The U.S. Small Business Administration announced fiscal 2018 lending numbers showing that it guaranteed more than $30 billion to small businesses that otherwise would not have had access to capital.

● In 2018, SBA’s 7(a) and 504 loan programs have been more dynamic, easy to use and accessible, helping small businesses succeed and thrive. The 7(a) program is SBA’s flagship program, which offers guarantees on loans to small businesses of up to $5 million on reasonable terms and conditions. In fiscal 2018 there were about 60,353 7(a) loans made, with a total dollar amount of $25.37 billion. The SBA’s 504 loan program, also named as Certified Development Company program, is designed to provide financing for the purchase of fixed assets, which usually means real estate, buildings and machinery, at below market rates. 504 loan program had another year of high performance for lending, with 5,874 loans made for a total dollar amount of more than $4.75 billion.

● In fiscal 2018, SBA launched the 25-year Debenture, which offers an extra 60 months of financing at a fixed rate for small businesses. Since its introduction in April, more than 1,000 debentures had been sold by the end of September. The 25-year Debenture is designed to help free up cash flow and offer fixed rates in a rising interest rate environment for 504 borrowers.

● In fiscal 2018, there was significant growth in the SBA’s smaller loans, including a record volume of dollars lent in the Microloan and Community Advantage Programs. Specifically, more than 5,000 loans were approved for over $72 million in the Microloan program and more than 1,000 loans for more than $150 million in SBA’s Community Advantage program.

● Lender Match is an SBA technology platform that gives entrepreneurs the ability to complete a quick online form, without registration or cost, and be connected with an approved SBA lender within 48 hours. To date, Lender Match has generated 3.6 million leads on behalf of small businesses to lenders and more than 160,000 unique borrowers have been contacted by lenders with financing options.