Complete Guide to SBA 7(a) Loans for Startups

For aspiring entrepreneurs, one of the most critical decisions involves securing adequate funding to launch and sustain operations. While traditional bank loans and venture capital have long served as financing pathways, the SBA 7(a) loan program offers a particularly attractive option for startup founders seeking flexible, accessible financing with favorable terms.​

The SBA 7(a) program represents the U.S. Small Business Administration's primary business loan program, backed by a public-private partnership model. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the program approved 70,242 loans worth a combined $31.1 billion, demonstrating its substantial role in America's small business ecosystem. This comprehensive guide examines how startup founders can strategically leverage 7(a) financing to fuel initial growth, establish operational infrastructure, and position their ventures for long-term success.​

Understanding the SBA 7(a) Loan Program

The SBA 7(a) loan represents the largest and most flexible lending program under the SBA's umbrella, accounting for roughly 80% of all SBA lending. Unlike traditional bank loans where lenders bear full risk, the 7(a) program operates as a public-private partnership. Private lenders make credit decisions and originate the loans, while the federal government guarantees a substantial portion—typically 75% to 85% depending on loan size—thereby incentivizing lenders to support borrowers they might otherwise reject.​

This guarantee structure fundamentally changes the lending landscape for startups. By reducing lender risk, the SBA guarantee enables more flexible underwriting, lower down payment requirements, extended repayment terms, and competitive interest rates that traditional lenders would hesitate to offer.​

Key Characteristics of SBA 7(a) Loans

The standard 7(a) loan offers loan amounts ranging from no minimum up to $5 million, providing substantial capital for meaningful business initiatives. The SBA guarantee covers at least 75% for loans exceeding $150,000 and up to 85% for smaller loans.​

Repayment terms vary based on use of funds. For working capital and inventory, loans typically extend up to 10 years. For equipment purchases, terms can match the equipment's useful life, often reaching 15-25 years. This flexibility allows founders to align loan repayment schedules with revenue generation patterns—a critical advantage for startups with evolving cash flows.​

Unlike other government lending programs with restrictive parameters, 7(a) loans accommodate a broad range of eligible uses, giving founders significant discretion in deploying capital strategically.​

Eligibility Requirements for Startup Founders

Understanding eligibility requirements represents an essential first step in the 7(a) loan application process. While the SBA maintains baseline standards applicable to all borrowers, startup-specific considerations warrant particular attention.

Core Eligibility Criteria

Your business must satisfy several foundational requirements:​

Operating Structure: Your business must be an operating, for-profit entity located within the United States or its territories. The SBA does not finance nonprofit organizations, investment real estate, or speculative ventures.​

Business Size: Your company must qualify as "small" under SBA size standards, which establish tangible net worth thresholds not exceeding $15 million and average after-tax net income capped at $5 million for the preceding two years.​

Credit Requirements: Lenders typically expect a credit score of 650 or higher, though some SBA lenders may work with borrowers scoring 600-650 with additional compensating factors. The SBA also requires that you demonstrate no delinquency on existing federal obligations, including taxes and student loans.​

Cash Flow and Repayment Capacity: You must demonstrate the ability to service debt obligations through sufficient cash flow and working capital. For established businesses, this manifests through historical financial statements. For startups, this determination relies more heavily on financial projections and industry expertise.​

Reasonable Credit Unavailability: A critical SBA requirement mandates that applicants exhaust conventional financing sources before accessing SBA programs. You must demonstrate that you've attempted to secure the desired credit on reasonable terms from nongovernmental lenders and were unsuccessful or received unfavorable terms.​

Startup-Specific Requirements and Considerations

Startups face a modified eligibility path reflecting their lack of operating history. While the baseline requirements above remain constant, startup founders typically encounter additional scrutiny in several areas:

Experience and Expertise: Lenders and the SBA place substantial emphasis on the founder's industry knowledge and relevant experience. Demonstrating previous professional success in your chosen industry—whether through employment history, consulting engagements, or relevant certifications—significantly strengthens your application. This experience requirement exists because it provides confidence that you understand industry dynamics, competitive positioning, and operational realities.​

Business Plan Excellence: Since startups lack operating history and cash flow evidence, the business plan becomes your primary tool for demonstrating feasibility and founder competence. The SBA and lenders will scrutinize your plan with particular intensity to evaluate market validation, financial projections, and risk management strategies.​

