, these loans are very appealing to veterans of the military. SBA Veteran Loan rates are currently set at 4%. These loans give you the working capital you need to cover your expenses, but they can’t be used to pay off debt or expand your business.
How To Qualify For A MREIDL
Service members, reservists, or National Guard members on active duty may apply for loans through the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.
Service members must apply for the loan while on active duty or within one year of being discharged from active duty in order to be eligible.
How To Apply For A MREIDL
For an application for the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, call or email the Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center.
Which SBA Loan Is Right For Your Veteran-Owned Business?
Generally, the following is true:
If neither of these SBA loans for veterans is appropriate for your small business, you may want to consider applying for loans through your credit union if you belong to one. Recent Senate introduction of a bill known as the Veteran Member Business Loan Act would exempt loans made to veteran-owned businesses from the member business lending cap (currently 12). 25%). If this legislation is approved, there should be an increase in credit union loans for veterans in the upcoming years.
Last but not least, you can look into these (non-SBA) best small business loans for veterans or these additional three SBA loan types that might be more appropriate.
FAQs About SBA Business Loans For Veterans
Insufficient cash flow to make loan payments, high debt loads, recent bankruptcies, and poor credit are a few factors that could prevent you from qualifying for an SBA loan.
Ineligibility for SBA loans for veterans may also result from dishonorably leaving the military.
What is the SBA Veterans Advantage?
An SBA loan program designed specifically for veteran-owned businesses is called SBA Veterans Advantage. Compared to standard SBA 7(a) loans, this loan type’s primary benefit is lower loan fees.
Does the VA offer business loans for veterans?
No, the VA does not offer loans to veterans. The Veterans Advantage Loans Program and the Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program are two SBA programs that offer business loans to veterans.
What credit score is needed for an SBA loan?
Typically, in order to be eligible for an SBA loan, your credit score must be at least 680. In some circumstances, you might be able to obtain an SBA loan even with a score of just 640.
Do SBA 7(a) loans require collateral?
All standard SBA 7(a) loans over $50,000 and all SBA Veterans Advantage 7(a) loans over $25,000 typically require collateral. If the loan amount exceeds $50,000, collateral is required for MREIDL SBA loans for veterans.
However, the SBA might still be willing to work with you even if you don’t own any collateral, like real estate.
FAQ
How hard is it to get a SBA 7a loan?
The minimum business credit score required for an SBA loan is 140, but as with your personal credit score, higher is preferable. Remember that some lenders have minimum 160 credit score requirements for SBA 7(a) loans.
What is SBA Veterans Advantage?
Reduced loan fees are available to veteran-owned small businesses through the SBA Veterans Advantage Program. In order to assist veterans in becoming lender-ready, the program also provides counseling and online training courses.
Is SBA express a 7a loan?
There are fewer requirements for an SBA 7(a) Express Loan than for other SBA 7(a) loans. An express loan can be used for working capital, to finance business growth, or to restructure debt.
Does the SBA Forgive 7a loans?
There has never been a better time to think about financing your business because the SBA will also waive the guaranty fee for any new SBA 7(a) loan closed during this same time frame. To qualify, the loan must be paid in full by September 30, 2021, so act quickly to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.