US federal, state, Tribal and local routes

Sources (read 2026-10-31): USAGov guidance; CareerOneStop toolkit; Treasury SSBCI

How do I find US government contract opportunities?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Search federal contract opportunities on SAM.gov. Contracts are payment for delivering goods or services, not grants or investment capital.

SAM.gov lets you search opportunities without an account. Vendor eligibility, registration, competition and performance requirements are set per solicitation, so do not assume you can win every contract. State and local purchasing uses separate channels. The Grants.gov eligibility page still points to FBO.gov, but SAM.gov now hosts contract opportunities.

Keep contract revenue apart from grant and loan totals when planning. SBA also describes surety bonds as a separate tool for contract readiness. A bond is protection for the buyer, not cash to you.

Nothing here predicts a contract award.

Next step: search SAM.gov for your product or service, read a solicitation fully, and check its registration requirements.

Next: SAM.gov opportunities

Sources (read 2026-10-31): SAM.gov; Grants.gov eligibility; SBA surety

Do I apply to the SBA directly for a 7(a) loan?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No, you apply through a participating lender, not through the SBA itself. The SBA 7(a) program is a lender loan with an SBA guaranty, so the lender makes the credit decision and the SBA backs part of it.

SBA's page says to use its Lender Match tool to find a participating lender, or to contact an SBA District Office with questions. The business must be an operating, for-profit business located in the US, and it must be unable to get the credit it wants on reasonable terms from non-government sources.

This is a loan that you repay. It is not a grant. Nothing here predicts whether a lender will approve you.

Next step: read SBA's 7(a) page, then prepare your business plan and financial statements before approaching lenders.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA lending

What can an SBA 7(a) loan be used for and how large can it be?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Up to $5 million, as of the SBA page read on 1 November 2026, for several business purposes. SBA lists real estate (buy, refinance or improve), short- and long-term working capital, refinancing business debt, machinery and equipment, furniture, fixtures and supplies, and full or partial changes of ownership. The page also lists multiple-purpose loans that combine these.

The page does not list prohibited uses on its face. It links to ineligible business types, so check that list for your type of business before you plan. Lenders set their own underwriting within SBA rules.

This is borrowed money. A loan is not a grant, and the maximum is not an amount you should expect to receive.

Next step: match your purpose to the list, then ask a participating lender what it will finance.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA lending

What does the SBA 'credit elsewhere' requirement mean?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

It means the SBA expects you to have been unable to get the credit you want on reasonable terms from non-government sources. SBA lists this as a condition for 7(a) loans. In plain terms, the guaranty is meant for loans that lenders would not make on the same terms without it.

The page does not explain how each lender documents the test. Lenders apply it during their own underwriting, so ask the lender what proof it wants.

Disaster loans have their own credit-elsewhere rules. SBA's disaster page caps interest rates at different levels depending on whether the borrower can get credit elsewhere.

This test does not predict approval, and failing a private lender once does not by itself show you meet it.

Next step: ask the lender how it documents the test for your loan.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA lending; SBA disasters

Can a startup with no operating history get an SBA 7(a) loan?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Possibly, but SBA's pages read do not say yes or no, so ask a lender. SBA's list of ineligible businesses (13 CFR 120.110) covers things like nonprofits, lenders, passive landlords and illegal activities. New businesses are not on that list.

SBA's funding guide says eligibility for a new business is typically based on the owner's personal credit score, and recommends a business plan, an expense sheet and five-year financial projections. It says SBA can guarantee a loan when a bank sees the business as higher risk, and points to Lender Match for finding lenders.

SBA microloans, which are different from 7(a), can go to start-ups, up to $50,000, through nonprofit intermediary lenders that make the credit decisions.

Lenders set their own standards and may ask for more. Nothing here promises approval. This is information, not a lending service.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): 13 CFR 120.110 Ineligible businesses (SBA business loans); SBA microloans; SBA funding guide

What is the SBA 7(a) Working Capital Pilot?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

It is a 7(a) pilot for working capital, with extra limits listed on SBA's page. SBA says the pilot requires at least one year of operating history. It also caps interest at the base rate plus a spread that depends on loan size: 6.5% up to $50,000, 6.0% from $50,001 to $250,000, 4.5% from $250,001 to $350,000 and 3.0% above that.

