# The SBA loans cheat sheet: what to expect before you apply

URL: https://cheapcheapwebsites.com/cheat-sheets/sba-loans/
Updated October 16, 2026. Funding offered by Merchant Fund Express (https://merchantfundexpress.com/bridge-funding/); Cheap Cheap Websites builds websites and does not lend.

## The short answer
SBA loans are bank and lender loans partly backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The main programs are 7(a), 504, SBA Express and microloans. They usually take weeks to months and need more paperwork than private funding, and rates are typically set as a base rate plus a spread capped by SBA rules. Merchant Fund Express does not make SBA loans, but it can review bridge or alternative funding while an SBA file is in process.

## At a glance
- Who makes the loan: Banks, credit unions and approved lenders; the SBA backs part of it
- Main programs: 7(a), 504, SBA Express, microloans
- Typical timeline: Usually weeks to months, varies by lender and file
- Rate structure: Base rate plus a spread capped by SBA rules
- Paperwork: Heavier: tax returns, financial statements, debt schedule, business plan for some
- Credit: Varies by lender; stronger personal and business credit helps
- Collateral: Often requested when available; rules vary by program and lender
- Best for: Planned, longer-term needs where you can wait
- Avoid if: You need money for payroll, repairs or inventory this week
- MFE role: Bridge or alternative funding only, from $5,000 to $5,000,000

## Before you apply: checklist
- Decide which program fits: working capital (7(a) or Express), real estate and big equipment (the 504 program), small amounts (microloan)
- Gather two to three years of business and personal tax returns if you have them
- Prepare a current profit and loss statement and balance sheet
- Write a debt schedule listing every loan, advance and lease you owe
- Pull your personal credit report and fix errors before a lender sees it
- Plan for a timeline of weeks to months, not days
- If cash is tight now, price a short bridge before the gap becomes an emergency
- Ask the SBA lender how any new short-term funding would be viewed in the file

## The four SBA programs in one minute
SBA 7(a): the general-purpose program. Used for working capital, equipment, refinancing some debt, and buying a business. SBA 504: built for long-term fixed assets like owner-occupied real estate and major equipment, usually involving a bank and a certified development company. SBA Express: a 7(a) version where the lender has more authority to decide, often with a lighter process for smaller amounts. Microloans: smaller loans made through nonprofit lenders, often paired with coaching. Good for very young businesses. Program limits and fees change, so confirm current figures with the SBA or your lender. This sheet does not quote them.

## Why many owners need faster money first
The SBA process is careful. Lenders review tax returns, projections, collateral and the owner's history. That care is why SBA rates are usually lower than short-term funding. It is also why a file can sit for weeks. Meanwhile, payroll, rent and supplier bills keep coming. Owners who wait until the account is empty often end up paying more for rushed money. Read the business funding requirements guide to see what both SBA lenders and faster funders look at.

## Illustrative example: the cost of waiting
Illustrative example Assumption Figure Expected SBA loan $150,000 Months until expected funding 3 Monthly cash shortfall until then $12,000 Total gap to cover (3 x $12,000) $36,000 Bridge requested (gap plus a $4,000 cushion) $40,000 Assumed factor rate on a short advance 1.25 Total payback (40,000 x 1.25) $50,000 Cost of the bridge (50,000 - 40,000) $10,000 The question is whether $10,000 is cheaper than missed payroll, lost suppliers or a late tax penalty. Sometimes it is. Sometimes cutting costs for three months is better. These figures are illustrations, not offers. Real terms depend on the full file and are set by the funder at review.

## Common mistakes
Applying for an SBA loan when you need money in days. Taking several short-term advances while an SBA file is open, which can shrink what the SBA lender will approve. Leaving existing debts off the debt schedule. Assuming an SBA decline means no funding at all. Many alternatives look at deposits, not just tax returns. Not asking the SBA lender whether the loan can pay off a bridge at closing.

## How Merchant Fund Express handles this
Merchant Fund Express does not make SBA loans. What MFE can do is review bridge funding at Merchant Fund Express for owners waiting on an SBA decision or who were declined. Amounts run from $5,000 to $5,000,000, and credit scores from 500 are considered. A standard review uses 3 to 4 months of business bank statements, ID, a voided check and a short application. Same-day decisions are common on complete files, with funding often the next business day, but timing is never promised. Service is in English and Spanish. When you are ready, apply with Merchant Fund Express .

## Frequently asked questions
**Does Merchant Fund Express offer SBA loans?** No. SBA loans come from banks, credit unions and approved lenders. MFE reviews alternative and bridge funding, such as merchant cash advances and working capital, that some owners use while an SBA application is pending or after a decline.

**How long does an SBA loan take?** Usually weeks to months. The timeline depends on the program, the lender, how complete your paperwork is and whether real estate or appraisals are involved. Plan around the long end of what your lender quotes.

**How are SBA loan rates set?** Typically as a base rate plus a spread, with the maximum spread capped by SBA rules. Your lender sets the exact rate inside those limits. Ask for the rate, fees and total cost in writing.

**What is the difference between 7(a) and 504?** 7(a) is general purpose and can cover working capital, equipment and buying a business. 504 is focused on long-term fixed assets like real estate and large equipment, with a different lender structure.

**Is an SBA microloan right for a new business?** It can be. Microloans are smaller and are made through nonprofit lenders that often work with newer businesses. Expect to show a plan and, in many cases, take part in training or coaching.

Apply with Merchant Fund Express: https://merchantfundexpress.com/current-application.html?utm_source=cheat-sheet&utm_campaign=sba-loans