Business funding without the hassle.

An SBA 7(a) Small loan is a small-business loan issued by participating private lenders, such as ZiFi, a Division of Zions Bancorporation N.A. (“ZiFi”), with a portion of the loan being guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA is a federal government agency that supports small businesses by partnering with participating lenders like ZiFi. Although you don’t borrow directly from the SBA for a 7(a) Small loan, the SBA’s partial guarantee of the 7(a) loan is intended to reduce risk for participating lenders and improve access for small businesses.

You can visit the Small Business Administration’s official website for additional details about the SBA 7(a) loan program (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans).

SBA 7(a) Small loans are guaranteed by the federal government. The federal government guarantee generally results in loan offers with lower periodic payments, longer repayment terms, and more flexible approval criteria, making SBA 7(a) Small loans ideal for small businesses. Conventional loans often require stronger credit and higher periodic payments, but may offer faster processing and more customized terms for well-qualified borrowers.

Yes, it is important to carefully select which bank you use for an SBA loan. Find a bank that is part of the SBA’s Preferred Lender Program which allows the bank to approve loans in-house without waiting for SBA processing and approval which can significantly expedite the approval process. Banks vary in how often they issue SBA loans, so using a bank with deep SBA experience can provide a smoother process, better guidance, and fewer delays. Individual banks set their own interest rates, fees, and borrower requirements within the general guidelines set by the SBA. The right bank can give you better rates, lower fees, and more flexible terms. Some banks offer dedicated support while others may treat your SBA loan like any other business loan. A bank that prioritizes small business lending can make a big difference in your overall experience. ZiFi checks each of these boxes as an SBA Preferred Lender.

When you apply for an SBA loan through ZiFi, you’re borrowing from the Bank with SBA support which could make it easier for you to qualify, may allow for longer terms and potentially offer lower periodic payments. You’ll work directly with ZiFi for the duration of your loan as you make payments and seek support.

SBA loan processing times can vary, but it typically takes 2-10 business days to process the loan (https://www.sba.gov/partners/lenders/7a-loan-program/types-7a-loans). We specialize in SBA 7(a) loans and as an SBA Preferred Lender, ZiFi can process your application quickly and efficiently.

SBA 7(a) loan proceeds can be used for a variety of purposes specified by the SBA, which generally include expanding operations, hiring new staff or acquiring assets and equipment. SBA 7(a) loans provided through ZiFi are generally intended to provide short and long term working capital.

ZiFi provides SBA 7(a) Small loans of up to $50,000 to qualifying small businesses. Speak with one of our dedicated relationship managers to learn more and to review your eligibility.

Once your loan is approved, ZiFi will provide access to the loan funds as quickly as possible. For the life of the loan, you’ll work directly with ZiFi and our team of dedicated relationship managers for anything related to your SBA loan.

SBA 7(a) Small loans have specific eligibility requirements. Working with a bank that specializes in this loan type ensures your application is handled accurately and efficiently.

General eligibility requirements from the SBA can be found on the Small Business Administration’s official website (https://www.sba.gov/partners/lenders/7a-loan-program/terms-conditions-eligibility).