Personal Financial Investment: Showing that you've invested your own funds into the business demonstrates genuine commitment and reduces lender perception of risk. The SBA typically requires at least 10% down payment for loan proceeds directed toward equipment, real estate, or business acquisition.​

Time in Business Consideration: While the standard expectation involves two years of operating history, some SBA lenders will consider early-stage companies demonstrating strong business plans and experienced management teams.​

Revenue Thresholds: Recent guidance suggests minimum annual revenue around $100,000 on average, though this requirement may be waived for compelling startup proposals with experienced founders and solid market validation.​

Qualifying Uses of SBA 7(a) Loan Proceeds

The flexibility of 7(a) loan proceeds represents one of the program's most valuable features for startup founders. Rather than restricting capital to narrow purposes, the SBA permits a wide range of sound business applications.​

Equipment and Fixed Assets

Equipment purchases rank among the most common 7(a) loan applications. Startup founders can finance new or used equipment including manufacturing machinery, production lines, IT systems, construction equipment, restaurant equipment, office furniture, and technology infrastructure.​

For startups in capital-intensive industries—manufacturing, hospitality, construction, or technology—equipment financing through SBA 7(a) loans offers substantial advantages. The loan terms can extend to match equipment useful life, spreading costs across the revenue-generating period. This approach preserves working capital for operational expenses while building productive assets that generate revenue.

Real Estate and Facility Development

SBA 7(a) loans support acquisition, improvement, and construction of business facilities. Startups can finance purchases of land, buildings, warehouses, retail storefronts, and office headquarters. The program also covers tenant improvements, renovations, and new construction projects, enabling founders to establish professional spaces that support customer relationships and employee productivity.​

Note that the loan must be tied directly to business operations. Investment real estate or speculative land purchases fall outside acceptable uses.​

Working Capital and Operational Needs

Perhaps the most flexible application category, working capital encompasses the funds required for daily operations, meeting payroll, purchasing inventory, paying rent and utilities, and managing cash flow during startup phases.​

This category proves particularly valuable for startups requiring inventory buildup before generating substantial revenue. Founders can secure capital to purchase initial inventory, fund payroll during the ramp-up phase, and cover operational expenses until revenue streams stabilize.​

Research, Development, and Product Innovation

SBA 7(a) loans explicitly support research and development activities, a critical advantage for startups in technology, biotech, software, and innovative manufacturing sectors. Founders can finance prototype development, testing, field validation, and market research—activities essential for proving concept viability before full-scale commercialization.​

This use case extends particularly well to technology startups and product-based businesses requiring significant pre-revenue investment in development and validation.

Marketing and Customer Acquisition

SBA guidance permits 7(a) loan proceeds for advertising and marketing expenses when they serve a clear business purpose. Startup founders can deploy capital for digital marketing campaigns, content creation, website development, trade show participation, and brand-building activities.​

The requirement here involves demonstrating that marketing expenditures support sound business development rather than representing speculative or non-essential spending. When founders can show clear ROI connections or industry-standard marketing spend ratios, this use gains lender approval.

Debt Refinancing and Working Capital Optimization

7(a) loans can refinance existing business debt when doing so improves terms, extends maturity, or consolidates obligations into more manageable structures. This option benefits startups that've previously accessed other financing mechanisms and seek to optimize their capital structure.​

Prohibited Uses

Understanding what 7(a) funds cannot finance proves equally important. The SBA explicitly prohibits proceeds for:​

  • Personal expenses or owner compensation

  • Delinquent taxes or government debt obligations

  • Speculative investments

  • Purposes lacking sound business rationale

  • Loans that don't directly benefit the business

Founders must ensure their loan request and use of funds align with SBA standards. Any violation can result in application denial or, in cases of misrepresentation, legal consequences.

The Critical Importance of a Strong Business Plan

For startup founders applying for SBA 7(a) loans, the business plan transcends being a regulatory requirement—it becomes your primary mechanism for demonstrating competence, market awareness, and execution capability.​

Why Lenders Scrutinize Startup Business Plans

Unlike established businesses with financial track records, startups lack the cash flow evidence and operational history that traditional underwriting evaluates. Consequently, lenders rely overwhelmingly on the business plan to assess:​

Founder Competence: Your plan demonstrates research depth, industry knowledge, and realistic understanding of operational challenges. Lenders assess whether you've genuinely thought through business fundamentals or are pursuing a superficial idea.