The SBA guaranty under the pilot is 85% for loans of $150,000 or less and 75% for larger loans. The guaranty protects the lender, not you. You still owe the loan.

These figures were read on 1 November 2026 and pilots can change or end. They do not apply to standard 7(a) loans, and the page does not say how standard rates are set.

Next step: ask a participating lender whether it offers the pilot and compare its quote.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA lending

Who sets the interest rate on a standard SBA 7(a) loan?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

SBA sets the maximum, and the lender's rate must stay within it. Under 13 CFR 120.213, SBA publishes the maximum allowable rate in the Federal Register from time to time. A fixed rate on a guaranteed loan must be reasonable and cannot exceed that published maximum. Direct SBA loans are different and use a statutory formula based on the government's cost of money.

The section read does not say how a lender and borrower agree the rate inside the cap. Variable-rate rules sit in 13 CFR 120.214, which I did not read.

Ask any lender for the rate, whether it is fixed or variable, and all fees in writing, and compare more than one offer. Current caps change, so check SBA's latest notice. This is general information, not a rate quote.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): 13 CFR 120.213 Maximum interest rates (SBA business loans)

What is SBA Lender Match?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

It is a tool SBA points to for finding participating lenders for a 7(a) loan. It is a discovery tool, not an application for a loan from SBA and not an offer of credit.

SBA's 7(a) page says you apply through a local lender and names Lender Match as a way to find one. The lender then decides on credit. Contact an SBA District Office if you have questions about the process.

We could not read Lender Match's own page in this check, so details of how it matches and what it asks of you are not covered here.

Next step: use the official SBA tool, compare more than one lender, and read each lender's fees and terms before agreeing.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA lending

Which SBA loans come from lenders and which come from SBA itself?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Most SBA business loan programs run through intermediaries, but disaster loans are made by SBA. 7(a) loans come from participating lenders with an SBA guaranty. 504 loans come through SBA-certified Certified Development Companies working with a senior lender. Microloans of up to $50,000 come from SBA-approved nonprofit intermediaries, which make their own credit decisions.

Disaster loans are different. SBA's disaster page directs applicants to apply through its own online disaster application channel.

That means a loan offer, rate and decision usually come from the lender or intermediary, not from SBA. This does not promise any outcome.

Next step: identify which program fits your purpose, then contact the right channel, lender, CDC, intermediary or SBA disaster desk.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA lending; SBA 504; microloans; SBA disasters

What is a Certified Development Company (CDC) in SBA 504 financing?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

A CDC is an SBA-certified nonprofit intermediary that works with a senior lender on 504 loans. SBA describes 504 as long-term financing for major fixed assets. You apply through the CDC, not directly to SBA.

The CDC is itself a nonprofit, but that does not make nonprofit borrowers eligible. The borrower must be an eligible operating for-profit small business. SBA says 504 is not for working capital, inventory or speculative rental-property investment.

Terms depend on the project and the lenders involved. This is repayable financing, not a grant.

Next step: read SBA's 504 page, then ask a CDC in your area whether your fixed-asset project fits. See also the related answer on what 504 covers.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA 504

What are the terms and limits of an SBA disaster loan?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

SBA lists several disaster loan types with caps, as of the page read on 1 November 2026. Business physical loans go up to $2 million to repair or replace property, inventory and equipment. Economic injury (EIDL) working-capital loans share a combined $2 million cap with physical loans. Home loans go up to $500,000 for a primary residence.

For most loans, the first payment is deferred 12 months with no interest accruing, repayment can run up to 30 years, and there is no prepayment penalty. Rates are capped at 4% or 8% depending on the loan and on whether the borrower can get credit elsewhere.

These loans are repayable and tied to a declared disaster. Check the declaration, county and filing deadline.

Next step: apply at SBA's disaster site or call SBA customer service.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA disasters

Are private nonprofits eligible for SBA disaster assistance after a declared disaster?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Often yes, because most private nonprofits can be eligible for SBA disaster loans. SBA says economic injury loans cover small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses and most private nonprofits, and that physical loans can serve businesses of any size and private nonprofits depending on loan type.

This is different from SBA 7(a) and 504, which require for-profit businesses. The loan must be tied to a declared disaster, and SBA must find the applicant cannot get credit elsewhere for economic injury loans.

