Skip to main content
Back
Scroll to top

What is the SBA?

Running A Business 3 min read

Ready to talk to an expert?

If you have a business plan but are having trouble acquiring a bank loan, consider reaching out to the Small Business Association (SBA). The SBA is a government-affiliated organization that provides small businesses with a variety of finance programs. The SBA can help facilitate a loan for you with a third-party lender.

What is the SBA?

Many people opening a new business may not yet be familiar with the SBA. It’s an agency backed by the federal government that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners access starting capital, and under some conditions approval is guaranteed. In order to help people start or expand their businesses, the SBA partners with a network of lenders to help provide loans, contracts, and other forms of financial assistance.

SBA Loan Basics

If you’re a small business owner having trouble qualifying for a traditional loan, the SBA offers various different loan programs, each designed for a specific purpose.

If you’re starting or expanding your business, consider the following loan programs:

If your business has suffered an economic loss or physical disaster, consider a:

  • Disaster Loan
  • Veteran and Military Community Loan

In addition to those programs, there are also:

  • Export Assistance Loans
  • Special Purpose Loans

How First Bank SBA Can Help

A lot of business owners just starting out use the First Bank SBA option so they can stop worrying about money and focus on work. Here are the ways our SBA loans help you get off the ground:

  • Acquisition
    There’s often less risk involved when acquiring a business than if you’re starting from scratch. First Bank gets you the financing you need while providing guidance worthy of an acquisition partner.
  • Refinance Debt
    For business owners who are refinancing, First Bank will properly evaluate your loan and give you the best plan moving forward.
  • Succession
    Whether you’re taking over the family business or buying into a new opportunity, First Bank provides business owners with clear guidance and thoughtful planning.

Need help figuring out which loan program best fits your financing needs? Talk to the experts at First Bank to discuss loan types and SBA lenders in your area and to get the application process started right away.

———-
Sources:

Small Business Association: sba.gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/what-sba-offers-help-small-businesses-grow

SBA.gov 7(a) program: sba.gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/sba-loan-programs/general-small-business-loans-7a/7a-loan-program-eligibility

SBA.gov: sba.gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/sba-loan-programs/loan-programs


Loans Subject To Approval

Ready to talk to an expert?

Share:

You may be interested in...

Bank Accounts for North Carolina Businesses If you’re running a business, you want to make sure your finances are in good order. First Bank* offers North Carolina businesses the bank accounts and merchant services tools needed for success. Financial Services at First Bank First Bank is headquartered in North Carolina and boasts over 80 locations across the Tar Heel State. We got our start in the town of Troy, NC, back in 1935. With an array of business bank accounts and other services, we make it our business to help yours. First Bank has multiple business checking options and business savings accounts. A First Bank account was named one of the “Best Bank Accounts for Small Businesses” in 2019. North Carolina businesses utilize First Bank merchant services for operations including online payments, payroll direct deposit, and more. Put your business in the hands of First Bank can increase efficiency, satisfy customers, streamline operations and elevate your bottom line. Start by comparing our business bank account offerings, and contact your nearest First Bank location for more information. First Bank’s Business Bank Accounts Not all businesses are alike, nor are all business bank accounts. At First Bank, we are proud to offer multiple types of business checking and savings accounts so every company can find the financial foundation it needs. Business Checking Accounts in North Carolina Business Essentials If you are self-employed or own a small business, a Business Essentials account may be right for you. This basic account was named one of the “Best Bank Accounts for Small Businesses” by WalletHub in 2019. Business Interest Why not get a little more out of your business earnings? Our Business Interest account offers all of the same features as the basic Business Essentials, while also allowing you to accrue interest on your account. Business Advantage If your business processes a higher volume of transactions, the Business Advantage account might be a good fit for you.  Commercial Analysis Larger organizations need more financial resources and that’s where our Commercial Analysis account comes in. In addition to the basic features of Business Essentials, you’ll also have access to custom programs for your large business needs and can offset service fees with a monthly credit that is earned on your balance. Business Savings Accounts in 12 min read
How To Get A Small Business Loan If you are an entrepreneur ready to start your own business, or a seasoned small business owner looking to expand, you may need to know how to get a small business loan. Acquiring the funds to start or grow your small business can be challenging, especially if you are unsure of which steps to take first. Below you’ll find the six key steps to successfully obtaining the loan you need. 6 Important Steps to Get a Small Business Loan According to Forbes, these are six important steps you should take in order to get a business loan: Start early. Think about your needs and the relationships you should build prior to actually requiring the loan. Decide what the money will be used for. Know how the money will be used and determine if that is a good or poor use of money. Adjust if necessary. >Decide how much money is needed. Make sure you don’t ask for too little or too much. Have a budget in mind, and show your research and projections. Know your score, income, industry risk, cash flow. Lenders will look at a lot of different information to determine if the principal borrowing the money is reliable Find a lender. You should research what type of lender can best fulfill your business needs. Consider your local First Bank.* Prepare your loan application. Generally this includes a business plan, financial results and projections and other relevant financial information. Business Loans from First Bank** If you are looking for a small business loan in North Carolina or South Carolina, your first step is to contact or visit your local First Bank branch. We’ve been providing entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools they need to succeed since 1935, and we are committed to that same standard of service today. Our loan experts will talk to you about our requirements and guide you through the application process. We even offer an online Financial Education Center that features tips and tricks for starting, managing, and growing your business. * Member FDIC **Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/aileron/2014/10/02/7-steps-to-getting-a-business-loan/ 2 min read
First Bank logo
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website are the most popular and useful.