The Canada Government Business Loan – Easier Than You Think ! SBL Loans Explained

The Canada government business loan. Does it seem unattainable to you or your business? It shouldn’t be, and part of the process of getting approved for SBL loans is simply the fact that Canadian business owners need to understand how the basic process of business lending translates into Canada’s popular federal financing program.

So how popular? Well using 2010 as an example over 7000 businesses took advantage of the program, which begs the question – ‘ why hasn’t my firm looked into the program!’

The reality that we share with clients is that the process of obtaining an SBL loan is actually as important as being qualified and approved for the program. Let’s take a look at how the government, and the bank (banks administer this program) evaluate the SBL loan financing and what you need to expect. The bottom line, we’re going to show you how to avoid surprises.

Rightfully or wrongfully so we consider ourselves somewhat the champions of small and medium business in Canada. That’s why we commiserate with clients who tell us of the deep frustrations they have in getting an SBL loan approved. And talk about time. We maintain a proper SBL loan proposal can be approved in days – so why do clients tell us they have spent weeks and months stumbling thru the process.

It all starts with interest. And we are not talking about interest rate; we’re talking about disinterest from your banker or advisor. (By the way, the SBL Canada government business loan has some of the best rates in town!) The two most important things to recognize at the start of your SBL process is simply that you need to have a banker onside that both understands and supports the program. Ditto with an experienced advisor if you want a proper proposal in place that meets all the criteria of the program. And there arent a lot of criteria by the way.

Clients think that the bank and the federal government (the underwriter of the program) might view their application in a very conservative manner. The reality is that a huge majority of SBL loans are for start ups, and these loans provide ultra competitive busines rates, limited personal guarantees, and great structures, even offering no repayment penalties should you choose to pay off the loan.

If we had to isolate one or two major stigma around SBL loans surely one of them would be the issue of ‘ bureaucracy’ around the paperwork and approval. But, as we said, if you have a proper proposal in place your financing can be approved in a manner of days – its a case of ensuring your banker knows and supports the program . Since the government, via INDUSTRY CANADA, underwrites the program clients need to appreciate that the banker is responsible for providing a proper paper trail.

So what is that paper trail? It’s not as bad as you think. It’s a business plan with some solid financial projections, and some back up info on your busines, such as your premises lease, as well as documentation around the assets you wish to finance. Assets financeable under the program are all type of capital equipment, including software, leasehold improvements, and even real estate.

Don’t underestimate the fact that you need to be in a position to document your own busines skills as well as having a respectable personal credit history. Oh, and by the way, since it’s a federal loan you might want to ensure you have your personal incomes taxes filed and up to date! Common sense, right?

So, bottom line, can a seemingly complicated process become easy, and fast. Consider seeking and talking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can put you on the fast track to success and approval for the Canada government business Loan – Make SBL loans work for you, in a timely manner!