Market Validation: The plan should present evidence that target customers actually want your offering. This might include survey data, pre-orders, letters of intent from potential customers, or documented market research demonstrating genuine demand.​

Feasibility Assessment: Through detailed financial projections, market analysis, and operational plans, your business plan convinces lenders that your venture can achieve profitability and generate revenue adequate for loan repayment.​

Risk Management: Comprehensive plans that acknowledge competitive threats, market risks, and potential obstacles demonstrate mature thinking. Lenders appreciate plans that show you've considered what could go wrong and developed mitigation strategies.​

Essential Components of an SBA-Ready Business Plan

An effective SBA 7(a) business plan for startups should include:​

Executive Summary: A compelling 1-2 page overview presenting your business concept, target market, competitive advantage, funding request, and primary use of funds. Despite appearing first, write this section last after completing detailed sections.

Company Description: A detailed explanation of your business structure, legal form, mission statement, and the specific problem your business solves. For startups, include information about why you and your team are uniquely positioned to address this opportunity.

Industry Analysis: Research demonstrating understanding of your industry's size, growth trajectory, key trends, regulatory environment, and competitive dynamics. This section proves you've conducted genuine research beyond surface-level observations.

Market Analysis and Target Customer Definition: Detailed demographic, psychographic, and behavioral profiles of your ideal customer. Quantify your target market size using credible sources. Explain why these customers need your offering and what forces them to purchase.​

Competitive Analysis: An honest assessment of direct and indirect competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, and your differentiation strategy. Avoid claiming you have "no competitors"—this signals unrealistic market understanding.​

Marketing and Sales Strategy: Your detailed plan for reaching target customers, acquiring clients, and generating revenue. Include pricing strategy, distribution channels, customer acquisition costs, and realistic sales projections.​

Organization and Management: Biographical information for founders and key team members, including relevant experience, expertise, and accomplishments. Lenders invest in people as much as ideas. Include an organizational chart showing roles and responsibilities.

Financial Projections: Detailed projections covering at minimum three years of operations, typically presented in monthly intervals for year one and quarterly intervals for years two and three. Include:​

  • Income statements (revenue, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, net profit)

  • Cash flow projections (critical for startups, as profitability differs from cash availability)

  • Balance sheets (assets, liabilities, owner equity)

  • Break-even analysis (when revenue covers all costs)

  • Loan repayment coverage (demonstrating adequate cash flow for debt service)

Financial projections should be detailed, realistic, and supported by underlying assumptions (cost per unit, pricing strategy, sales growth rates). Lenders expect to understand how you derived revenue and expense figures.

Use of Loan Proceeds: A detailed allocation showing exactly how you'll deploy borrowed capital. For example: "$150,000 for equipment purchases, $50,000 for inventory, $30,000 for working capital." This specificity demonstrates planning discipline.

Supporting Documents and Appendices: Include personal credit reports, personal financial statements, tax returns (yours and corporate if applicable), market research data, customer testimonials or letters of intent, resumes of key team members, and documentation supporting any claims made in the plan.

Business Plan Writing Best Practices for Startup Founders

When crafting your SBA-focused business plan, adhere to these principles:​

Write for Lender Understanding: Use clear, professional language accessible to readers without specialized industry knowledge. Avoid jargon unless absolutely necessary, and define any technical terms you use. Lenders need to understand your business quickly.

Support Every Significant Claim: Whether addressing market size, competitive positioning, or financial projections, provide citations and sourcing. Lenders will verify significant statements, so accuracy and transparency prove essential.

Demonstrate Market Validation: The more evidence you provide that customers genuinely want your offering, the stronger your application. This might include pre-orders, survey results, pilot program successes, or validation from industry experts.

Show Realistic Financial Projections: Conservative, well-documented projections impress lenders more than aggressive, unsupported growth assumptions. Include sensitivity analysis showing performance under different scenarios (best case, realistic case, worst case).

Address Risk Honestly: Comprehensive plans that acknowledge potential challenges and explain mitigation strategies signal maturity. Lenders expect challenges; they want confidence in your ability to navigate them.

