Depending on the lender, the loan type and your business’s needs, SBA Loan Processing can take a few weeks to several months. To speed up the process, it is helpful to be well prepared with documents in advance. Lenders often ask for personal and business tax filings, a cash flow forecast, financial projections and a loan application history. It may be possible to e-sign some of these documents, and this can save time.
SBA Loan Processing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
The underwriting stage is a critical part of the process and can be lengthy. This is where the lender will critique every detail of your personal and business history to determine how likely you are to pay back your loan plus interest. It is best to be as transparent as possible, and to make sure all the information you provide is accurate.
If the lender finds you creditworthy, they will submit the application to SBA for review. It is a good idea to only use lenders that offer the type of loan you need, and to check the SBA’s lender list for their specific requirements. It may be helpful to also check with local banks in your area, as some of them may offer SBA loans as a specialty or as a component of their small-business lending program.
Once the SBA approves your application, the lender will draw up all the loan documents and finalize the terms of the loan, including the amount and repayment schedule. They may also request additional documentation such as titles and environmental reports. Closing can take seven to 14 days, but some banks warn that it could take up to 90 days, particularly if there are any issues with the loan.