What is a Microloan?

  • A microloan is exactly what its name implies: a small loan
  • A microloan is a loan of $50,000 or less, which is ideal for many business operations, particularly startups. 
  • The average startup requires around $10,000 to launch their company, therefore microloans are ideal for business owners who need low-interest funding but do not qualify for full SBA loans.

How Does a Microloan Work?

1. Microloans are available through a variety of agencies, including the SBA. 

2. If you meet the basic requirements, you can usually get approved and funded in less than a month. 

3. A microloan is available to almost any business owner, even if your company is brand new. 

SBA Loans 

1.SBA loans are notoriously tough to obtain. 

  • 504 loans are used to purchase real estate, whereas 7a loans are utilized to expand business ventures

2.The SBA’s microloan program, on the other hand, is not guaranteed by large banks. 

  • Instead, it is funded through SBA intermediaries, making it considerably easier to qualify for than any other sort of SBA financing

3.Microloans are also available from a variety of sources other than the SBA

Loan Eligibility

  • You are eligible for microloans if lenders perceive your business as legitimate.
  • A viable firm has a 
    • Physical address
    • Phone number
    • Website
    • Email address
  • Fundable firms should also have a FICO score of at least 620
  • If your company possesses all these assets, you will have a considerably better chance of receiving a microloan

How Can You Get a Microloan?

  • SBA and KIVA are the two finest places to get microloans
    • The SBA does not grant money to businesses; rather, it guarantees loans. 
  • If you approached a large bank such as Chase or Bank of America for a standard 7a loan, it would include short-term conditions. 
    • In contrast, SBA loans are guaranteed
  • If your business ever defaults and you are unable to make payments, the SBA will cover up to 90% of the loan amount and repay the amount you defaulted on. 
  • The SBA does not make microloans available to large banks because they do not want that business. 
    • Microloans of $50,000 or less do not provide banks with a sufficient return on investment. 
  • As a result, microloans are distributed by SBA intermediaries. 
  • On the SBA’s website, you can simply discover a list of all these intermediates.  
    • You may locate numerous sources in your region who can help you with the application procedure for an SBA microloan through this resource.

KIVA

  • KIVA is the most well-known source for microloans because it is so simple to qualify. 
  • You don’t always need 
    • Good credit
    • Tax returns
    • Cash flow
    • Collateral
  • You can easily come in and apply for a microloan through KIVA with very little money down and low prerequisites.

Microloan Qualifications

  • Lenders want to know if you can repay the loan to qualify for one.
    • If your business isn’t currently generating revenue, lenders may look at your personal income. 
  • They will most likely conduct a standard background check to look for red flags, such as a criminal past
  • They will also require a personal guarantee, meaning you will be personally liable for your business. 
  • They may need collateral depending on your credit. 
  • Lenders also look for credit ratings of 620 or above. 
    • The higher your credit score, the less probable you will need to collateralize the loan, but regardless, you should anticipate providing some type of collateral. 
  •  All types of personal and commercial assets can help you qualify, and if you meet these basic requirements, you have a stronger chance of getting approved