Finance StartUp All businesses require some form of financing.  An integral component of starting a successful business is raising sufficient capital. There are many challenges here, but numerous resources are available to help you. Federal Grant Resources A list of federal resources that could give your business a grant. Start Up Costs Plan for the initial expenses your business will have. Estimating Costs Learn to anticipate your initial business cost. Breakeven Analysis Know when your business breaks even and when you can expect a profit. Financing Basics How do you plan to finance your business? This is especially important for new enterprises. SBA's Role What the SBA offers to help your small business grow and profit. Equity Capital Learn about the pros and cons of offering stock. What's a Surety Bond? Learn what a surety bond is and if it can help your business. Learn About SBA's Surety Bond Program Detailed explanation about how this program operates. Finding Capital Know how to find various sources of capital to begin your business. Personal Vs. Business Finances You must know your personal finances and credit before starting on your own. Fair Credit Reporting Learn how your credit report comes from and how it affects your loan prospects. Credit Scoring Know how the bank uses a credit scoring system to determine their acceptance of your loan application. Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC) Program Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs), which are licensed and regulated by the SBA, are privately owned and managed investment firms that provide venture capital and startup financing to small businesses. The above link will take you to our Investment Division's home page, where you will also find reference to the Small Business Investment Act. Credit Factors The basic elements examined in every loan application. Basic Requirements The basic requirements for a business to receive an SBA loan. Eligibility Size Standards Required size standards for a business to receive an SBA loan. 7(a) Loan Program Explanation and requirements of the SBA's 7(a) loan program. Applying for a Loan Help in writing a written loan proposal. Borrowing Money Know the essentials in borrowing money. Can your business afford it? Loan Proposals Develop and organize your loan proposal. Loan Package Checklist Make sure you have everything you need in your loan proposal. SBA Loan Programs Learn which program is right for your business. Prequalification Programs Businesses must prequalify for certain loan programs. Microloans Details about the SBA's Microloan program. Certified Development Company (504) Loan Program Detailed explanation about the SBA's (504) loan program. Export Working Capital A program designed to create short-term working capital for exporters. Export Express Program designed to help small businesses receive export financing. International Trade Loans This program is designed to help businesses in international trade overcome competition from imports. Delta Loans Loans that help small contractors transition from defense to civil contracts. CAIP Program Program designed to help businesses in communities negatively affected by NAFTA. Communities Eligible for CAIP funding (PDF File) A listing of all communities which have been designated as eligible for funding under the Community Adjustment and Investment Program (CAIP). Employee Trusts Loans that help provide financial assistance to Employee Stock Ownership Plans. Pollution Control Pollution Control loans are 7(a) loans with the special purpose of pollution control. The program is designed to provide financing to eligible small businesses for the planning, design, or installation of a pollution control facility. This facility must prevent, reduce, abate, or control any form of pollution, including recycling . This program follows the 7(a) guidelines with the following exception: use of proceeds must be for fixed-assets only. Learn More About the 7(a) Program CAP Lines Helps small businesses get their short-term and cyclical working capital. Certified Lender Programs Get a loan from a certified lender who knows the policies and procedures of the SBA. Preferred Lender Programs This program helps speed up the loan application approval process. LowDoc Program Get your loan application response in 36 hours. SBA Express Detailed explanation of this SBA loan program. Community Express Program that serves geographic areas with mostly low and moderate income. Secondary Market Programs Program designed to make lending to small businesses more attractive. Asset Sales An initiative to sell the SBA's owned portfolio of loans and other assets. The Benefits of Making Your Banker Your Friend Cultivating a friendly relationship with your banker will benefit your business in many ways. How to Prepare a Loan Package Create the best loan package for your business. Never Take No for an Answer Learn why your loan application was rejected and take steps to correct those reasons. Handling Finances It is essential for the business owner to know how to manage their finances. SBA Loans FAQs Get answers to the questions frequently asked about SBA loans. SBA Workshop on Finance Link to the SBA's "Financing Options: All You Should Know Workbook." Farm Loans Direct (USDA) Link to USDA's Farm Service Agency's Online loans and services. Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants (USDA) Provides capital financing for the development of housing for domestic farm laborers. Financing Promotions and Exports (USDA/FAS) The USDA Foreign Agriculture Service offers funds for marketing U.S. products overseas. Rural Business Cooperative Service (USDA) Links to a variety of rural business development and grant programs. Business Funding Directory Provides potential sources of funding based on type of financing and your business characteristics. Users must fill out a detailed online form to receive a list of potential sources. American Express Small Business Assistance Support for small business, including financial assistance, from American Express Corporation. Guide to Finding an Accountant How to select a qualified accountant for your business. Bank Directories Useful links to banks from Yahoo Finance. INC Magazine Guide to Finance Some of the best information about business finance found on the Web. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants When you work with CPAs, you must understand the implications of every step you take. Additional Information on Finances Information that is also helpful for owners to know.	Home . Compliance Assistance . 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