Maintain Professional Presentation: Use consistent formatting, clear headers, professional graphics, and careful proofreading. Presentation quality reflects your overall business professionalism and attention to detail.

Understanding Down Payments and Collateral Requirements

For startup founders, down payment and collateral requirements often raise significant concerns. Understanding these parameters helps you assess feasibility and plan accordingly.

Down Payment Requirements

Down payment obligations vary based on intended loan use:​

Equipment, Real Estate, and Business Acquisition: The SBA typically requires a 10% down payment when loan proceeds finance these assets. This requirement demonstrates your personal financial commitment and reduces lender risk. For a $100,000 equipment purchase, you'd contribute $10,000 from personal funds.​

Working Capital and Inventory: Down payment requirements tend to be less stringent for working capital applications, though lenders may require 10-15% depending on overall loan characteristics and borrower profile.

Relationship to Loan Amount: Some lenders adjust down payment requirements based on overall loan size and borrower creditworthiness. Stronger applicants may negotiate minimal down payments, while riskier profiles might face higher requirements.

Collateral Requirements and Structure

The SBA's collateral approach differs meaningfully from traditional lending, employing an "All Business Assets" (ABA) or blanket lien structure.​

How Blanket Liens Function: When you secure an SBA 7(a) loan, essentially all of your business's assets become collateral—not just equipment you're purchasing, but also inventory, accounts receivable, equipment, fixtures, and furniture. If the business is structured as a corporation, your personal assets may also be subject to liens for loans exceeding $350,000 if business assets prove insufficient.​

Collateral Amount Thresholds: Collateral requirements vary based on loan size:​

  • Loans of $25,000 or less: No collateral requirement

  • Loans of $25,001-$350,000: The lender uses assets being financed plus available fixed and trading assets. If these prove insufficient, the loan may require residential or investment real estate.

  • Loans exceeding $350,000: Business assets are expected to serve as primary collateral. If these prove inadequate, personal assets may be required.

What Qualifies as Collateral: The SBA recognizes diverse asset types:​

  • Commercial real estate

  • Equipment and machinery

  • Inventory

  • Vehicles and rolling stock

  • Accounts receivable

  • Furniture and fixtures

  • Personal real estate (homes, investment property)

  • Owner personal assets

Collateral Valuation: Lenders determine collateral value through various methods, including appraisals for real estate, market comparables for equipment, and asset valuations for other property. Generally, lenders prefer collateral with established secondary markets—equipment they could readily sell if default occurs—over specialized assets with limited resale value.

Mitigating Collateral Concerns

If you lack substantial collateral, several approaches can address lender concerns:​

Strong Cash Flow Projections: If your business plan demonstrates sufficient projected cash flow to reliably service debt, lenders may be less concerned about collateral. Cash flow represents the primary repayment source; collateral is secondary.

Personal Guarantees and Personal Assets: Willingness to personally guarantee the loan and pledge personal assets demonstrates confidence and commitment. Offering a secondary repayment source through personal assets can improve approval likelihood.

Smaller Loan Amounts: Loans under $25,000 face no collateral requirements, potentially making smaller, staged financing more feasible than one large advance.

Relationship with Lenders: Establishing relationships with SBA lenders who specialize in startup financing often yields more flexible collateral requirements than general-purpose lenders. These specialists understand startup dynamics and accept less substantial collateral for well-planned ventures.

Comparing SBA 7(a) Loans to Alternative Financing Options

Startup founders typically evaluate SBA 7(a) loans alongside alternative financing mechanisms. Understanding comparative advantages and disadvantages informs optimal funding decisions.

SBA 7(a) Loans vs. Traditional Bank Loans

Interest Rates and Terms: SBA 7(a) loans typically offer competitive, fixed interest rates and extended repayment terms compared to conventional bank financing. The SBA guarantee incentivizes lenders to offer favorable terms.​

Down Payment Requirements: 7(a) loans generally require lower down payments (typically 10%) compared to conventional loans, which often demand 20-25%.​

Credit Requirements: While SBA lenders prefer credit scores above 650, they'll work with borderline credit if other factors compensate. Traditional banks maintain stricter credit standards, often requiring 700+.

Flexibility: 7(a) loans permit multiple uses—equipment, working capital, real estate, debt refinancing. Traditional loans often restrict proceeds to specific purposes.