The loan is repayable. Insurance and other recovery sources are taken into account.

Next step: confirm the disaster declaration and your county on SBA's disaster page, then apply through SBA's channel.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA disasters; SBA lending; SBA 504

Can a disaster loan pay for expansion or lost profits?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No. SBA says disaster loans are for losses not covered by insurance or other sources, plus ordinary operating expenses for business loans. They are not for expansion or upgrades, except changes required by building codes.

Military reservist economic injury loans carry a similar limit: SBA says they cannot cover lost income or profits.

That is why a disaster loan is not general growth capital. The loan is tied to a declared event, and insurance payouts and other recovery resources reduce what you can borrow.

This page does not say how SBA calculates each applicant's loss, so expect to document it.

Next step: gather insurance claim records and repair estimates, then use SBA's disaster application channel.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA disasters

Is the Paycheck Protection Program still available?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No. The Paycheck Protection Program ended on 31 May 2021 and is not a funding route for new applicants. SBA's COVID-19 relief page remains for people managing existing loans.

If a website, email or advisor says PPP is open, treat that as a warning sign and check SBA's own pages. Do not pay an upfront fee for a program SBA lists as closed.

If you are looking for current federal options, SBA's loan programs, disaster loans in a declared disaster, and agency grants through Grants.gov each have their own rules.

Next step: use SBA's funding guide to compare current routes.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA COVID relief

Is COVID-19 EIDL still open for new applications?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No, the SBA COVID-19 relief page points to managing and servicing existing COVID EIDL loans, not to new general business-finance applications. Do not confuse it with the current disaster EIDL, which depends on a declared disaster and its own eligibility.

If you have an existing COVID EIDL, use SBA's servicing channels listed on its relief page. If you are looking for new help after a declared disaster, SBA's disaster page describes the current loan types.

A site that advertises pandemic-era loans as new is out of date or may be a scam.

Next step: read SBA's COVID relief page for servicing, and the disaster page if you were hit by a declared event.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA COVID relief; SBA disasters

What is the SBA military reservist economic injury loan?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

It is an SBA loan of up to $2 million for small businesses that need operating funds when an essential employee is called to active duty. SBA caps the interest rate at 4%.

It cannot cover lost income or profits. The filing period runs from the notice of expected call-up through one year after the employee's discharge, according to SBA's page read on 1 November 2026.

This is a repayable loan, not a grant. SBA decides eligibility under its own rules, and the page does not list every document it asks for.

Next step: read the MREIDL section of SBA's disaster page and use SBA's customer service line if you have an employee called up.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA disasters

Can a small business apply for federal grants on Grants.gov?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Sometimes, but only if the specific funding notice allows it. Grants.gov lists small businesses as an applicant class, eligible if they meet the SBA size standards for most industries. Each notice of funding opportunity then sets its own eligibility.

Federal grants fund a stated public purpose, such as research or a program, not general business expenses. They are competitive and a business is rarely the target of a notice. Do not treat Grants.gov as a list of money for any business.

Grants.gov says it does not provide personal financial assistance. Businesses selling goods or services to government use contract channels.

Next step: search Grants.gov by topic, open the notice, and check applicant type before spending time on an application.

Next: Grants.gov

Sources (read 2026-11-01): Grants.gov eligibility

Can a nonprofit without 501(c)(3) status apply for federal grants?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Sometimes. Grants.gov lists nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) status as applicant classes, other than higher-education institutions. Whether you can apply still depends on the notice of funding opportunity for each grant.

Many programs ask for specific proof of status or registration, and some restrict applicants to certain types such as 501(c)(3) public charities, governments or tribes. Read the eligibility section before you invest time.

This does not say non-501(c)(3) groups are treated equally in every program, and it does not cover tax rules for donors.

Next step: open the notice, find the eligible applicants section, and confirm what documents prove your status.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): Grants.gov eligibility

Can an individual apply for federal grants?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Only for opportunities that allow individuals, and most federal grant opportunities are for organizations. Grants.gov says individuals can apply on their own behalf, not for a company, organization or government, and those registered only as individuals can apply only to opportunities open to individuals.

Grants.gov also says it does not offer personal financial assistance and points people to USA.gov for personal programs. Be cautious of anyone who says you are pre-selected for a personal grant or asks for a fee to unlock one.

