Maturity

SBA loan programs are generally intended to encourage longer term small business financing but actual loan maturities are based on: the ability to repay, the purpose of the loan proceeds, and the useful life of the assets financed. However, maximum loan maturities have been established: twenty-five (25) years for real estate and equipment; and, generally seven (7) years for working capital.

Loans for working capital purposes will not exceed seven (7) years, except when a longer maturity (up to 10 years) may be needed to ensure repayment. The maximum maturity of loans used to finance fixed assets other than real estate will be limited to the economic life of those assets - but in no instance to exceed twenty-five (25) years. The 25-year maximum will generally apply to the acquisition of land and buildings or the refinancing of debt incurred in their acquisition. Where business premises are to be constructed or significantly renovated, the 25-year maximum would be in addition to the time needed to complete construction. (Significant renovation means construction of at least one-third of the current value of the property.)

When loan proceeds will be used for a combination of purposes, the maximum maturity can be a weighted average of those maturities, which results in level payments. Or, it can be the sum of equal monthly installments on the allowable maturities for each purpose, which results in unequal payments, with a higher requirement for repayment during the initial term of the loan.