
Wells Fargo offers SBA loans to small businesses through various programs, including the 7(a) loan program, the Microloan program, and the CDC/504 loan program.
To be eligible for an SBA loan through Wells Fargo, you'll need to have a good credit score, a solid business plan, and a clear understanding of your business's financials.
Wells Fargo requires a minimum credit score of 650 for SBA loan applicants, but some programs may have stricter requirements.
You'll also need to provide financial statements, tax returns, and other documents to support your loan application.
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How to Apply
To apply for a Wells Fargo SBA loan, you'll need to gather some essential information. This includes your business's legal name, address, and phone number, as well as the date your business was first established.
You'll also need to provide your business tax identification or Social Security number, ownership type, number of owners, and gross annual revenue. This information is crucial for the application process.
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To apply online, you'll need to submit your loan application to Wells Fargo, who will underwrite the application and determine whether to approve the loan. In some cases, your loan may need to go to the SBA for final review.
Here's a list of the required information for the application:
- Legal business name, address, and phone number
- Date business was first established
- Business tax identification or Social Security number
- Ownership type
- Number of owners
- Gross annual revenue
Additionally, you'll need to provide personal information, including your name, address, and phone number, as well as your Social Security number, date of birth, and citizenship status.
Here's a list of the required personal information:
- Name, address, and phone number
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Citizenship
To complete the application, you'll also need to submit financial information, including two years of personal tax returns, a Personal Financial Statement (form provided), two years of business tax returns, and two years of company-prepared, year-end financial statements.
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Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for a Wells Fargo SBA loan, your business must meet specific requirements. You'll need to be registered and legally operate as a for-profit business, and conduct business in the United States or its territories.
To qualify, your business must also meet the small business size standard for its industry, based on average annual receipts or number of employees. Additionally, you'll need to be creditworthy, financially stable, and viable, and have exhausted non-government options for financing.
The SBA requires you to provide certain documentation, including two years of personal and business tax returns, a personal financial statement, and a business plan. You'll also need to provide financial projections, including the amount and use of funds, and collateral to guarantee the loan.
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Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an SBA loan, your business must meet the small business size standard for its industry, based on average annual receipts or number of employees. This standard varies by industry, so be sure to check the requirements.
Your business must be registered and legally operate as a for-profit business. This means you've taken the necessary steps to establish your company and obtain any necessary licenses and permits.
To conduct business in the United States or its territories, you'll need to have a physical presence or be able to demonstrate a clear connection to the country. This can be a challenge for businesses that operate online or in other countries, but it's still possible to qualify.
Having a solid credit history is essential for SBA loan approval. While the SBA doesn't set specific credit score limits, many lenders look for a minimum score of 620. Those with lower scores may still qualify for startup funding, but it's essential to be aware of these requirements.
To give you a better idea of the eligibility requirements, here's a summary of the key factors lenders consider:
By understanding these eligibility requirements, you can better prepare your business for SBA loan approval and increase your chances of success.
Small Business Types
Small businesses come in all shapes and sizes, and the type of business you have can affect the type of loan you're eligible for.
You can find favorable loan terms with a Small Business Association (SBA) loan, which guarantees repayment to lenders.
There are three main types of SBA loans for small businesses: 7(a) loans, Microloans, and 504 loans.
SBA loans offer capped interest rates and limited fees, making them a more attractive option for small business owners.
SBA loans also offer fixed-rate, long-term financing for purchasing or repairing assets such as equipment, real estate, or machinery.
Lower loan amounts are available through other types of business loans, but SBA loans offer more favorable terms.
The SBA offers a government guarantee covering 75% to 90% of the loan, making it a lower risk for lenders and more accessible for small business owners.
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Small Business Association
The Small Business Association (SBA) plays a crucial role in helping small businesses access funding and resources. The SBA acts as a middleman, guaranteeing to lenders that borrowers will repay loans, making it easier for businesses to qualify.
The SBA offers several loan programs, each designed for different types of businesses and with its own requirements. There are three main types of SBA loans: 7(a) loans, Microloans, and 504 loans.
Here are some key features of each type of loan:
SBA loans have several advantages, including competitive interest rates, longer and more flexible terms, higher loan amounts, and broader eligibility requirements. For example, SBA loan amounts range from $500 to $5.5 million, and the SBA can offer certain flexibilities in repayment, including loan modifications or deferred payments.
