The U.S. Small Business Administration provides guarantees for some commercial real estate loans, and these loans are often called SBA real estate loans. There are two loan programs under which you can get commercial real estate financing: SBA 7(a) loans and SBA 504 loans. Real estate investors are not eligible for these loans.
SBA 7(a) Loans
The SBA 7(a) loan program is more general in nature, and business owners have a lot of flexibility in how they can use the funds. The loan is even available for non-real estate financing needs, including purchasing inventory and providing working capital.
Also, SBA 7(a) loans are provided through a single private commercial lender, and up to 85% of the loan amount is guaranteed by the SBA. Down payment requirements start at 10% but can be much higher depending on the lender and the circumstance.
SBA 504 Loans
With the SBA 504 program, small business owners must use the funds to finance the purchase of commercial real estate or machinery and equipment, renovate an existing commercial property, or refinance an eligible commercial real estate or construction loan.
Also, SBA 504 loans are provided through two lenders: a private commercial lender, which provides 50% of the project costs, and a certified development company (CDC), which provides 40%, all of which is guaranteed by the SBA. You provide the remaining 10% as a down payment, though some situations may require more than that amount.
- Operate for profit
- Be considered a small business, as defined by SBA
- Be engaged in, or propose to do business in, the United States or its possessions
- Have reasonable invested equity
- Use alternative financial resources, including personal assets, before seeking financial assistance
- Be able to demonstrate a need for a loan
- Use the funds for a sound business purpose
- Not be delinquent on any existing debt obligations to the U.S. government Some businesses may not qualify for a 7(a) loan. Read more about Terms, conditions, and eligibility.
- Long- and short-term working capital
- Revolving funds based on the value of existing inventory and receivables o The purchase of equipment, machinery, furniture, fixtures, supplies, or materials
- The purchase of real estate, including land and buildings
- The construction a new building or renovation an existing building
- Establishing a new business or assisting in the acquisition, operation or expansion of an existing business
- Refinancing existing business debt, under certain cond
- Borrower information form: Complete SBA Form 1919 and submit it to an SBA-participating lender.
- Background and financial statements: Complete both SBA Form 912 (statement of personal history) and SBA Form 413 (personal financial statement). These help SBA and other stakeholders assess your eligibility.
- Business financial statements: Submit the following to help show your ability to repay a loan:
- Profit and loss statement – 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 explain how you expect to achieve this projection.
- Ownership and affiliations: Provide a list of names and addresses of any subsidiaries and affiliates, including concerns, in which you hold a controlling interest or that are otherwise connected to you.
- Business license or certificate: Provide a copy of the original business license or certificate of doing business. If your small 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 the previous three years.
- Resumes: Include personal resumes for each principal.
- Business overview and history: Provide a history of the business and its challenges. Include an explanation of why you need the SBA loan and how it will help your business.
- Business lease: Include a copy of your business lease, or a note from your landlord, with the terms of the proposed lease.
- Current balance sheet and profit and loss statement
- Federal income tax returns for the previous three years
- Proposed bill of sale including the terms of sale
- Asking price with schedule of inventory, machinery and equipment, and furniture and fixtures
- Franchise, jobber, or licensing agreements
- Proof of equity injection
VA loans are mortgages guaranteed by the Department of Veteran Affairs. These loans offer military veterans exceptional benefits, including low interest rates and no down payment.
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