The SBA offers three export loan programs to help small businesses secure working capital and international trade financing. These loans provide funding options that may not be available through traditional lenders. 1. SBA Export Express Loan A streamlined financing option for businesses engaging in export activities, offering fast approval and funding up to $500,000. Loan Amount: Up to $500,000 Interest Rates: 9.75% – 11.75% Terms: Up to 7 years for a line of credit, 10–25 years for term loans This loan is ideal for exporters needing smaller funding amounts with a simplified application process. 2. SBA Export Working Capital Loan Provides up to $5 million to finance export transactions, including purchase orders from foreign buyers, letters of credit, and long payment cycles. Loan Amount: Up to $5 million Interest Rates: 6% – 10% (varies, monitored by SBA) Terms: Typically 12 months, up to 3 years This loan ensures exporters have the cash flow needed to fulfill international sales. 3. SBA International Trade Loan Designed for businesses looking to enter or expand into global markets, this loan provides long-term financing for export expansion, business acquisitions related to international trade, and facility and equipment upgrades. Loan Amount: Up to $5 million Interest Rates: 7.50% – 10.00% (same as SBA 7(a)) Terms: 10–25 years, depending on loan use The SBA International Trade Loan is a great option for businesses aiming to compete and grow in the global marketplace.

Yes the SBA has a microloan program it provides SBA loans to nonprofit intermediary lenders that, in turn, lend amounts under $50,000 to for-profit small businesses and nonprofit child care centers. The SBA does not guarantee any portion of the loans made under the SBA Microloan program. Microloans have terms up to 6 years, and the average size is about $13,000.​ SBA Microloan qualifications will vary from intermediary to intermediary. Unlike most of the SBA loan programs, the SBA leaves qualifications up to the intermediary, which sets all eligibility requirements and makes all credit decisions. The basic requirements to qualify for an SBA Microloan are: Credit score: 640+ (check yours for free) Collateral: Some required, but the amount varies by lender. Personal guarantee: Required

Export loans are SBA loans up to $5 million designed to help American small businesses expand their export activities, engage in international transactions and enter new foreign markets. They’re best for businesses engaging in international business and growing their businesses in those areas.

The SBA CAPLine program offers four specialized lines of credit under the SBA 7(a) loan program, each designed to meet specific business financing needs. These lines of credit can go up to $5 million and provide flexible funding options. 1. SBA Seasonal Line of Credit Designed for businesses with seasonal cash flow fluctuations, this line of credit covers expenses like: Inventory purchases Increased labor costs Accounts receivable financing Eligibility: Must be in business for at least one year and show a pattern of seasonal revenue changes. 2. SBA Contract Line of Credit Provides funds to cover materials and labor costs for businesses working on assignable contracts, subcontracts, or purchase orders. Eligibility: Businesses must demonstrate experience, profitability, and the ability to complete contracted work. 3. SBA Builders Line of Credit Designed for contractors and home builders, this credit line funds construction or renovation projects for both residential and commercial properties. Eligibility: Requires a proven track record of completing similar projects profitably. 4. SBA Working Capital (Asset-Based) Line of Credit Helps small businesses convert short-term assets (like pending invoices and inventory) into cash, providing liquidity for day-to-day operations. Eligibility: Businesses must have accounts receivable and/or inventory to secure the credit line.

SBA 7(a) loans are the most common type of SBA loan. These loans go up to $5 million and can be used for working capital, to refinance debt, or to buy a business, real estate, or equipment. Two popular loans, the SBA Express Loan and SBA Advantage Loan, are part of the 7(a) loan program. SBA 7(a) loans are right for most businesses looking to finance their working capital needs. These loans are what most people are referring to when they ask about SBA loans and can be used for almost any business purpose. SBA loans are popular because of their long repayment terms and low interest rates, which make 7(a) loans one of the most affordable working capital solutions.

