Microloan Program (2024)

Program Description

The MicroLoan Program provides very small loans to start-up, newly established, or growing small business concerns and certain not-for-profit childcare centers. Under this program, SBA makes funds available to nonprofit community based lenders (Microlender Intermediaries) which, in turn, make loans to eligible borrowers in amounts up to a maximum of $50,000. The average loan size is about $13,000. Applications are submitted to the local intermediary and all credit decisions are made on the local level.

Program Requirements

Each intermediary lender has its own lending and credit requirements. However, business owners contemplating application for a microloan should be aware that intermediaries will generally require some type of collateral, and the personal guarantee of the business owner.A Microlender is a non profit organization that receives a loan from SBA. In turn, the Microlender makes small loans to very small businesses in the community. The Microlender also provides technical assistance to the small business. All credit decisions are made by the Microlender. The application process may vary depending on the Intermediary Microlender.

Loan Terms

The maximum term allowed for a microloan is six years. However, loan terms vary according to the size of the loan, the planned use of funds, the requirements of the intermediary lender, and the needs of the small business borrower. Interest rates vary, depending upon the intermediary lender and costs to the intermediary from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Additional Information

Additional Information
Max Loan Length6 years
Interest RateVariable, Maximum set by SBA
Max Loan Amount$50,000
Payment FrequencyMonthly
Prepayment PenaltiesNone
FeesVaries
Microloan Program (2024)

FAQs

Who is eligible for a microloan? ›

Each microlender is looking for someone with a good business idea who, for some reason or another, can't get access to capital. While microloans may be just right for some small businesses, they are typically best for borrowers with limited working capital and little to no credit history.

How much is a typical micro loan? ›

Qualified small business owners can borrow up to $50,000. The average microloan is $13,000, according to the SBA. Interest rates typically range from 8 percent to 13 percent.

How easy is it to get a microloan? ›

Eligibility requirements vary based on the lender and type of microloan you're applying for. Unlike with more traditional business loans, many microlenders don't have minimum eligibility criteria for credit scores or annual revenue, making it easier for startups and businesses with bad credit to qualify.

What credit score do you need for a SBA microloan? ›

The minimum credit score required for an SBA loan depends on the type of loan. For SBA Microloans, the minimum credit score is typically between 620-640. For SBA 7(a) loans, the minimum credit score is typically 640, but borrowers may find greater success if they can boost their credit score into the 680+ range.

Can I get a microloan with bad credit? ›

Small Business Administration (SBA) microloans are ideal for those with bad credit as they often have less strict eligibility requirements than other government-backed loans and still offer lower interest rates. However, the loan application process can be lengthy and the maximum you can borrow is just $50,000.

Do micro loans require collateral? ›

SBA Microloans Require Collateral and a Personal Guarantee

In addition to requiring collateral, SBA microloans also require a personal guarantee, which states that a lender can go after a borrower's personal assets if they default on the loan.

How much would a $5000 loan cost me? ›

What is the monthly payment on a $5,000 personal loan? The monthly payment on a $5,000 loan ranges from $68 to $502, depending on the APR and how long the loan lasts. For example, if you take out a $5,000 loan for one year with an APR of 36%, your monthly payment will be $502.

How much would a $1,000 loan cost? ›

Example Monthly Payments on a $1,000 Personal Loan
Payoff periodAPRTotal interest over life of loan
12 months15%$83
24 months15%$164
36 months15%$248
48 months15%$336
3 more rows
Aug 27, 2021

What is the easiest SBA loan to get? ›

Thanks to the wide range of permitted loan uses, an SBA Express loan is financing that's easy to approve and is likely perfect for your startup's needs.

Do micro loans require down payment? ›

As the name suggests, SBA microloans offer small loans up to $50,000 with no down payment required. Similar to the 7(a) loan, you can use microloans for general financing, including working capital, inventory, furniture and equipment. The maximum term is six years.

Who uses microlending? ›

A borrower usually uses microloans if they do not have access to local financial institutions, if they have poor credit, or if they want a loan smaller than what their bank will allow.

Do SBA microloans require a down payment? ›

Most SBA microloans don't require a down payment. These loans are usually for a much smaller amount – $50,000 or less – and are managed through non-profits. They're also aimed at small businesses that may have trouble qualifying for larger loans.

Can I get a start-up business loan with a 500 credit score? ›

Yes, startup loans tend to stay lenient in terms of credit requirements. For example, a lender may offer business loans with a minimum 600 personal credit score while accepting businesses with six months' experience. Some lenders do offer startup business loans for a 500 credit score.

What is the minimum credit score for Affirm? ›

Loan limits vary by merchant and will depend on your credit record and payment history with Affirm. The lender has no minimum credit score to qualify for a loan, and checking whether you prequalify will not damage your credit score.

What FICO score does SBA use? ›

The FICO SBSS score ranges between 0 to 300, with 300 being the highest score. A higher score indicates lower risk. SBA Small Loans require the lender to prescreen the application using a FICO SBSS score. The current minimum SBSS score for 7(a) Small Loans is 155.

Why might someone consider obtaining a microloan who qualifies for microloans? ›

A microloan is a type of small, short-term loan, specifically designed to help startups, small businesses and people who may not qualify for larger loans and that may be facing funding needs or cash flow issues.

Who is not eligible for SBA loan? ›

First and foremost, your business must be for-profit and operate within the United States or its territories. Non-profit organizations are not eligible for SBA loans. Additionally, you must have exhausted all other financing options, including personal assets, before turning to an SBA loan.

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