
As a small business owner, you're likely no stranger to the challenges of securing funding. An SBA loan officer can be a game-changer, helping you navigate the complexities of small business loans.
SBA loan officers have access to a wide range of loan programs, including the popular 7(a) loan program, which provides up to $5 million in financing for small businesses.
By working with an experienced SBA loan officer, you can get the funding you need to grow your business and achieve your goals.
Loans
As an SBA loan officer, I've seen firsthand how loans can make all the difference for small businesses. The SBA offers a variety of loan programs to help businesses grow and succeed.
One of the most popular loan programs is the 7(a) Loan Program, which provides loan guaranties to lenders for small businesses with special requirements. This loan can be used for a wide range of purposes, including acquiring, refinancing, or improving real estate and buildings, as well as purchasing and installing machinery and equipment.

The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million. Your lender will help you determine which type of loan is best suited for your needs, including recommending you for an SBA 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) loan if your business qualifies.
SBA loans offer more flexible structures, lower down payments, and longer maturities than conventional loans. This means you can get the funding you need without breaking the bank.
Here are some key features of SBA 7(a) loans:
- Uses: Purchase or expand a business, purchase equipment or inventory, provide working capital, refinance debt, purchase real estate, leasehold improvements, renovate a property
- Benefit to you: Allows more flexible loan terms, with longer terms and maturities and with less money down
- Amount: $350,000 to $5 million
- Terms: Up to 10 years for working capital, up to 10 years for business acquisition and/or partner buyout, up to 10 years for leasehold improvements, up to 15 years for equipment, up to 25 years for real estate
Whether you're growing a business, buying an existing one, or just starting out, SBA loans can be a great option.
Government Programs for Small Business
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a range of government-guaranteed loan programs specifically designed for small businesses. These programs are a great resource for entrepreneurs looking to grow their business, buy an existing business, or start from scratch.
One such program is the 7(a) WCP, which stands for the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot program. This program offers monitored lines of credit within the 7(a) loan program, starting August 1.

The 7(a) WCP has been engineered to support a range of financing needs for growing small businesses. It's designed to bring together the best features of the existing permanent 7(a) line of credit delivery methods.
The program provides financing for domestic and/or export purposes. This is great news for businesses looking to expand their operations or export their products.
One-on-one counseling with SBA's subject-matter experts is also available to both small businesses and lenders. This can be a huge help for businesses that need guidance on navigating the loan process.
Whether you're growing a business, buying an existing business, or just starting out, the SBA loan programs are definitely worth exploring.
Our Services
We'll work with you to provide a smooth approval and closing process, so you can obtain your funds quickly. Our dedicated SBA lending team is focused on making the experience hassle-free.
You'll have a team that's dedicated to helping you every step of the way, ensuring a simple and efficient process from start to finish.
Express

Our Express service is designed to give your business more options for financing. You can use an SBA Express loan to finance working capital, inventory, equipment, and even purchase or refinance owner-occupied real estate.
The loan amounts range from $25,000 to $500,000, providing flexibility for businesses of various sizes.
Fixed rate loans can be up to 25 years, while variable rates offer revolving period options.
To get started with an SBA Express loan, you'll need to gather a list of documents, including your SBA borrower information form, personal financial statement, and business tax returns.
Here's a list of the documents you'll need to gather for an SBA Express loan:
- SBA’s borrower information form.
- Statement of personal history.
- Personal financial statement.
- Business financial statements.
- Personal income tax returns.
- Business tax returns.
- Business license.
- Loan application history.
- Business owner resumes.
- Lease agreement if applicable.
- One-year cash flow projection.
Caplines
We offer Caplines through the SBA, which allows businesses to adjust for cyclical cash flow needs through revolving credit lines. This can be a game-changer for companies with fluctuating income.
With Caplines, you can borrow as needed and repay when you can, giving you more control over your finances. This flexibility can be a huge relief during slow periods.
By providing access to revolving credit, Caplines can help you cover unexpected expenses or take advantage of new opportunities. This can be especially helpful if you're in a industry with seasonal fluctuations.
Business Expansion
As a business owner, expanding your operations can be a thrilling but daunting task. You can save weeks of waiting for SBA decisions by working with a Preferred Lending Program (PLP) lender like the one mentioned in the article.
This lender has the authority to make credit decisions in-house, giving you faster access to the funds you need. With this advantage, you can focus on growing your business rather than waiting for loan approvals.
By leveraging the expertise and performance history of this lender, you can get deals done and take your business to the next level. Their experienced team can help you navigate the loan process and advocate on your behalf, making a significant difference in your business expansion efforts.
Jake's, Inc. Powers Expansion with Byline Bank
Jake's, Inc. is a great example of how a business can power its expansion with the right financial solutions. Byline Bank provided tailored financial solutions to Jake's, Inc. for their growing manufacturing needs.
Their president, Joe Krippelz, praises Byline Bank for their expertise in SBA loans, saying they're "rock stars" when it comes to navigating the SBA process. Byline Bank's tailored solutions included both Commercial and SBA Lending.
Jake's, Inc. was initially turned down by other banks due to the complexity of their loan. But Byline Bank was able to provide the necessary support and guidance to help them succeed.
Drive Business Growth
Partnering with a bank that has the authority to make credit decisions in-house can save you weeks of waiting for SBA decisions.
Our bank has been designated as a Preferred Lending Program (PLP) lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which means we have access to tools most other banks don't have.
Knowing your bank has the SBA expertise and performance history to get deals done can give you peace of mind and confidence in your business's growth.
Here are some benefits of working with a PLP lender like our bank:
- Save weeks of waiting for SBA decisions
- Have access to tools most other banks don’t have
- Know your bank has the SBA expertise and performance history to get deals done
Our experienced team can make the difference in putting together a creative loan structure or advocating on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an SBA loan officer do?
An SBA loan officer evaluates creditworthiness and underwrites commercial loans under the SBA 7(a) Program. Their role involves reviewing loan applications, assessing risk, and making informed lending decisions.
What happens if you can't pay back an SBA loan?
If you're unable to pay back an SBA loan, the SBA will intervene and may transfer your account to the US Department of the Treasury for further action
Is there a way to get your SBA loan forgiven?
To be eligible for SBA loan forgiveness, borrowers must have used all the loan proceeds and apply within five years of receiving their SBA loan number. Forgiveness applications can be submitted once the loan funds have been fully utilized.
Sources
- https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/small-business-loans-sba-loans
- https://business.bofa.com/en-us/content/business-banking/solutions/sba-loans.html
- https://www.td.com/us/en/small-business/sba-loan-programs
- https://www.bylinebank.com/small-business-capital/
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