The SBA CAPLines program has four SBA loans or lines of credit products that are designed to provide up to $5 million to help small businesses meet their short-term and cyclical working capital needs. SBA CAPLines are best for businesses that need a revolving line of credit to make recurring payments or to prepare for unexpected expenses.​ While technically SBA CAPLines can be issued as stand-alone products, typically these are only offered to borrowers in conjunction with a traditional SBA 7(a) loan or a CDC/SBA 504 loan. Well-qualified borrowers or those businesses that have the potential to bring in a great deal of other business to a bank may be able to find a lender willing to issue a stand-alone CAPLines line of credit, but this is less common.

SBA Disaster loans are SBA loans used for recovery from a declared physical or economic disaster. Each Disaster loan can be used differently, and you can apply for multiple types of loans at the same time to meet your needs. These are best for businesses that have been negatively impacted by a disaster and those that can provide evidence of the negative impact.

The Community Advantage Loans are SBA loans designed to help businesses in underserved markets get access to financing. These programs are available to borrowers who meet the SBA eligibility criteria but are not able to qualify for a standard SBA 7(a) loan because of low revenues, low collateral, or other reasons. Under the Community Advantage Program, the SBA offers the same expedited application and approval process that comes with an SBA Express loan, but they’ll guarantee 85 percent of loans up to $250,000. This further reduces the risk to lenders and gives them more motivation to lend these loans over the SBA Express program.

The CDC/SBA 504 loan program provides SBA loans to small businesses looking to buy or build owner-occupied commercial real estate. The program pairs two lenders together to fund these projects, a bank or traditional lender and a CDC. The bank lends up to 50 percent, and the CDC lends up to 40 percent while the remaining 10 percent of the project’s costs come from the borrower, typically in the form of a cash down payment. CDC/SBA 504 loans require that the business occupy at least 51 percent of the commercial space. While this is a great opportunity to rent out 49 percent of your new building to tenants, it’s only right for companies that actually expect to occupy the space themselves. It’s also only right for small U.S. businesses that meet the SBA’s basic eligibility requirements, such as being for-profit.

The SBA offers three types of disaster loans to help businesses recover financially after a declared disaster. These loans provide gap funding once insurance and other resources have been exhausted, with amounts up to $2 million for eligible businesses and private nonprofits. 1. SBA Business Physical Disaster Loans (BPDL) Designed to help businesses repair or replace property damaged by a declared disaster. These long-term, low-interest loans cover losses not fully covered by insurance. Loan Amount: Up to $2 million Purpose: Repairs/replacements for real estate, equipment, inventory, and other assets Eligibility: Businesses located in a declared disaster area that suffered physical damage 2. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Provides working capital to businesses suffering significant economic injury due to a disaster, helping them cover normal operating expenses. Loan Amount: Up to $2 million Purpose: Covers payroll, rent, utilities, and other essential costs Eligibility: Businesses unable to meet operating expenses due to the disaster 3. SBA Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loans (MREIDL) Helps businesses recover from the financial impact of losing an essential employee called to active military duty. These loans provide working capital to maintain business operations. Loan Amount: Up to $2 million Purpose: Covers ongoing business expenses during the reservist’s deployment Eligibility: Business must show that the loss of a key employee creates a financial hardship

One drawback of the standard SBA 7(a) loan is that the application process can take months. In order to address this problem, the SBA offers an expedited processing service called the SBA Express Loan, which guarantees a response to an application from the SBA within 36 hours. (Note: this means the SBA will notify your lender within 36 hours if your application has been approved, but it may take significantly longer for your lender to process and fund your loan.) The SBA Express Loan generally follows the same guidelines as the standard SBA 7(a) loan, but the maximum loan amount is $350,000, and only select lenders are qualified to participate. The SBA guarantees a maximum of 50 percent for SBA Express loans, which means the interest rates on an SBA Express loan can be a bit higher than other 7(a) loans.

A business line of credit is very flexible and can be used for any business purpose. It’s often used by seasonal businesses to cover operations during slower months, for example.

You can obtain a revolving line of credit without needing collateral. This type of credit is called an unsecured line of credit, and it does not require you to put up any collateral. However, it can be more expensive due to higher interest rates. Lenders take on a greater risk when lending unsecured funds, which is why they charge higher rates of interest.