Next step: use USA.gov for personal benefits, and use Grants.gov only to read notices that name individuals as eligible applicants.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): Grants.gov eligibility

What is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO)?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

A NOFO is the official notice that sets out a federal grant opportunity and who may apply. Grants.gov tells applicants to check each NOFO because it defines the eligibility requirements, and to read the application instructions carefully.

It is the document that decides whether you can apply, not a general program page or an advisor's summary. Look for eligible applicant types, project purpose, deadline and how to apply.

A NOFO can also say whether foreign applicants may apply, or whether only certain organizations may.

A NOFO existing is not proof that funds remain or that you will be selected. Competitions vary in size.

Next step: find the NOFO on Grants.gov, read eligibility first, and note the deadline and the registration steps it requires.

Next: Grants.gov

Sources (read 2026-11-01): Grants.gov eligibility

Do I need a UEI or SAM.gov registration to get federal funding?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Often yes, depending on the program. SBA's SBIR/STTR page says a Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov is required to receive awards. USDA's Community Facilities page lists UEI and SAM steps among its application requirements.

The exact steps differ by agency and by whether you seek a grant, a loan or a contract. SAM.gov also hosts federal contract opportunities and lets you search them without an account. Foreign applicants face additional registration steps, according to Grants.gov.

We could not read Grants.gov's registration page in this check, so timelines and fees are not covered here. Register early because it can take time.

Next step: check the notice or solicitation for its registration requirements and start with SAM.gov.

Next: SAM.gov

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBIR application guidance; USDA Community Facilities; Grants.gov eligibility

Can foreign applicants get US federal grants?

United States · International Draft, not yet reviewed

Sometimes. Grants.gov says foreign applicants' eligibility depends on the authorizing legislation and agency policies. They must complete additional registration steps and may need a TIN or EIN depending on the grant's use.

So US coverage does not mean every award is domestic-only, and it does not mean foreign groups are broadly welcome. Read each notice of funding opportunity for who may apply and where the work must happen.

SBIR/STTR is stricter: SBA says awardees must be US-based for-profit businesses owned and controlled by US citizens or permanent residents.

Next step: find the notice, read eligible applicants, and confirm registration steps before preparing a proposal.

Next: Grants.gov

Sources (read 2026-11-01): Grants.gov eligibility; SBIR application guidance

SBIR versus STTR: which one needs a research-institution partner?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

SBIR is open to eligible small businesses, while STTR requires the small business to partner formally with a research institution. SBA's page says the STTR awardee must subcontract part of the award to a nonprofit scientific or educational institution or a Federally Funded Research and Development Center.

Both are federal research and development awards, not general startup grants. You apply to a participating agency's solicitation before its deadline, and each agency decides.

Awards are competitive and not an entitlement.

Next step: read the agency solicitation, confirm eligibility and decide whether you have the research partner STTR needs.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBIR application guidance

What are SBIR phases and typical award sizes?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Phase I is a proof of concept and Phase II continues the research and development. SBIR.gov lists Phase I as 6 to 12 months with awards of $50,000 to $323,000, and Phase II as 24 months with awards of $650,000 to $2.2 million, as of 1 November 2026. Typically only Phase I awardees are eligible for Phase II.

Phase III is commercialization in the private sector or federal contracting, and no SBIR/STTR funding is awarded for it. Some states offer optional Phase 0 matching to cover proposal preparation.

Amounts vary by agency and solicitation, so use them only as a range, not an expectation.

Next step: open the solicitation for your agency and read its award sizes and timelines.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBIR application guidance

Who is eligible for SBIR and STTR?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

SBIR.gov says awardees must be for-profit businesses located in the US with fewer than 500 employees, and owned and controlled by US citizens or permanent residents. Venture capital ownership is subject to additional restrictions, so read the full eligibility guidance.

Nonprofits cannot receive SBIR/STTR awards directly, though they may be minority investors, subcontractors or sub-grantees. A business also needs a UEI from SAM.gov to receive an award.

Eligibility is checked again in each agency solicitation. Passing these basics does not mean you will be selected.