To qualify for an SBA loan, your business must be creditworthy, and you'll need to provide collateral, such as property you or your business own. The SBA offers a government guarantee covering 75% to 90% of the loan, making it a more attractive option for lenders.
Pricing and Fees
When applying for a Wells Fargo SBA loan, it's essential to understand the pricing and fees associated with the loan. The interest rates for Wells Fargo's line of credit options are competitive and range from a floor rate of 5% to Prime + 9.75%.
Wells Fargo offers three line of credit options, each with its own interest rate and credit limit range. The interest rates for these options are: Prime + 1.75% to Prime + 9.75% for BusinessLine, Prime + 4.50% to Prime + 6.50% for Small Business Advantage, and competitive Prime-based rates with a floor rate of 5% for Prime Line of Credit.
The credit limit ranges for these options are also varied, with BusinessLine offering $10,000 - $150,000, Small Business Advantage offering $5,000 - $50,000, and Prime Line of Credit offering $100,000 to $1 million.
Here's a summary of the interest rates and credit limit ranges for Wells Fargo's line of credit options:
Business Financing
You can fund your business through various options, including SBA loans, microloans, and other financing methods.
SBA loans are similar to conventional business loans, but with more flexible features like down payments, repayment terms, and collateral, thanks to the government guarantee.
The SBA offers several loan programs, including 7(a) loans, Microloans, and 504 loans, each with its own requirements and benefits.
Here are the main types of SBA loans:
The SBA's Lender Match Tool can connect you with prospective lenders to help you get started.
Wait for Funds
Waiting for your business loan to be approved can be a frustrating experience, but it's essential to understand the timeline involved.
Your lender can disburse your SBA loan in 30 to 90 days, which may seem like a long time, but it's a standard process.
If you're working with a micro-lender or a Private Lending Partner (PLP), you might be lucky and receive your funds in a shorter timeline, which can be a game-changer for your business.
Keep in mind that 30 to 90 days is the typical range for SBA loan disbursement, so it's essential to plan ahead and factor this time into your business cash flow.
Small Business Financing Options
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are a popular choice for small business owners, offering favorable loan terms and a government guarantee. The SBA acts as a middleman, guaranteeing to lenders that borrowers will repay the loans.
There are multiple loan programs available through the SBA, each designed for different types of businesses and with its own requirements. The three main types of SBA loans for small businesses are: 7(a) loans, Microloans, and 504 loans.
The 7(a) loan program is the most common type of loan the SBA offers, and is used for purchasing real estate, working capital, refinancing business debt, and purchasing equipment, furniture, and machinery. The maximum 7(a) loan size totals $5 million.
Microloans are small loans of $50,000 or less to help with startup and expansion costs. They can help businesses with working capital, inventory, furniture, machinery, equipment, and other select uses.
504 loans are fixed-rate, long-term financing for purchasing or repairing assets such as equipment, real estate, or machinery. The maximum 504 loan size totals $5 million.
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The SBA's Lender Match Tool can connect you with prospective lenders, simply answer a few questions, and you'll receive a list of potential matches within two days.
Here are the main types of SBA loans:
- 7(a) loans: Up to $5 million for various business purposes
- Microloans: Up to $50,000 for startup and expansion costs
- 504 loans: Up to $5 million for long-term financing of assets
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all SBA loan programs, but rather a summary of the most common types.
What Is the Prime Rate?
The Prime Rate is a variable rate that Wells Fargo announces from time to time, and it's subject to change at any moment. This rate is the foundation for many of Wells Fargo's interest rates, and it's often expressed as Prime plus a spread.
The Wells Fargo Prime Rate can change at any time, so it's essential to keep an eye on it if you're planning to borrow money or make financial decisions based on this rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest SBA loan to get approved for?
The SBA Express loan offers the easiest SBA loan application process with quick approval times and flexible terms. It's ideal for those seeking a streamlined loan experience with minimal hassle.
How do I contact Wells Fargo about my SBA loan?
Contact Wells Fargo's Small Business Customer Service at 1-800-225-5935 for immediate assistance with your SBA loan questions. Reach out to get personalized support and guidance.
Sources
- https://www.wellsfargo.com/biz/help/faqs/business-line/
- https://smallbusinessresources.wf.com/small-business-administration-loan-program-get-to-know-your-options/
- https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/guide-to-sba-loans
- https://smith.ai/blog/the-small-business-owners-guide-to-getting-the-right-loans
- http://www.pollyzebrowski.com/sba-lending
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