You may have a project that could benefit from other types of small business loans beyond your business line of credit.

A revolving line of credit is a flexible financing option that provides businesses with ongoing access to funds. Here are its essential characteristics: Credit Limit: Lenders set a maximum borrowing amount based on creditworthiness and financial health. Businesses can access funds as needed, up to this limit, ensuring financial flexibility. Flexible Access to Funds: Withdraw funds anytime, repay, and borrow again without reapplying—ideal for managing fluctuating expenses and cash flow. Interest on Borrowed Amounts: Interest accrues only on the funds you use, not the total credit limit. Rates are often variable, meaning they can change with market conditions. Repayment Terms: Monthly payments typically include interest and a portion of the principal. Paying more than the minimum or clearing the balance reduces interest costs and strengthens business credit. Multiple Access Methods: Funds can be accessed through bank transfers, checks, or a linked card, ensuring quick and convenient financial support. Emergency Business Funding: Acts as a financial safety net for unexpected expenses, providing businesses with a reliable backup plan. Cash Flow Stability: Helps businesses navigate seasonal fluctuations and maintain steady operations by bridging income gaps. Project-Based Financing: Supports business growth by funding projects with uncertain costs, allowing for strategic investments without upfront financial strain.

A small business loan is a lump sum of money that is given to the borrower upfront and repaid over time with interest. It is ideal for one-time investments or larger expenses. A line of credit, on the other hand, allows the borrower to access a predetermined amount of funds as needed and only pay interest on the amount used. It’s better suited for recurring or ongoing expenses.

Yes, you can use the Section 179 tax deduction for equipment financing for your business. This write-off allows you to deduct the entire purchase price of the equipment you purchased in the qualifying year. A good accountant will ensure that all your expenses are accounted for and deducted correctly.

An equipment loan could make sense for a small business, depending on the nature of the equipment, its useful life, and whether or not the intention is to keep it as a long-term asset. Because in some situations, a lease can cost more than a loan, many businesses choose to finance the purchase of equipment rather than lease. Additionally, the entire lease payment amount may not be tax deductible if your lease terms include any provision allowing you to own the equipment at the end of the lease. You’ll need to consult with your accountant or financial advisor to see if this is the case for your situation.

Getting an equipment lease or financing can help you fund a variety of business needs. This financing solution can be used for things like: Vehicles Heavy machinery Restaurant appliances Medical equipment Office furniture Technology systems Regardless of your company’s industry, exploring your equipment finance options could help the success of your business. Plus, equipment lenders usually report to business credit. The more business credit you build the greater opportunity you have in the future to receive the best rates and terms for the money you receive and increase your business’s ability to receive future loans without a personal guarantee.

Equipment financing is specifically designed for acquiring business equipment, covering a wide range of assets such as office technology, furniture, industrial machinery, and commercial vehicles. Many financing options provide up to 100% of the equipment’s cost, though some may require a down payment, helping businesses manage cash flow more effectively. The financed equipment itself usually serves as collateral, minimizing risk for lenders and simplifying the approval process. Additionally, equipment financing offers tax benefits, as payments may be deductible as business expenses, and businesses can take advantage of equipment depreciation for further financial savings.

The largest difference between an equipment lease and an equipment loan is that an equipment lease has a fixed term, in which you pay a monthly rental fee, with no prepay benefits, and an equipment loan can be paid off at any time with any remaining interest wiped clean.

A working capital loan is money borrowed to finance day-to-day operations of the business. This includes fixed regular expenses such as payroll, office expenses, and equipment purchases.

To make the most of a working capital loan, businesses should prioritize high-ROI projects, directing funds toward initiatives that yield strong returns, such as expanding product lines, enhancing marketing efforts, or investing in cost-saving technology. Improving inventory management is another key strategy, as optimizing stock levels helps prevent cash from being tied up unnecessarily. Additionally, businesses should streamline accounts receivable by enhancing invoicing and collection processes to accelerate cash inflows and maintain liquidity. Regular monitoring and forecasting of cash flow are crucial for making informed financial decisions and ensuring optimal working capital utilization. Finally, businesses can leverage their financial flexibility to negotiate better terms with suppliers and partners, strengthening their overall financial position.

