Small Businesses

How can the SBA help my small business get a loan?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small businesses get funding by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need.

To get an SBA-backed loan:

Read on to see the kinds of loans available
Enter basic information about what you’re looking for on Lender Match
Create an account to start talking to interested lenders
Lenders will approve and help you manage your loan

SBA only makes direct loans in the case of businesses and homeowners recovering from a declared disaster. Already have an SBA loan? Find out how to make a payment.

Eligibility requirements

Lenders and loan programs have unique eligibility requirements. In general, eligibility is based on what a business does to receive its income, the character of its ownership, and where the business operates. Normally, businesses must meet SBA size standards, be able to repay, and have a sound business purpose. Even those with bad credit may qualify for startup funding. The lender will provide you with a full list of eligibility requirements for your loan.

What is the Veterans Business Outreach Center Program?

The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services to service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and family members interested in starting or growing a small business. SBA has 31 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as VBOCs.

How can the VBOC program help my small business?

SBA's VBOCs offer workshops, training, counseling, and mentorship opportunities in your area. VBOCs can also help you navigate SBA’s extensive resource partner network and refer you to a community partner, lender, or SBA program.

Transition assistance programs

VBOCs work closely with SBA district offices and Transition Service Managers at military installations to conduct Boots to Business classes for service members and military spouses. VBOCs also help conduct B2B Reboot classes off installations for veterans of all eras, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses.

To learn more about SBA's resources for veterans, visit sba.gov/veterans.

Who can apply for an SBA disaster loan?

Businesses of all sizes
Homeowners
Renters
Private nonprofit organizations

You must be located in a declared disaster area and meet other eligibility criteria depending on the type of loan.

SBA disaster loans can be used for:

Losses not covered by insurance or funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for both personal and business
Business operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred

Find out how to use the MySBA Loan Portal to check your application status and manage your loan.

For more information on how our office can help, please contact Jeannie in our Ocala office at (352) 421-9052.