Certified lenders are those who have been heavily involved in regular SBA loan-guaranty processing and have met certain other criteria. Certified lenders account for nearly a third of all SBA business loan guaranties. Preferred lenders are chosen from among the SBA's best lenders and enjoy full delegation of lending authority in exchange for a lower rate of guaranty. This lending authority must be renewed at least every two years, and the lender's portfolio is examined by the SBA periodically. Preferred loans account for more than 10 percent of SBA loans.
Approval focuses on character, credit and experience.
Under the pilot, which is available to selected lenders, an SBAExpress like program will be offered to pre-designated geographic areas serving mostly New Markets small businesses. The program will also include technical and management assistance, which is designed to help increase the loan applicant's chances of success. The SBA Export Express Loan Program combines the SBA's small business lending assistance with its technical assistance programs to help small businesses that have traditionally had difficulty in obtaining adequate export financing. Loan proceeds may be used for most business purposes, including expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or real estate acquisitions. The SBA guaranty encourages lenders to make loans to small business exporters that they might not make on their own.