Most SBA and USDA loan rejections aren't about the borrower — they're about the fit. Generic information sends you to generic lenders. Our guides give you the specific knowledge to reach the right specialist yourself, saving months of wrong turns.
A restaurant owner applying to a lender that specializes in manufacturing equipment loans isn't going to get funded — not because the business doesn't qualify, but because the lender doesn't understand the cash flow patterns, the seasonality, or the real estate structure of food service businesses. That mismatch wastes weeks, creates unnecessary credit inquiries, and demoralizes borrowers who were actually good candidates all along.
Our guides are built around business type, not just program type. We explain what SBA lenders look for specifically in restaurant acquisitions, dental practice buyouts, franchise deals, rural manufacturing operations, and more. Read the guide for your industry, then take the quiz to see whether you meet the basic hurdles — so you know where you stand before you approach an SBA lender yourself.
Every industry has different SBA and USDA underwriting considerations. Find yours for guides written specifically to your situation.
The SBA 7(a) is the most versatile business loan in existence — and the most misunderstood. This guide covers every qualification requirement, every document you'll need, how lenders actually underwrite applications, and the three mistakes that kill most deals before they start. Whether you're buying a business, purchasing equipment, or need working capital, this is where to start.
12 min read
Read the guideSide-by-side comparison of rate structures, down payment requirements, eligible uses, and the scenarios where each program wins decisively over the other.
Restaurant underwriting is different from every other industry. Cash flow seasonality, lease structures, and equipment valuations are all evaluated differently. Here's what to know.
Dental practice acquisitions have specific SBA underwriting requirements most generalist lenders don't understand. Here's what the specialists look for — and how to find one.
Up to $25 million. Rural area eligibility. Up to 80% guarantee. Most business owners have never heard of it. Here's everything you need to know — and why your local bank probably doesn't offer it.
Franchise SBA loans have a unique approval process involving the SBA Franchise Directory. This guide walks through every step — from brand verification to close — and what to watch out for.
The grant portion alone sets REAP apart from every other government program. Here's how it works, who qualifies, and how to prepare a winning application before the quarterly window closes.
Hotel financing requires lenders who understand occupancy cycles, RevPAR analysis, and franchise flag agreements. Here's how to find them and what they need to see.
SBA loans can finance goodwill — something conventional loans almost never do. Here's how acquisition underwriting works, what the 1.25x DSCR requirement means, and how seller notes factor in.
Rural manufacturers often qualify for both SBA and USDA programs simultaneously. Here's how to evaluate both options — and why the USDA B&I often wins for larger rural operations.
The guides tell you what you need to know. The quiz is a free 60-second self-check to see whether you meet the basic SBA hurdles. No sign-up, no obligation.
Take the Free Eligibility Quiz