Guaranteed Business Loans: Government Programs

I’m a big fan of guaranteed business loans. Sometimes it requires entrepreneurs to jump through a few hoops. However, it can be the deciding factor in receiving a “Yes!” from a lender or a denial letter. For my clients who could use the extra boost, I certainly look into it for them.

What is a Guaranteed Business Loans?

Woman & Man Shaking Hands Over Guaranteed Business LoansIt almost sounds like a Guaranteed Business Loans is a loan you’re guaranteed to get. That is not it. Really, it’s a loan that’s guaranteed to be paid back by another party other than the borrower, in the event the borrower defaults on the loan. It’s kind of like having a cosigner on your loan.

In the US, most guaranteed business loans are government sponsored, though you may be able to get a relative to guarantee a business loan or you. For now, let’s talk about some of the more popular government guarantees.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

I tend to talk a lot about the SBA. It’s likely because my background is as an Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Business Advisor, which is a SBA program. The SBA is a federally funded program aimed at helping entrepreneurs start and grow their small businesses. It typically doesn’t provide any direct services itself. Rather it funds programs, such as SBDC offices and advisors to provide the services in its stead.

The SBA partners with banks and select alternative lenders to offer Loan Guarantees to entrepreneurs starting or expanding their businesses. What’s nice about the program is there’s no minimum amount they’ll guarantee and they’ll guarantee a loan up to $5 million. There Loan Guarantee Program will guaranty 75-85% of a loan, depending on the size. That’s pretty sweet.

VA Loan

American FlagsAs a Veteran, I’m always interested in Veteran programs. For the longest time, I felt guilty about tapping into the programs because my enlistment was pretty light. After talking to a Veteran’s Counselor, I’m told a lot of women feel that way. If you’re a Veteran woman, I want to remind you that services are available to you. You volunteered to give up your freedoms during your enlistment and/or commission and you’ve earned the benefits, just like your male counterparts. 🙂

A lot of veterans are familiar with the VA Loans for mortgages. The VA also provides a variety business programs for veteran entrepreneurs. A key difference with VA Loans versus other loans is eligible veterans can often borrow with lower fees and even no fees, which can save thousands of dollars.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The final type of guarantee I want to talk about is the USDA loans. When I lived in North Dakota, USDA loans were pretty attractive. The thing with USDA loans, is it’s not just for farmers and ranchers. The USDA also has an initiative to help rural areas. Because the USDA has two programs, which might interest you as entrepreneurs, I’ll break them down separately.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Programs

Blue TractorThe Farm Loan Programs focuses on helping family-sized farmers and ranchers. It helps the little guy stay more competitive with the larger corporations. In terms of the guaranteed business loan program, the FSA guarantees loans for up to $1,399,000 and $500,000 for land contracts. This is great for a farmer or rancher purchasing equipment, acquiring land, or in need of funds for other operating expenses.

USDA Rural Development – Business & Industry Loan Guarantees

As the name would suggest, the USDA Rural Development programs helped rural businesses. USDA Rural Development defines rural as cities or towns with populations less that 50,000. That was pretty much all of North Dakota. 🙂 The USDA is pretty generous with its Business & Industry Loan Guarantees It’ll work with loans up to $25 million and guarantees 60-80% of a loan, depending on its size. These programs can really make a small town attractive for starting a business.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of what we see on the political scene, there are still pieces of the government who understand the importance of small business and work to support it. Programs are out there to help you succeed. A guaranteed business loan may be one of those answers for you. As always, I encourage you to research your options and tap into opportunities that increase your chances of success.

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