Maine
Maine Small Business Loan Rates, Quick Small Business Loans Companies
1. Eastern Maine Development Corporation
address: One Cumberland Pl. Ste 300
Bangor, ME 04401
phone: (207) 942-6389
2. Coastal Enterprises Inc.
address: 36 Water Street
Wiscasset, ME 04578
phone: 207-882-7552
3. Northern Maine Development Commission
address: 302 South Main Street
Bangor, ME 04736
phone: 207-498-8736
Maine SBA Loan Resource Page
Shopping for a SBA loan in Maine can be tedious and time-consuming, and one of the worst parts is the initial wait to find out if a Maine SBA lender even thinks you qualify for consideration. Take heart, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s prequalification program can help. Although the SBA guarantees loans for Maine small businesses that might not otherwise be able to get financing, you still need to get a bank or other financial institution to actually make the loan. With the SBA prequalification program, you can get certified in advance by meeting certain requirements, then shop banks with your SBA prequalification in hand. An SBA loan prequalification can:
1. Make the bank loan process go faster
2. Let lenders know that you've already proven your creditworthiness to the SBA
3. Show you any shortcomings in your finances or management
4. Give you time to shore up potential snags before you apply for a loan
5. Help avert immediate loan rejections.
Action Steps:
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find out if the program is offered in Maine
SBA prequalification is handled through local Maine SBA offices. Contact the nearest office when you're ready to get started.
Make sure you're eligible to participate
The SBA prequalification system operates as part of the agency's basic 7(a) loan program, which provides loans of up to $250,000. Although a wide variety of small businesses are eligible for 7(a) loans, the prequalification program is targeted to low-income borrowers, disabled business owners, new and emerging businesses, veterans, exporters and those in rural and specialized industries.
Understand what you need to pass the SBA test
Prequalifying for an SBA loan is a lot like qualifying for the loan itself. You need to demonstrate sound financial principles and show how your business will succeed and be able to repay a loan. You need a solid business plan, detailed financial statements and evidence of a qualified management team.
Be prepared to work with an local Maine SBA loan intermediary.
The SBA works through intermediaries to carry out the loan prequalification program. Two of the most active are the Small Business Development Centers and Women's Business Centers. Representatives of these organizations can help you prepare your loan application to improve your chances of obtaining SBA prequalification.
Look for local Maine intermediaries in Women's Business Centers and the Small Business Development Centers listings.