What is an SBA Loan and how do I apply for one in Houston, Texas?
As a new business owner, you may not have the credit required for large financing or a conventional small business loan. Guaranteed by the US government, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans help lower the barrier of entry for entrepreneurs—giving start-ups a better chance to succeed and providing existing businesses with more flexible terms.
The SBA offers these loan programs
- 7(a) Guarantee Loan
- 504 Fixed Asset Loan
- Microloans
SBA Loan Steps
The SBA loan process is not always easy, but it is with Texas Citizens Bank and Waterstone LSP. Here’s how the SBA loan approval process works at our bank:
- Business owner and lender meet and identify SBA loan as the best financing option
- Business owner meets with SBA Service Provider Mark Danford (Explain the process, map expectations, answer questions)
- Mark sends the business owner an SBA Loan underwriting checklist (forms needed to submit package)
- The bank reviews the loan request and underwriting and makes a credit decision.
- Waterstone LSP then works directly with the customer to package the remaining items for SBA submission and closing.
- Most loans close 5–10 business days after the SBA issues its authorization
With better cash flow, you can expand your business operations with more space, better equipment, and well-stocked inventory. Kick-start your business with a Houston, Texas, lender approved to offer SBA loan products under SBA’s General Lender Program. Schedule a business consultation with one of our commercial bankers to learn more about the SBA loan program.
Contact UsSBA Loan Options
| 7(a) Guarantee Loan | 504 Fixed Asset Loan | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Helps small businesses start or expand | Long-term, fixed-rate financing used to upgrade or expand fixed assets |
| Ideal Applicant | Priority given to businesses actively creating jobs | For applicants whose business directly benefits the community |
| Example Uses | Land, building, construction, facility expansion, equipment, working capital, financing/refinancing, business purchases, franchise lending | Land, buildings, renovations, equipment, furniture, soft costs |
| Terms | Up to 25 years (real estate) Up to 10 years (leasehold, equipment, inventory) | Up to 25 years (secured real estate) |
| Credit Limit | Up to $5 million | Up to $5 million |
| 7(a) Guarantee Loan Up to $5B | |
|---|---|
| Ideal Applicant | Priority given to businesses actively creating jobs |
| Overview | Helps small businesses start or expand |
| Example Uses | Land, building, construction, facility expansion, equipment, working capital, financing/refinancing, business purchases, franchise lending |
| Terms | Up to 25 years (real estate) Up to 10 years (leasehold, equipment, inventory) |
| Credit limit | Up to $5 million |
| 504 Fixed Asset Loan Up to $5B | |
|---|---|
| Ideal Applicant | For applicants whose business directly benefits the community |
| Overview | Long-term, fixed-rate financing used to upgrade or expand fixed assets |
| Example Uses | Land, buildings, renovations, equipment, furniture, soft costs |
| Terms | Up to 25 years (secured real estate) |
| Credit limit | Up to $5 million |