Your can secure a working capital loan as quickly as 24 hours after you have submitted your application and last 4 months of business bank statements.

One of the most common misuses of working capital is overleveraging—taking on more debt than the business can reasonably manage. Even if a lender offers more funding than needed, excessive borrowing can create financial strain and repayment difficulties, particularly for small businesses and startups. Another mistake is misusing funds by allocating them to long-term investments or non-essential expenses rather than short-term operational needs. Maintaining financial discipline ensures that working capital serves its intended purpose of sustaining and growing the business. Additionally, failing to monitor the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) can be problematic. This ratio measures the company’s ability to repay debt using its current revenue, and neglecting it can lead to instability in managing loan obligations.

Nicholas Orchano discusses assisting a restaurant owner in Washington with funding on two occasions. He recounts their initial meeting, the client’s financial needs, the tight funding timeline, and how he successfully secured $60,000 in working capital to support the business.

Cristian Piña shares how he secured funding for an autobody shop in North Carolina. He discusses his initial interaction with the client, guiding them through the alternative lending space, and recommending a tailored program to support the shop’s growth and long-term stability.

Anthony Diaz reflects on his first equipment funding deal, detailing how he secured financing for his client and the unique aspects of equipment funding compared to other options.

Blake Fiorito returns to discuss helping a cleaning services company in California secure additional funding for upcoming projects. He reflects on his initial meeting with the client, the specific funding needs, and the challenges the client faced in securing financing.

Emilio Arguello breaks down a recent transaction for a technology retail store in Maryland. He explains the reasoning behind recommending a working capital loan to finance inventory procurement, emphasizing how this flexible funding solution aligned with the client’s operational demands.

Rio Pampallona, a senior financial advisor at Capital Infusion, discusses securing an SBA loan for an architecture firm in Missouri. He explains how he facilitated pre-approval through a prequalification screening and successfully obtained the longer terms and lower interest rate the client sought.

We provide a range of financing options, including equipment financing, business term loans, working capital loans, and revolving lines of credit. Our team can help you determine which solution best suits your Canadian business needs, ensuring you get the right support to grow.

Your Canadian business could secure financing within just 24 hours after submitting the necessary documentation, providing you with fast, efficient access to the funds you need to grow.

Yes, we require you to fill out our online application and submit 4 months of business bank statements.

Erik Anderson shares insights into a recent funding deal for a country club in Arizona facing seasonal cash flow challenges that disqualified it from traditional bank financing. He explains why banks often decline seasonal businesses and outlines the creative funding solution he used to secure the necessary capital, ensuring the club’s operational stability.

Rio Pampallona shares the story of helping a California doctor secure funding. He recounts the client’s funding requirements, and the rapid turnaround for receiving the funds. Rio explains how the successful experience led the client to return months later for additional financing to expand the practice. He details how he structured a line of credit and a term loan to meet the client’s growth needs.

Ray Ortega, a senior advisor at Capital Infusion, discusses his four-year partnership with a construction company, during which he helped secure $2 million in working capital. He highlights how he provided strategic financial guidance, and contributed to the company’s growth.

Rio Pampallona shares the story of helping a California doctor secure funding. He recounts the client’s funding requirements, and the rapid turnaround for receiving the funds. Rio explains how the successful experience led the client to return months later for additional financing to expand the practice. He details how he structured a line of credit and a term loan to meet the client’s growth needs.

Blake Fiorito, an advisor at Capital Infusion, shares insights into a recently funded event-planning business in Puerto Rico. Blake outlines the type of financing sought, the tailored solution provided, the client's decision-making process, and the swift turnaround in securing the funds.

Ivan Ortega, a senior advisor at Capital Infusion, reflects on his two-year relationship with a construction company in Nevada. He recounts their first meeting, the client’s initial funding needs, and a competing offer that fell short. Ivan explains how he secured $300,000 in financing when a competitor could not, establishing a lasting partnership built on trust and results.