Next step: read the agency solicitation and check ownership and size rules with the agency.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBIR application guidance

Is SBIR/STTR currently authorized by Congress?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Yes. SBA announced on 13 April 2026 that SBIR and STTR were reauthorized through 30 September 2031, per its announcement read on 1 November 2026. NIH issued an implementing notice for the reauthorization.

Describing the programs as lapsed would now be out of date. However, authorization is not the same as an open competition. Each agency runs its own solicitations with separate deadlines, budgets and topics, and some may be closed when you look.

Next step: check the agency solicitation calendar on SBIR.gov and confirm the current deadline for your topic.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA reauthorization announcement; NIH implementing notice

Can a for-profit business get a USDA Rural Business Development Grant?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No, not directly. USDA says Rural Business Development Grants go to public bodies, Tribes and nonprofits serving rural areas, and for-profit businesses are not direct grantees. A business may benefit indirectly if a grantee runs a project such as business assistance, an incubator or a revolving loan fund.

Projects must benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of cities of 50,000 or more. Applications go through Grants.gov under the applicable notice, and you should consult your USDA state office first.

This is a grant to the recipient organization, so there are still compliance conditions. A business should ask local nonprofits or development groups whether they plan to apply.

Next step: contact your USDA Rural Development state office.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): USDA RBDG

Is the USDA Rural Business Development Grant round open?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No, the 2026 round shown on USDA's page is closed. As of the page read on 1 November 2026, the stated deadlines were 15 June for SECD and 30 June for general applications. Treat RBDG as an established program that may open again, not as an open call.

Specific funds, deadlines and notice terms change from year to year. Watch Grants.gov and your USDA state office for the next notice.

A future notice does not promise funds for you. Applicants are public bodies, Tribes and nonprofits, not for-profit businesses.

Next step: contact your USDA Rural Development state office and set a reminder to check Grants.gov for the next notice.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): USDA RBDG

Can a church or faith-based group get a Walmart local community grant?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Only in limited cases. Walmart's Spark Good local grants page lists eligible 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government entities and qualifying faith-based projects that serve the broader community. Not every nonprofit type qualifies.

The applicant must serve the same community as the participating Walmart, Sam's Club or distribution facility. Applications run through a Spark Good account with verification. The page we read listed an application window of 1 August to 31 December for one cycle, so treat availability as dated.

A company giving programme is a donation, not an entitlement, and local priorities apply.

Next step: read the program's current eligibility page and check the cycle dates before applying.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): Walmart Local Grants

Can any nonprofit apply for a Walmart Spark Good local grant?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No. Walmart's local grant page restricts applicants to certain organization types and to groups serving the community around a participating Walmart store, Sam's Club or distribution facility. Eligible types listed include 501(c)(3) public charities, schools, government entities and qualifying faith-based projects.

Application needs a Spark Good account and verification. Cycles are dated, and we read one listed as 1 August to 31 December for one fiscal-year cycle. Treat a company program as an illustration of corporate giving, not a guaranteed source.

Other companies run their own processes with their own rules.

Next step: check your service area against the nearest participating facility and read the current cycle terms.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): Walmart Local Grants

Does the Ford Foundation accept unsolicited grant proposals?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No, as of the page read on 1 November 2026. The Ford Foundation says it does not accept unsolicited proposals by mail, email or phone, identifies most grants itself, and reported no public opportunities at that time.

That is typical of some large private foundations. Do not send cold proposals or pay someone who claims to have an inside track. Watch the foundation's own opportunities page for any public call.

Use Candid and local community foundations to find funders that publish guidelines and accept applications.

This answer concerns one funder. Others do take applications, and each has its own priorities and process.

Next step: check the foundation's opportunities page and look for funders whose guidelines match your work.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): Ford Foundation opportunities

Can a business apply directly to the Treasury for SSBCI funds?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No. Treasury funds states, DC, territories and Tribal governments, who design and run their own programs. SSBCI supports things like loan participation, loan guarantees, collateral support and equity-type capital. It is not a single direct federal application and is not necessarily a grant.

If you want to use it, look for your state or territory's SSBCI program contacts and the participating lenders or investors it lists. Programs differ, and funds and eligibility depend on the jurisdiction.

Treasury's page does not make nonprofits generally eligible, so check the local program.

