A credit score of 680 or above is generally recommended. If your score is lower, don’t hesitate to reach out - we can review your profile and help determine next steps.

Term sheets are typically issued within one week; funding timelines vary.

Most projects require a 15%–25% equity injection of total project costs, though the SBA minimum can be as low as 10% under SBA SOP guidelines. Franchise fees count toward this requirement.

Post-close liquidity (PCL) refers to cash or readily accessible investments you retain after closing. We typically recommend maintaining 3-6 months of PCL to help manage personal or business financial shocks. This liquidity does not need to be contributed to the project and remains available to you. Specific requirements may vary by lender.

Our application collects a personal financial statement, three years of tax returns, pro forma financial projections, a business plan, and categorized project cost estimates.

For SBA loans of $350,000 or less, additional collateral is typically not required beyond available business assets. For loans above $350,000, lenders usually require available business assets and may request personal collateral. Not having sufficient collateral does not automatically disqualify you.

Yes. SBA financing can be used for second, third, or additional locations. Strong performance and cash flow from existing locations are typically required, but tax returns are not always necessary before opening new locations.

The process starts with a soft credit pull, which does not affect your credit score. If you move forward with a lender, a hard credit inquiry may occur later and can have a small, temporary impact. Most lenders will request your consent before performing a hard credit pull.

It depends on your profile and the deal. Some borrowers receive multiple term sheets, while others may receive just one. We focus on positioning your loan to attract the strongest possible offers.

One of the most common misconceptions is that all SBA loans are the same - in reality, terms differ meaningfully.

Typical SBA 7(a) rates for start-up franchises generally range from WSJ Prime + 2.25% to WSJ Prime + 2.75%, and in some cases can be lower. Most SBA loans have variable rates that adjust quarterly, though some lenders offer fixed-rate options. Repayment terms also vary, including interest-only periods that may range from six to twelve months.

Our services are free for borrowers. We are compensated by lenders through a referral fee, paid only upon successful loan closing. This fee is paid by the lender and cannot be directly passed on to the borrower.

The WSJ Prime Rate is a benchmark interest rate that banks use to price many types of loans. It is influenced by the Federal Reserve and moves up or down when the Fed adjusts interest rates. Most SBA loan rates are calculated as Prime + a lender margin.