SBA Loans | Small Business Loans | E-Central Credit Union

Small business loans backed by the SBA

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was founded as an independent federal government agency to help businesses get started, compete and thrive by reducing barriers for small business owners to access capital. As an approved SBA lender in California, we work together with the U.S. Small Business Administration to help you find the right government-sponsored loan you need to start, grow and manage your business.

What is an SBA Loan?

An SBA guaranteed loan is a commercial loan that’s backed by SBA and structured according to SBA requirements. Although the SBA offers several helpful loan programs and resources, they don’t directly finance business loans. Their role is to create guidelines for loans that an approved SBA lender, like E-Central Credit Union, underwrites.

An SBA guarantee helps make financing for small businesses more accessible. SBA loans offer reduced down payments, flexible terms and competitive rates. Entrepreneurs who are looking to startup a business or grow an established business can both benefit from a small business loan guaranteed by the SBA.

E-Central Credit Union is an Approved SBA Lender

E-Central Credit Union helps local California business owners access capital to start, manage and grow their business. Expect personalized service from an experienced business loan expert, regardless of the amount of funding needed. Our local lenders help entrepreneurs understand SBA loan requirements and guidelines. All lending decisions are made locally in Pasadena, CA.

The SBA offers several loan programs, including the 7(a) loan program and the 504 SBA loan program. The two most popular SBA loans are the SBA 7a and the 504 SBA Loan.

SBA Loan 7a Program

The SBA loan 7a is typically used to fund the purchase of new equipment, inventory and supplies, upgrading or constructing a new building, covering operating expenses, seasonal financing, and refinancing debt. This type of SBA financing can also be used to:

Increase Working Capital: Receive funding to pay for business expenses, bills and inventory
Access Revolving Funds: Leverage your business’s inventory and receivables for revolving credit
Buy Equipment or Real Estate: Purchase equipment, machinery, materials, supplies or real estate

SBA 504 Loan Program

The Certified Development Company (CDC) 504 SBA Loan is suited for businesses who need financing for fixed assets like equipment or real estate. You can use this SBA guaranteed loan to:

Buy buildings or commercial real estate with as low as 10% down payment
Fund construction to improve your business’s facilities or upgrade
Purchase equipment or machines

	SBA Loan 7(a)	SBA Loan 504
Use of Funding	Real estate, construction, business acquisition, inventory, working capital	Commercial real estate, equipment, construction
Loan Limit	Up to $5,000,000	Up to $5,000,000
Loan Terms	Up to 25 years for real estate Up to 10 years for working capital, equipment and inventory	Up to 25 years for real estate Up to 10 years for equipment
Benefits	No balloon payments Flexible payment and terms Low down payment	Fixed rates Lower fees that 7 (a) 10% down payment

Apply for an SBA Loan with E-Central Credit Union

Ready to apply for an SBA loan? Simply fill out our form and we’ll connect you with a California business lending expert who will partner with you to help find the best small business loan for your needs. Your business specialist will explain the SBA loan requirements and help you fill out the SBA loan application. You can also speak to us in person at our Pasadena, CA branch.