Application Timeline: Both processes require 2-4 weeks, though 7(a) applications involve SBA review, potentially extending timelines slightly.​

Cost Structure: SBA 7(a) loans include guarantee fees (typically 2.5-3.75% of loan amount) and servicing charges, while traditional loans avoid these additional costs. However, the improved terms often offset fee impacts.​

SBA 7(a) Loans vs. Equipment Financing

Funding Scope: Equipment financing restricts proceeds to equipment acquisition exclusively. SBA 7(a) loans permit simultaneous equipment financing and working capital access.​

Collateral Requirements: Equipment financing uses only the financed equipment as collateral, requiring no additional business or personal assets. SBA 7(a) loans employ blanket liens securing equipment plus other business assets.​

Application Complexity: Equipment financing streamlines approval for straightforward asset purchases. SBA 7(a) requires comprehensive business plans but supports more complex funding scenarios.

Approval Speed: Equipment financing often accelerates approval and funding, sometimes within days for qualified borrowers. SBA 7(a) processes typically require 2-4 weeks.​

Best Use Cases: Equipment financing suits startups with isolated equipment needs and adequate equipment-based collateral. SBA 7(a) loans serve ventures requiring multiple funding categories or broader working capital support.​

SBA 7(a) Loans vs. Angel Investment

Ownership Preservation: Angel investment involves equity surrender, diluting founder ownership. SBA 7(a) loans preserve 100% ownership as debt obligations require only repayment, not profit sharing.​

Mentorship and Networks: Angel investors typically provide strategic guidance, industry connections, and mentorship alongside capital. SBA lenders provide financing without ongoing advisory relationships.

Repayment Obligations: SBA loans require fixed repayment regardless of business performance. Angel investment returns align with business success—poor performance reduces pressure, while strong performance generates significant returns for investors.​

Capital Access: Angel investors typically fund earlier stages with smaller amounts ($25K-$2M). SBA 7(a) loans support more developed concepts with amounts up to $5M.

Timeline and Process: Angel fundraising can extend months for proper relationship building. SBA 7(a) processes conclude in 2-4 weeks for complete, qualified applications.

Best Use Cases: Angel investment suits pre-revenue or very early-stage ventures prioritizing mentorship. SBA 7(a) loans serve more developed startups with proven concepts, interested in preserving equity while accessing growth capital.

SBA 7(a) Loans vs. Venture Capital

Investor Profile and Expectations: Venture capital targets high-growth potential businesses seeking scalability at potentially significant returns. VCs take equity stakes (typically 15-30% per round) and expect involvement in governance.

Funding Scale: SBA 7(a) loans cap at $5 million, suiting bootstrapped or moderately funded startups. Venture capital provides substantially larger amounts for rapid scaling but expects corresponding growth trajectories.

Ownership and Control: VCs require board representation and decision-making authority. SBA loans preserve founder control and decision autonomy.

Exit Expectations: VCs expect eventual exit events (acquisition or IPO) generating significant returns. SBA loans simply require repayment over time, compatible with sustainable, profitable businesses or lifestyle businesses.

Best Use Cases: Venture capital suits technology startups targeting massive addressable markets with aggressive growth timelines. SBA 7(a) loans suit founders prioritizing control, independence, and sustainable growth over rapid scaling.

The Application and Underwriting Process

Understanding the SBA 7(a) application process helps founders prepare effectively and anticipate lender requirements.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Lender Selection: Begin by identifying SBA-certified lenders in your region. The SBA partner network includes over 35 major lenders plus community banks and credit unions specializing in SBA lending. Different lenders have varying size preferences, industry expertise, and underwriting flexibility. Speaking with multiple lenders helps identify the best fit for your profile.​

2. Pre-Application Consultation: Schedule a consultation with your chosen lender's SBA specialist. Discuss your business concept, funding request, intended use of proceeds, and personal background. This conversation identifies potential obstacles early and clarifies expectations before formal application.

3. Application Submission: Complete the SBA application form (SBA Form 1919) along with supporting documentation including:

  • Personal credit reports and authorization

  • Personal financial statements

  • Proposed business financial projections

  • Complete business plan

  • Personal income tax returns (past 2 years)

  • Corporate tax returns (if applicable)

  • Resumes of key management team members

  • Documentation of personal investment in the business

4. Initial Lender Review: The lender's credit analyst reviews completeness and preliminary feasibility. This stage often identifies documentation gaps or concerns requiring clarification.

