Part B · Startup-relevant scheme
SBA Microloan Program (SBA Microloans)
Small Business Administration
Loan / Credit
IdeationPrototype / PoCSeed / Early-Stage
SBA channels funds to nonprofit, community-based intermediary lenders who then make small loans directly to startups and small businesses, with more flexible underwriting than a typical bank.
Type of support
Loan / Credit
Best suited for
Ideation / Prototype
Headline amount
Up to $50,000
How much
Up to $50,000 (avg. ~$13,000)
Source
Objectives
Reach very early-stage and underserved founders — including many who wouldn't qualify for conventional 7(a) financing — with smaller amounts of working capital and equipment financing.
Who can apply?
- For-profit US business meeting SBA size standards.
- Active operations and reasonable repayment ability, assessed by the intermediary lender (not SBA directly).
- Cannot be used to pay existing debts or purchase real estate.
What do you get?
- Loans up to $50,000; the average microloan is about $13,000.
- Usable for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery, and equipment.
- Repayment terms up to 7 years; rates typically 8-13% depending on the intermediary.
How to apply
Contact an SBA-approved microloan intermediary lender in your area — they make all credit decisions and set their own terms within SBA guidelines.
Key links
Details as most recently confirmed against the official source linked above. Deadlines, amounts and windows change — verify on the official portal before applying.