Next step: search for your jurisdiction's SSBCI program page and ask its contact what is available now.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): Treasury SSBCI

Does the CDFI Fund give money directly to businesses or nonprofits?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No. The CDFI Fund does not directly finance individual applicants' projects, according to its FAQ. It certifies and supports community development financial institutions, which then lend to businesses and nonprofits.

If you need community-development finance, inquire with a CDFI directly. Each lender has its own geography, mission, sector focus and credit tests, and products vary. CDFI certification is not itself a grant to you.

No list is complete, and a CDFI may serve a city, counties, a state or a wider area.

Next step: use the OFN CDFI locator to find institutions near you and compare their products.

Related: How do I find a CDFI near me?

Sources (read 2026-11-01): Treasury CDFI Fund FAQ; OFN CDFI locator

How do I find a CDFI near me?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Use the Opportunity Finance Network's CDFI locator, then contact lenders directly. OFN's locator helps you search for community development financial institutions, which serve rural, urban and Native communities. Each lender may serve a city, counties, a state or a broader area.

The locator is not a list of every CDFI, so also check your state or local community-development resources. CDFIs finance small businesses and nonprofits, but products, sectors and credit tests differ.

Contacting a CDFI is an enquiry, not an application, and it does not predict approval.

Next step: pick two or three lenders in your area, ask about eligibility and typical uses, and compare their rates and fees.

Next: OFN CDFI locator

Sources (read 2026-11-01): OFN CDFI locator; Treasury CDFI Fund FAQ

Can an SBA loan refinance my existing business debt?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Sometimes, depending on the program. SBA's 7(a) page lists refinancing business debt among eligible uses, and its 504 page covers qualifying debt refinancing tied to a fixed-asset project. SBA microloans, by contrast, cannot be used to repay existing debt.

So the answer depends on which program the lender or intermediary offers and on the terms of your current loan. Lenders set their own conditions, and prepayment terms on the old debt matter too.

This is a repayable loan, not a grant, and refinancing does not add new funds on its own. Nothing here predicts approval.

Next step: list your existing debts and their rates, then ask a participating lender or CDC which program could refinance them and what it would cost.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA lending; SBA 504; microloans

Do SBA loans require the owner to be a US citizen?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

SBA's eligibility regulation does not set a citizenship test for owners, but lenders and current SBA policy may add owner-status rules. The ineligible-business section (13 CFR 120.110) says businesses in the US owned by aliens may qualify. It bars businesses located in a foreign country.

That regulation text is not the whole picture. SBA program rules and lender policies can add conditions, and I did not read those for this answer. They can change.

If you are not a US citizen, ask a participating lender what documents it needs, such as proof of status, before you spend time on an application. Also check that the business itself is located in the US and is not in an ineligible category.

This is general information, not immigration or legal advice, and nothing here promises approval.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): 13 CFR 120.110 Ineligible businesses (SBA business loans)

How do I know if I am a small business under SBA size standards?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

It depends on your industry, because SBA assigns a size standard to each NAICS code. The standard is based on employees or average annual receipts. SBA says manufacturers generally qualify with 500 or fewer employees, and most non-manufacturers with average annual receipts under $7.5 million, with exceptions by industry.

For federal contracting, receipts average over the latest five complete fiscal years and employees over the latest 24 months. Affiliates count toward your size.

Grants.gov uses SBA size standards to define small businesses for federal grants, and other programs may use their own tests.

Next step: find your NAICS code, then check SBA's size standards tool or table.

Next: SBA size standards

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA size standards; Grants.gov eligibility

What is a surety bond and does it give me cash?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No. A surety bond is protection for the buyer that you will perform a contract, not cash to you. SBA lists surety bonds as a separate tool for contract readiness.

The bond is a promise from a surety company, and you usually pay a premium and may be required to back it with indemnity. Do not count a bond as funding or call it a grant.

SBA describes a guarantee programme for surety bonds, but we did not read the program's page in this check, so eligibility and limits are not covered here.

Next step: read SBA's surety bond page and ask a surety company or agent what they require for your contract size.

Next: SBA surety bonds

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA surety; SAM.gov

Where can I get no-cost business counseling to prepare for funding in the US?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

SCORE offers free mentoring, and Women's Business Centers offer free to low-cost counseling. SBA lists four resource partners. SCORE mentors give area-specific advice at no cost on topics such as financing and business planning. Women's Business Centers provide free to low-cost counseling and training for women starting or growing a business.

