The Process — Start to Funding.
SBA loans are a 60-90 day process when they go well. Here's what each stage looks like, what we need from you, and where the deal can stall (so we can prevent it).
Typical SBA Timeline
504 deals tend toward the longer end (because of the CDC layer). 7(a) acquisitions often run 45-60 days. Conventional bridge can close in 2-4 weeks.
Discovery & Pre-Qualification
30-minute call to scope the deal. We tell you what's fundable, what program fits, and what we'll need from you. No fees to apply.
Document Collection
You upload tax returns, financials, debt schedule, purchase agreement (if applicable), and ID through the secure client portal. We give you a personalized checklist — no wasted requests.
Package & Submit
We build the lender package — narrative, projections, sources & uses, debt service coverage analysis — and submit to 2-4 SBA lenders most likely to fund the deal type.
Term Sheets
Lender(s) come back with term sheets. We walk you through the differences (rate, fees, prepay, structure) and help you pick. You sign the chosen term sheet.
Underwriting & Due Diligence
Appraisal, environmental (real estate), business valuation (acquisitions), title work, lender underwriting and credit committee. We coordinate vendors and chase the checklist with the bank.
Closing & Funding
SBA authorization, closing docs, title, and wire. For 504 there are two closings (the bank piece first, then the CDC debenture funds 30-60 days later).
The Real Document Checklist
Different deals need different docs, but this is the starter set. Your personalized checklist (in the portal) will tell you exactly what applies.
Personal
- 3 years personal tax returns (all owners 20%+)
- Personal financial statement (SBA Form 413)
- Resume / management experience
- Driver's license / passport
- Credit authorization
Business
- 3 years business tax returns
- YTD P&L and balance sheet
- AR / AP aging
- Business debt schedule
- Entity docs (articles, op agreement, EIN)
Deal-Specific
- Real estate: purchase agreement, rent roll if any
- Acquisition: LOI, target's 3 yrs returns & financials
- Equipment: vendor quote / invoice
- Refi: existing loan docs & payoff statement
- Construction: plans, GC bid, draw schedule
How We're Compensated
Every SBA borrower signs a Form 159 (Fee Disclosure) at closing — here's exactly what shows up on yours.
Transparent answer: in most SBA deals, the lender pays us a referral fee at closing. That fee is disclosed to you on the SBA Form 159 — every borrower signs one. You don't pay us anything to apply, get pre-qualified, or match the deal. Our compensation only happens if your loan funds.
For more complex deals (very large file, unusual structure, declined-elsewhere workouts) we may discuss an engagement fee upfront. We'll always tell you before you commit — never a surprise at closing.
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