SEACC is a designated intermediary lender for the US Small Business Administration’s 7(m) Microloan program. This program provides commercial loans of $5,000 to $50,000, to small businesses that have been unable to secure conventional bank loans.

In addition to making loans, under this program SEACC also provides technical assistance to borrowers and companies in its loan portfolio. Technical assistance to Microloan borrowers may range from assistance in preparing a loan application to advice on how to prepare financial projections and business plans. After a loan has been made SEACC staff monitors the status of the business and works with borrowers on ongoing issues for the duration of the loan.

Microloan program details:

  • Loans of $1,000 to $50,000
  • 4 year term, fully amortized
  • Interest rates are competitive. Call for current rates.
  • Loans can be used for working capital, leasehold improvement, equipment purchase, start-up expenses, and other business purposes.

If you are interested in applying for a Microloan, and your business is located in or near the Greater San Francisco Bay Area*, please call our staff at 415-885-2743 to discuss your business needs. Our hours are: M-F, 8:30AM to 5:00PM.

*This includes the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Solano, Napa, Sacramento, and other nearby counties in the Northern California area.

FAQS For Prospective Microloan Borrowers

1. How long does this process take?

In general, you should plan on 2-4 weeks from beginning of this process until funding occurs.  It usually depends on how quickly you complete the loan application and respond to our questions.  A loan committee reviews completed applications.  If approved, funding can occur shortly after this.

2. Geographic areas covered?

The Greater San Francisco Bay Area region and immediate surrounding counties including the Sacramento and Stockton areas. For businesses that are located outside this region, check the SBA website, www.sba.gov, for the appropriate Microloan lender in that region.

3. Interest rates and loan fees?

Interest rates are competitive and subject to periodic change. Check with our staff for our current interest rates. We do not charge loan fees, but we do charge notary fees on final loan documents once a loan is approved if these are signed and notarized in our office. These are typically $10/document/signator. We also charge $40/person to run credit reports which are required for all loan applicants. In situations where we require other collateral, there will be document filing fees with City or State agencies.

4. Do you offer services for limited English speaking loan applicants?

Yes, our Business staff can provide services in Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Tagalog as well as in English.

5. What if I need to borrow more than $50,000?

We maintain relationships with a number of local banks and may be able to refer you to other interested lenders.