For small businesses looking to grow quickly, the Express loan can be an important source of funding worth considering. Learn more about what this loan program entails and how to qualify.
What Is an SBA Express Loan?
SBA Express loans are a subset of the 7(a) loan program. While they are very similar to standard 7(a) loans, as the name suggests, Express loans can expedite and streamline the process of acquiring lines of credit or working capital. Similar to many other types of SBA loans, Express loans are issued through a qualified lender, such as a bank or a credit union. These loans or lines of credit are for smaller amounts than a standard 7(a) loan (maximum $350,000) and can carry slightly higher interest rates. This can be highly beneficial to business owners that need to quickly access capital, purchase equipment, or acquire real estate.
SBA Express Loan Specifications
Before you apply for an SBA Express loan, there are certain specifics to consider, which are detailed below.
Maximum Loan Amount
The SBA temporarily raised the maximum amount of Express loans to $1 million during the pandemic, but as of October 2021, the cap has returned to $350,000.
Interest
With Express loans, the SBA allows lenders to determine and negotiate the interest rate, but the rate may not exceed the SBA maximum; in the case of loans totaling $50,000 or less, the maximum interest rate may not exceed the prime rate + 6.5%. For loans over $50,000, the interest may not exceed prime + 4.5%.
Term Limits
SBA Express loan terms are the same as standard 7(a) loans, meaning loans for working capital or equipment mature within five to 10 years, and the maturity for real estate loans is 25 years. Lines of credit, however, mature at a maximum of 10 years. Though these loans are approved (or denied) quickly, you still must go through the loan underwriting process with your chosen lender, which can sometimes take weeks.
Requirements for SBA Express Loans
In order for a small business to be eligible for an Express loan, it must meet certain requirements from both the SBA and the individual lender.
Meet SBA definition: In order to qualify, the business must meet the SBA’s definition of a small business, which generally means it has less than $7 million in annual receipts or fewer than 500 employees. Be for-profit and operational: The SBA requires the recipient to be a for-profit business and to have been operational for at least two years. Must need funds: Applicants must also show a need for funds and proof that the funds will be used for a legitimate and eligible business purpose. Exhibit good qualities: The SBA requires applicants to show good character, credit, management, an ability to repay the funds, and have no previous delinquencies on government loans. Real estate requirements: Businesses using an Express loan to purchase real estate must also be occupants; real estate investment companies are not eligible for Express loans.
Individual lenders will likely also have their own requirements for approval and for determining interest rates. Generally, these factors can include strong personal credit scores and credit histories, evidence of fiscal responsibility, and/or guarantors.
Types of SBA Express Loans
The SBA also offers an Export Express loan under the 7(a) program, which makes financing available for direct or indirect export development activities. Applicants for the Export Express loan must have been in business for at least 12 months and be able to demonstrate that they will use the funds to enter a new or expand in an existing export market. These loans are available up to $500,000, are guaranteed up to 90% for loans of $350,000 or less, and have the same term limits and fees as the standard Express loan.
SBA Express Loan vs. 7(a) Loan
Out of the many loan products that fall under the 7(a) umbrella, the basic 7(a) and the Express loan are some of the most popular. Though they both have similar requirements for eligibility and how a business can use its funds, the borrowing limit for the 7(a) loan is up to $5 million with up to 85% guaranteed. Additionally, the interest rates for the 7(a) loans are slightly lower and vary based on loan amount and loan terms. 7(a) loans, however, have a great deal more paperwork, as well as a much longer turnaround time for both approval and delivery of funds as compared to the Express loan.
How To Get an Express Loan
As discussed, Express loans are subsidized loans provided via an authorized lender, such as a bank. The traditional process is able to be expedited because, while still under the supervision of the SBA, each lender uses its own documentation, analyses, policies, and procedures for processing SBA Express loans. While each lending process is unique, all applicants with more than 20% ownership will need to fill out Form 1919 SBA 7(a) Borrower Information Application, as well as provide copies of tax returns, proof of income, net worth, and information regarding any necessary collateral to the lender. Not every lender, nor every type of SBA loan, will fit your business perfectly, so it’s important to plan for your capital needs before they become an emergency situation. Doing so will allow you time to shop around for the best interest rate and the best lending partner to help walk you through the process and become a resource for the life of your loan.