5. Underwriting and SBA Review: The lender's underwriting team conducts comprehensive analysis of credit, collateral, cash flow capacity, and business plan. For startups without substantial operating history, this stage particularly emphasizes business plan strength and founder experience. The lender then submits findings to the SBA for review and guarantee approval.

6. Approval and Closing: Upon SBA approval, the lender prepares loan documents. You'll sign promissory notes, security agreements establishing liens, and personal guarantee documents. Funding typically follows within 3-5 business days of closing.

Underwriting Emphasis Areas for Startups

Lender underwriting for startup SBA applications particularly emphasizes:​

Business Plan Comprehensiveness: Detailed market analysis, competitive positioning, and financial projections carry particular weight. The business plan essentially serves as your operating track record for startups.

Founder Experience and Competency: Extensive review of your background, industry expertise, and relevant professional accomplishments. Lenders want confidence that you understand your industry and can execute your plan.

Market Validation: Evidence that customers genuinely want your offering. Pre-orders, customer surveys, pilots, or letters of intent significantly strengthen applications.

Financial Projections Realism: Conservative, well-documented assumptions prove more persuasive than aggressive projections. Show you've thoroughly researched cost structures and market pricing.

Management Team Depth: Startups with experienced co-founders or advisors demonstrating complementary skills and relevant expertise present lower risk profiles.

Personal Financial Commitment: Evidence of personal investment—whether funds already deployed or collateral pledged—demonstrates genuine commitment and reduces lender perception of risk.

Key Takeaways for Startup Founders

As you evaluate SBA 7(a) financing for your startup, remember these essential principles:

SBA 7(a) Loans Offer Flexibility and Favorable Terms: With loan amounts to $5 million, extended repayment terms aligned to asset useful life, and SBA guarantees reducing lender risk, 7(a) loans provide meaningful capital access for startups unable to secure traditional bank financing.​

The Business Plan Determines Success: For startups lacking operating history, a comprehensive, well-researched business plan becomes your primary approval determinant. Invest significant effort in market research, financial projections, and competitive analysis.​

Founder Experience Matters Significantly: Lenders scrutinize your industry background, relevant expertise, and accomplishments. Demonstrating deep knowledge of your industry substantially improves approval likelihood.​

Explore All Funding Options Comprehensively: SBA requirements mandate exhausting conventional financing sources before accessing SBA programs. More importantly, comparing 7(a) loans to venture capital, angel investment, equipment financing, and traditional bank loans helps you select the optimal fit for your specific situation.​

Down Payments and Collateral Show Commitment: Personal investment and pledged collateral signal genuine commitment to lenders. While SBA flexibility on collateral requirements exists, demonstrating your own stake in success strengthens applications materially.​

Prepare Thoroughly for Application: The most successful startup applications result from meticulous preparation—comprehensive business plans, detailed financial projections, complete documentation, and realistic funding requests. This preparation demonstrates professional discipline that extends beyond the application.

Conclusion

SBA 7(a) loans represent a powerful financing mechanism for startup founders balancing capital requirements against ownership preservation, timeline constraints, and personal financial risk. The program's flexibility—supporting equipment, working capital, R&D, facility development, and marketing simultaneously—accommodates diverse startup funding scenarios.

Success requires three fundamental elements. First, develop a genuinely excellent business plan demonstrating market opportunity, competitive advantage, and realistic financial modeling. Second, document extensive industry knowledge and relevant professional accomplishments proving your capability to execute. Third, demonstrate personal financial commitment through your own investment and pledged collateral, signaling confidence in your venture's success.

For founders who've thoroughly developed their business concepts, conducted genuine market research, and can articulate their strategic vision through a professional business plan, SBA 7(a) loans provide a compelling pathway to startup financing that preserves ownership, maintains strategic autonomy, and aligns repayment obligations with business cash flows.

Your startup's success ultimately depends less on the financing mechanism selected than on the quality of your business concept, market understanding, execution capability, and personal commitment. When these fundamentals are solid, SBA 7(a) loans provide the capital foundation supporting sustainable, founder-controlled business growth.

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How to Estimate How Much SBA Funding Your Small Business Needs to Scale