Finance:Community Advantage Loan
The U.S. Small Business Administration Community Advantage Loan program is designed for new and existing businesses that need loans under $250,000. The loan can be used to finance a startup company or expand an existing small business or buy real estate. The SBA guarantees 85 percent of loans up to $150,000 and 75 percent of loans greater than $150,000.[1] Launched in 2011, the Community Advantage program intends to expand access to capital in underserved communities by allowing mission-focused, community-based financial institutions – including a Certified Development Company – to offer this loan to small businesses. Greater access to credit can help spur firms to grow and hire, giving the economy a boost.[2]
The SBA designates specific lenders throughout the United States to offer Community Advantage loans. The first six lenders[3] selected for the program were: CDC Small Business Finance, California; Cen-Tex CDC, Texas; The Progress Fund in Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Maine; Idaho-Nevada Community Development Financial Institution, Idaho; Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, Kentucky. Thirty-four other lenders have since been approved.[4]
Loan Size and Terms
- Maximum Loan Size: $250,000[5]
- Terms: 7–10 years for working capital, inventory, business acquisitions, tenant improvements, and start-up expenses
- Terms: 25 years for real estate
- Interest Rate: up to Prime + 6%
- No pre-payment penalties
Eligibility
There are specific eligibility criteria for the Community Advantage loan, which include credit history, cash flow and industry experience. A designated Community Advantage lender can help a small business owner determine if they can qualify by reviewing an eligibility form.[6]
References
- ↑ "Community Advantage". U.S. Small Business Administration. http://www.sba.gov/content/community-advantage. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ↑ Clifford, Catherine. "New small business loans approved in 'minutes'". CNN Money. https://money.cnn.com/2010/12/15/smallbusiness/sba_small_business_loan_programs/index.htm. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ↑ "SBA Approves First Six Lenders to Start Making Community Advantage Loans". U.S. Small Business Administration. 28 April 2011. http://www.sba.gov/content/sba-approves-first-six-lenders-start-making-community-advantage-loans. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ↑ "Community Advantage Approved Lenders". U.S. Small Business Administration. http://www.sba.gov/content/community-advantage-approved-lenders. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ↑ "Community Advantage Participant Guide". U.S. Small Business Administration. 13 November 2012. http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Community%20Advantage%20Participant%20Guide%203_0%20(Final%20Version%2011-13-2012).pdf. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ↑ "Eligibility Information for Community Advantage (CA) Loans". U.S. Small Business Administration. http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/tools_sbf_forms_2301d.pdf. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
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