SBA Loans That Help Small Businesses Thrive
America's Credit Union specializes in the borrowing needs of small businesses, partnering with the U.S. Small Business Administration to secure timely, affordable financing. Our small business team leads you step by step.
A Local Lender Backed by the SBA
America's Credit Union partners with the U.S. Small Business Administration so you get affordable financing and a team that guides you the whole way.
We Help Small Businesses Thrive
ACU specializes in meeting the unique borrowing needs of small businesses, including partnering with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help you secure timely, affordable financing. Our dedicated small business team leads you step by step through the SBA application process. Because the SBA's mission is to support small business owners and entrepreneurs, SBA loans are ideal for startups and businesses with limited lending history. The SBA also provides free on-site or online counseling for startups and low-cost training for entrepreneurs.
- Dedicated small business team
- Step-by-step SBA application guidance
- Ideal for startups and limited-history businesses
- Free SBA counseling and low-cost training
What an SBA Loan Can Do
An SBA loan is flexible enough to fund almost every stage of growth, from real estate and equipment to working capital and buying a business outright.
- Purchase or upgrade land or real estate to operate your business
- Build a business facility or make tenant improvements on a leased property
- Purchase inventory and fixed assets such as heavy machinery and specialized equipment
- Obtain working capital
- Refinance debt
- Purchase an existing business, franchise, or startup with lower collateral requirements than conventional loans
The Benefits of an SBA 7(a) Loan
The SBA 7(a) program lets ACU offer terms most conventional loans cannot match, so your business keeps more cash on hand while it grows.
- Loan maturities of up to 25 years depending on how the loan is used, longer than many conventional bank loans
- Competitive rates and fees
- Smaller down payment requirements
- Less demanding collateral requirements
- Greater repayment flexibility, including no balloon payments and no prepayment penalties for loans with less than a 15-year maturity
- Loan guarantees of 75 percent to 85 percent depending on the loan amount
Financing for Real Estate and Equipment
SBA 504 loans are designed to finance fixed assets for small businesses at competitive or below market rates and terms, with permanent or take-out financing.
Three Partners, One Project
The loan amount is shared among the business owner, a conventional lender such as ACU, and a Certified Development Company (CDC). The CDC provides interim financing between SBA approval of the project and the debenture sale; after the project is completed, the 504 loan closes and the debenture proceeds repay the CDC. Your business's cash flow, not the liquidation of collateral, is the primary source of repayment.
- SBA 504 financing of up to $5 million, which can be combined with an SBA 7(a) loan for up to $10 million in total SBA financing
- The borrower covers at least 10% of the project cost; new businesses cover at least 15%
- Businesses with a limited or special purpose property cover 15% of the cost
- A project that finances both a new business and a limited or special purpose property requires the borrower to cover 20% of the cost
- Equity in previously acquired land, or in land and buildings when adding a new building to the same property, can count toward your contribution
What to Bring When You Apply
ACU members work directly with our SBA loan department to complete your application. Contact ACU to make an appointment at your local branch or your office.
- The amount you want to borrow (up to $5 million) and an explanation of how you will use the money
- Business tax returns with all schedules
Additional financials may be requested depending on your business and the type of loan. See the full checklist on our How to Apply page before your appointment.
Not Sure If an SBA Loan Fits? Let Us Walk You Through It.
Every small business is different. Tell our small business team what you are trying to build and they will help you take full advantage of everything the SBA program offers.
Terms Built for Small Business Growth
SBA backing lets ACU offer bigger loans, longer terms, and lighter requirements than many conventional loans.
Up to $5 Million in SBA 7(a)
Borrow up to $5 million through SBA 7(a) to fund real estate, equipment, working capital, and more, or up to $10 million combined with SBA 504.
Maturities Up to 25 Years
Maturities of up to 25 years, set by the purpose of the loan, run longer than many conventional bank loans.
75-85% Guaranteed
SBA guarantees of 75 percent to 85 percent apply depending on the loan amount.
Lower Down Payments
Smaller down payment and less demanding collateral requirements keep cash in your business.
No Prepayment Penalty Under 15 Years
Loans with less than a 15-year maturity carry no prepayment penalties and no balloon payments.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Our small business team leads you through the SBA application from first meeting to closing.
Three Steps to Your SBA Loan
You bring your goals and your numbers. Our small business team handles the SBA process from there.
Make an Appointment
Contact ACU to meet at your local branch or your office to discuss your business loan needs.
Bring Your Documents
Bring the amount you want to borrow, how you will use it, and your business tax returns with all schedules.
We Guide You Through the SBA Process
Our small business team leads you step by step and helps you take full advantage of the program.
“ACU's business team provides the kind of personalized service and local decision-making that you just can't find at the big banks. They understand our business and respond fast.”
SBA Loan FAQ
Answers to the questions small business owners ask most about SBA loans at ACU. Guarantee percentages and maturities follow the SBA 7(a) program terms.
Disclosures
SBA loans are subject to SBA eligibility and credit approval. Loan terms, maturities, and guarantees follow SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 program rules and vary by loan amount and use. SBA 504 loans are made together with a Certified Development Company. Membership required. America's Credit Union is a federally chartered credit union insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per ownership category. NMLS #449181. Equal opportunity lender.
Timely, Affordable Financing
for Your Small Business
Let our small business team walk you through the SBA process step by step. Make an appointment at your branch or your office.