To help businesses in underserved markets get access to financing the SBA offers the Community Advantage Loan Program, which guarantees up to 85% of these loans, further reducing the risk to lenders. Limited to loans up to $250,000, these loans are available to businesses that meet the SBA criteria but which may not qualify for a standard 7(a) loan due to low earnings or lack of collateral.
Qualifying businesses include those with more than 50% of their work force residing in low to moderate income communities, Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities and HUBZones. In addition, some startups (in business less than 2 years) may qualify regardless of worker residence parameters, as well as veteran-owned businesses and those that would be eliglble for Patriot Express.
