Can you get multiple SBA loans: Tips for applying | Swoop US (2024)

In order to qualify for multiple SBA loans, you’ll need to meet the same requirements as you would for a single SBA loan. This includes:

• Being a for-profit business
• Not operating a business that is forbidden by the SBA from getting an SBA loan (such as gambling, prospective real estate or loan packaging)
• Operating in the U.S. or one of its territories
• Meeting the SBA’s definition of a “small business”
• Putting your own money or equity into the business
• Being unable to secure other funding

Beyond those basic qualifications, there are others you should be aware of. For instance, you have to demonstrate a strong need for the loan and you must be making the monthly minimum payments on any other SBA loans. Also, you usually can’t use a new SBA loan to pay off an existing SBA loan or other debt (although there are exceptions). Finally, you can’t get more money out of multiple loans than the SBA allows any single business to borrow.

The SBA and their approved lenders have other eligibility requirements for your business before they’ll approve your loan application, whether it’s for your first SBA loan or more. It’s important to check with your lender to see what the specifics are, but you can expect to need to meet the following requirements to get an SBA loan.

Higher credit score

As with any loan, a higher credit score can help you qualify for an SBA loan and possibly get better rates and terms. This is because your credit score is the biggest factor in how they gauge your creditworthiness or likelihood of paying back a loan. For most SBA loans, a score of 640 is probably good enough, but if you can aim for a credit score over 690, you’ll be more likely to qualify.

Collateral against each loan

Most SBA loans require collateral and a personal guarantee. You can’t reuse your collateral between loans, which could be a limiting factor in your ability to apply for multiple loans. Collateral can include equipment, inventory or even the business itself.

Positive standing on current debts

As previously mentioned, you need to be up-to-date on payments with any existing SBA loans in order to qualify for a new one. But you should also be in good standing on other debts, such as other loans or vendor payments. This may even include your personal debts, such as mortgages, student loans or car payments.

Thorough business plan

One of the best ways to help your SBA loan application succeed is to have a thorough business plan explaining how you plan to use the funds. This will show the lender how you plan to make enough money to pay back the loan. They’ll want to see your historical and projected finances as well.

Long-term business success potential

Because SBA loans can have repayment terms as long as 25 years, they’ll want to know how likely it is you’ll succeed in business and be able to pay them back in the long run. Of course, having short-term success will be helpful, too.

There are many advantages to getting multiple SBA loans. The first is that SBA loans are very affordable, especially compared to other traditional loans. With long repayment terms and relatively inexpensive interest rates, they’re some of the most popular loans available. Plus, they’re guaranteed by the federal government, which makes them more attractive for lenders, too.

At the same time, getting multiple SBA loans means you can get more money for your business. As long as you don’t exceed SBA limits ($5 million total for SBA 7(a) loans or $5.5 million total for SBA 504/CDC loans), you can get more money to help fund your projects.

Again, you want to make sure you can repay whatever loans you get, no matter how great the rates and terms are. Also, SBA loans can take a long time to fund, and the application process is very involved. So while there are many advantages to getting multiple SBA loans, it’s a good idea to approach the process thoughtfully.

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