SBA lenders want good credit, two years in business, tax returns and often collateral, and approval takes weeks. Revenue-based funding can bridge while you wait.
Check my optionsLocal funding
SBA loans offer some of the best terms available to Florida small businesses, but they require solid credit, documentation and patience. Knowing the requirements and the timeline helps you decide whether to wait or bridge with faster capital.
Amount to request
$85,000.00
Funding range$25K to $5M
*Sample amounts shown. Your actual offer depends on your business and is reviewed before approval.
Advances, lines of credit and second-position options in one place.
A human reads the file, not just an algorithm score.
A person reviews your revenue, time in business and bank activity, often within hours.
You can apply at 500; stronger credit opens more products.
Fast decisions. Applying takes about 5 minutes.
A short application. A soft credit pull to start.
We review revenue, time in business and bank activity, not just a credit score.
You see the amount, the schedule and the full repayment amount before you sign.
Funding in as little as 24 hours for qualified businesses.
SBA loans are made by approved lenders, such as banks, credit unions and certain nonbank lenders, with a partial federal guarantee. Florida has an active SBA district presence, with offices serving north and south Florida, and many participating lenders. Common programs include 7(a) loans for working capital, equipment and acquisitions; 504 loans for real estate and major equipment through Certified Development Companies; and microloans through nonprofit intermediaries.
Typical expectations include being a for-profit U.S. business that meets SBA size standards, demonstrating ability to repay from cash flow, reasonable personal credit, owner equity in the business and, for larger loans, collateral where available. Lenders review tax returns, financial statements, a debt schedule, business plans for startups and personal financial statements. Florida SBDC centers, hosted at universities across the state, offer free help preparing these.
The timeline is the main obstacle. Standard 7(a) loans often take 30 to 90 days or more from application to funding; SBA Express and lenders with preferred status can be faster. Hurricane season, a contract that starts next month or a time-limited inventory opportunity may not wait that long.
If you cannot wait, consider a bridge. Revenue-based funding, approved on deposits with credit from 500 considered, can fund within days. Disclose any pending SBA application, size the bridge so its payment fits without the SBA proceeds, and check whether the SBA lender allows refinancing short-term debt. Florida has a commercial financing disclosure law covering certain providers, so ask for the written summary.
MFE is based in Miami and can provide that bridge while the SBA process continues.
Here is a bridge offer a Florida business might use while an SBA loan processes. Illustrative numbers.
| Amount funded | $100,000 |
| Factor rate | 1.40 |
| Total payback (amount × factor) | $140,000 |
| Fees deducted at funding (3%) | $3,000 |
| Net cash you receive | $97,000 |
| Weekly payment over 40 weeks | $3,500 |
| Same total as daily debits (~200 business days) | $700/day |
Illustrative numbers only. Your offer depends on your file; always compare net cash and total payback in writing.
| 7(a) | Working capital, equipment, acquisition |
| 504 | Real estate and major equipment via CDC |
| Microloan | Smaller amounts via intermediaries |
| Timeline | Often 30-90+ days |
| Free help | Florida SBDC network |
Good fit:
Probably not yet:
Meet size standards, show repayment ability, reasonable credit and owner equity, and provide full documentation.
Often 30 to 90 days or more; Express and preferred lenders can be faster.
Florida SBDC centers offer free assistance.
Yes, with fast funding sized to fit without the SBA proceeds; disclose the pending application.
Florida has a disclosure law covering certain providers.
Revenue-based options begin at 500.
Example uses for illustration only.
Before you apply:
One secure application. A soft credit pull to start. No obligation to accept an offer.
Apply for Funding