By Terry Campbell

The backbone of this country has always been small businesses; if they suffer, so does the economy. Access to capital has often been difficult for these enterprises, and following the economic crisis of 2008, it was nearly impossible.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) was established in 1953, but it took 57 years for self-storage borrowers to become eligible for its lending program. In 2010, the SBA announced it would grant banks the ability to provide its loans to our industry. At the time, many facility owners didn’t have the funds to build or buy existing properties. This announcement allowed those with strong cash flow, positive feasibility studies and business experience to qualify for loans that are partially guaranteed by the government.

Let’s take a closer look at how SBA loans work and how you can qualify for this unique lending opportunity.

Advantages to SBA Loans

For most borrowers, banks typically come to mind as a traditional source of credit. However, there are advantages to using an SBA program. For example:

Because of these benefits, small-business owners who lack the full amount needed for a conventional bank loan may be able to use the 7(a).

Conventional commercial loans have never been easy for small businesses to obtain, and since the financial crisis, banks have further tightened their lending standards. When applying for a loan with a traditional bank, expect to supply several years of financial statements and show a history of consistent growth. In contrast, if a loan meets the $5 million limit for the 7(a) program, some banks can make this loan with a companion conventional and still take advantage of the 7(a)’s benefits. If not, an SBA 504 loan can be used.

A 504 loan, also known as a Certified Development Company (CDC) loan, allows owners and investors to obtain additional financing. A CDC is a nonprofit organization established to enhance the economic development of a community. A 504 loan consists of a relationship between the CDC, lender and SBA. With a 504 project, the borrower is generally eligible for long-term financing—20-year, full-term, fixed-rate on the CDC-provided portion of the loan.

Ultimately, the 7(a) program allows a borrower a better opportunity to be the sole owner of his business. Aside from his relationship with the lender, he may not need additional partners, which is why this program is a viable option for those looking to get into the self-storage industry. SBA 7(a) loans help the business owner stay independent without having to engage equity partners. This isn’t as likely with a conventional loan.

Qualifying for an SBA Loan

There are five definitive traits lenders seek in borrowers who apply for SBA financing. Often referred to as the five Cs, these will vastly affect your ability to secure a loan:

Having your personal and business financials in order will dramatically increase your chances of receiving financing and aid your ability to acquire, build or renovate your self-storage project.

Finding a Lender

Like other types of loans, SBA lending isn’t without rules and regulations. The key to a smooth process is to find a lender that understands both SBA lending and the storage industry. Many banks have an SBA division, but few specialize in these loans or have a dedicated team assigned to them, much less a group of experts who focus solely on self-storage.

Also, many banks are apprehensive of the time it can take a new storage facility to break even, as well as 30-day leases and other factors associated with the industry. This ultimately deters them from making SBA loans, or even conventional loans for that matter. If you’re considering an SBA program, look for a qualified lender that has experience financing to self-storage borrowers. There are many options available for owners. Consider the 7(a) loan program one of your promising choices.

Terry Campbell is general manager for the self-storage lending division of Live Oak Bank, which offers financing for facility acquisitions, construction, expansion, refinancing or renovation. He has more than 20 years of self-storage industry experience. For more information, call 877.890.5867; e-mail [email protected]; visit www.liveoakbank.com.