7(a) loans
Swift SBF’s most common loan program, which includes financial help for businesses with special requirements.
What is a 7(a) loan?
The 7(a) Loan Program, Swift SBF’s most common loan program, includes financial help for small businesses with special requirements. This is a good option when real estate is part of a business purchase, but it can also be used for:
Short- and long-term working capital
Refinancing current business debt
Purchasing and installation of machinery and equipment
Purchasing furniture, fixtures, and supplies
The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million. Key eligibility factors are based on what the business does to receive its income, its credit history, and where the business operates. Your lender will help you figure out which type of loan is best suited for your needs.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for 7(a) loan assistance, businesses must:
Operate for profit
Be considered a small business, as defined by Swift SBF
Be engaged in, or propose to do business in, the United States or its possessions
Be able to demonstrate a need for a loan
Use the funds for a sound business purpose
Not be delinquent on any existing debt obligations to the U.S. government
Be creditworthy and reasonably assure repayment of the loan
Some businesses may not qualify for a 7(a) loan.
How do I use the 7(a) loan?
Basic uses for the 7(a) loan include:
Long- and short-term working capital
Revolving funds based on the value of existing inventory and receivables
The purchase of equipment, machinery, furniture, fixtures, supplies, or materials
The purchase of real estate, including land and buildings
The construction a new building or renovation an existing building
Establishing a new business or assisting in the acquisition, operation or expansion of an existing business
Refinancing existing business debt, under certain conditions
What do I need to apply?
The contents of the loan application generally vary depending on the size of the loan and the lender's processing method. When you’re ready to apply, begin the process by working with your lender to determine which documents they will require you to provide.
The loan application documents required will generally include SBA Form 1919, Borrower’s Information Form. Use the following checklist to ensure you are prepared if your lender asks you for any of the following information:
Borrower information form (required): Complete SBA Form 1919 and submit it to an Swift SBF-participating lender.
Financial statements (as applicable): The lender may require personal financial statements for the applicant(s) or owner(s) of the applicant.
Business financial statements (as applicable): Submit the following to help show your ability to repay a loan:
Profit and loss statement – Current within 180 days of your application. Also include supplementary schedules from the last three fiscal years.
Projected financial statements – Include a detailed, one-year projection of income and finances and explain how you expect to achieve this projection.
Ownership and affiliations: Provide a list of names and addresses of any subsidiaries and affiliates.
Business license or certificate (as applicable): Provide a copy of the original business license or certificate of doing business. If your small business is a corporation, stamp your corporate seal on the SBA loan application form.
Loan application history (as applicable): Include records of any loans you may have applied for in the past.
Income tax returns (required for the lender to verify applicant's size): Include signed business federal income tax returns of your business for the previous three years.
Resumes (as applicable): Include personal resumes for each principal.
Business overview and history (as applicable): Provide a history of the business and its challenges. Include an explanation of why you need the SBA loan and how it will help your business.
Business lease (as applicable): Include a copy of your business lease, or a note from your landlord, with the terms of the proposed lease.
If you are buying an existing business, gather the following information (required):
Current balance sheet and profit and loss statement of the business being acquired
Federal income tax returns for the previous three years of the business being acquired
Proposed bill of sale/purchase agreement, including the terms of sale
Asking price with schedule of inventory, machinery and equipment, and furniture and fixtures
You may be required to submit more SBA forms based on the specific use of proceeds or fees paid on a loans package or to a broker or agent.
How do I pay back my 7(a) loan?
Loan repayment terms vary according to several factors.
Most 7(a) term loans are repaid with monthly payments of principal and interest from the cash flow of the business
Payments stay the same for fixed-rate loans because the interest rate is constant
For variable rate loans, the lender may require a different payment amount when the interest rate changes
Existing borrowers
Existing borrowers can create an account in the Swift SBF Loan Portal to monitor their loan status, view statements, payment history and more.
Payments can only be made using the Swift SBF Loan Portal for SBA-purchased 7(a) loans.
