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BUYER'S GUIDE

Business Loan Programs For Women And Minorities

There are a number of business lenders that offer loans and assistance to women and minorities that are seeking loans. Several are listed below.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) classifies a business that is at least 51% owned by a woman or a member of a minority group as a qualifier for special assistance. The SBA will make available specialists that can assist the loan applicant in preparing a loan package. In many cases there is no fee for this service. Loans to small business can be as much as $1 million to qualified women or minority applicants. The SBA will provide all the details to interested parties based on a request received by mail, telephone, or even an Internet inquiry.

Numerous state governments also have programs that provide loans to businesses owned by women or minorities. Normally these programs are instituted under state laws that are designed to encourage the growth or start-up of these types of businesses. Incentives can include discounted loan interest rates and reduced closing costs as well as tax reductions and assistance in completing loan application documentation. The assistance typically takes the form of loan guarantees which makes the applicant more acceptable for approval by bank loan officers. While virtually all states have this type of a program, there are several that are particularly aggressive in promoting women and minority owned businesses and these states make available a myriad of services. One can contact their state Department of Commerce for specific details and offerings.

Several large cities have in-house programs that will provide assistance and loan guarantees for women and minority owned businesses. Inner city rejuvenation, refurbishment or rebuilding programs offer significant opportunities for loans to women or minority owned businesses that may want to locate in particular areas. The specific contacts vary from city to city, but an inquiry directed to city government officials may reveal a program that will lead to a successful business loan. Many small localities may offer incentives to women and minority business owners. This avenue to secure a loan should never be overlooked.

Local banks and commercial lenders have a multitude of government implemented policies and regulations with which they must comply. Often they are required to provide statistical information that demonstrates that business loans are being made available to this group of potential borrowers. Equal opportunity laws provide an opportunity for women and minority owned businesses to take advantage of these monitoring activities. A strong business plan or an above average financial statement may have several banks competing for a loan to this group because it will enable the bank or lending institution to demonstrate that they are actively supporting women and minority owned businesses.

In summary, there are a multitude of lenders that offer special and often discounted loan programs for women and minority owned businesses. It is essential that one make the necessary inquiries that could lead to a loan that might have significantly better terms and conditions than those loans granted to majority owned businesses.


Click here if you are looking for a business loan for women, business loan for minorities, business loan for equipment, equipment financing, hotel financing, motel financing, financing for commercial real estate, business purchase, franchise opportunity, or if you need a business loan for working capital.

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