How it works
7(a) is the general-purpose programme; 504 is for owner-occupied real estate and heavy equipment; microloans run to $50,000 through intermediaries.
Requirements are heavier: tax returns, financial statements, a business plan for some programmes, and personal collateral pledges are common.
Merchant Fund Express does not offer SBA loans. These products exist for the timeline SBA cannot serve.
What it takes
The honest framing is cost against timing: what does a six-week delay cost the business?
There is no hard credit cutoff here. The 650/600/550 tiers are product criteria, not a floor on the business. Scores in the 500s are placed routinely, and files in the 400s are read on revenue, deposit consistency and time in business rather than on the score alone.
The trade-off worth knowing
Running both in parallel is usually right. A term loan here can be repaid early with a 50% discount on remaining interest if the SBA loan closes.
Questions
What does it cost?
Line of credit from 1% per month on the drawn balance, 2.49% per draw. Term loan 0% origination on weekly payments. Refinance priced with a factor rate.
What credit score do I need?
There is no hard credit cutoff here. The 650/600/550 tiers are product criteria, not a floor on the business. Scores in the 500s are placed routinely, and files in the 400s are read on revenue, deposit consistency and time in business rather than on the score alone.
How fast?
Same-day decision, next business day funding on a complete file.
Can I apply with an existing advance?
Yes, up to two existing positions.