SBA Finds Another Billion for Loans

The Small Business Administration has created an additional $1.4 billion in lending authority.

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Looking for capital? The Small Business Administration might be able to help -- it's now able to guarantee more loans than previously budgeted. In June, the SBA announced it had created an additional $1.4 billion in lending authority for its primary 7(a) loan program for fiscal 2003, ending in October -- increasing its total lending authority to more than $11 billion. The funds became available after the agency instituted a new risk model that lowered its cost of lending and lessened the default rate for its Supplemental Terrorist Activity Relief program (STAR), which provided loans to businesses affected by the September 11 attacks. Since January, some loans approved by the STAR program had also been canceled by borrowers, freeing up still more funds. Most types of for-profit small businesses are eligible for a 7(a) loan up to $2 million that can be used for working capital, furnishings and fixtures, machinery and equipment, purchasing of inventory, renovation, and construction. Contact a participating commercial lender to apply.