Small Business Development Centers offer individualized advising on accessing capital, business planning, financial management, marketing and exporting. Veterans Business Outreach Centers offer workshops, training, counseling and mentorship. SBA's pages do not state the cost of SBDC or VBOC services, so ask.

Use SBA's local assistance search to find an office near you. Counselors give advice. They are not lenders, and using them does not mean funding will follow.

Next: SBA resource partners

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SBA resource partners (SCORE, SBDC, WBC, VBOC)

How much can a US company raise through Regulation Crowdfunding?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Up to $5 million in a 12-month period, as of the SEC page read on 1 November 2026. Prior Reg CF sales by the issuer, its affiliates and predecessors count toward the cap. Other exempt offerings do not.

Reg CF is a securities exemption. You are selling securities, not accepting donations, and investors get ownership or debt rights. It carries filing, disclosure and reporting duties.

This is education only, not legal advice and not a service. Consult a securities lawyer before offering securities to the public.

Next step: read the SEC's issuer guidance and compare other options like loans.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SEC issuer guidance; SBA funding guide

Does a Regulation Crowdfunding offering have to use a platform?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Yes. Each Reg CF offering must run through a single online platform operated by an SEC-registered, FINRA-member broker-dealer or funding portal, according to the SEC page read on 1 November 2026.

The issuer files Form C electronically and gives it to the intermediary. Later steps include amendments, progress updates and annual reports.

A website or marketing service that is not a registered intermediary cannot run the offering for you. CELER is not a funding portal or broker-dealer, and this answer is information only.

Next step: read the SEC's list of registered intermediaries, compare their fees and terms, and talk to a securities lawyer.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SEC issuer guidance

Who cannot use Regulation Crowdfunding?

United States · International Draft, not yet reviewed

Several kinds of issuer are excluded. The SEC lists non-US companies, Exchange Act reporting companies, certain investment companies, disqualified companies, companies that missed required annual reports in the prior two years, and companies with no specific business plan or whose plan is a merger with an unidentified company.

That means a Canadian company cannot use Reg CF to raise from the public in the US. Other exempt routes have their own rules.

This is a summary of SEC guidance read on 1 November 2026, not legal advice. Check the current rules and your facts with a securities lawyer.

Next step: confirm your status with counsel before preparing any offering.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SEC issuer guidance

What must a company disclose in a Regulation Crowdfunding offering?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

A Reg CF issuer must disclose details about its business, ownership, offering and finances. The SEC says disclosures include information on officers, directors and 20% or greater owners, a business description and use of proceeds, the offering price, target amount and deadline, related-party transactions and financial condition.

Financial statement requirements scale with the offering: $124,000 or less, over $124,000 up to $618,000, and over $618,000. Issuers also file ongoing reports, including annual reports within 120 days of fiscal year end.

These thresholds were read on 1 November 2026 and can be adjusted.

This is education only. Next step: read the SEC's issuer guidance and get securities counsel before drafting.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SEC issuer guidance

Can investors resell Regulation Crowdfunding securities?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Generally not for one year. The SEC says Reg CF securities cannot be resold for one year, with exceptions such as resale to the issuer, to an accredited investor, in a registered offering, or in certain family, trust, death or divorce transfers.

That matters to anyone planning to sell shares in a crowdfunding raise, because investors may not have an easy exit. Non-accredited investors also face per-year investing limits across all Reg CF offerings.

This is general information read on 1 November 2026, not investment or legal advice.

Next step: read the SEC guidance on resale and investor limits, and take advice before marketing an offering.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SEC issuer guidance

Is Regulation Crowdfunding the same as donation or reward crowdfunding?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

No. Regulation Crowdfunding is a securities exemption for selling investments, while donation and reward campaigns are different. Reg CF investors are buying securities, with disclosure and reporting duties, and the SEC regulates the offering and intermediary.

Donation campaigns raise gifts. Reward campaigns pre-sell items. Each can create separate legal and tax questions, which this answer does not cover. A charity's donation page is also not a grant.

Do not describe a securities raise as a donation or grant.

Next step: decide whether you want investors, donors or customers before choosing a platform, and get legal advice if securities are involved.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): SEC issuer guidance; SBA funding guide

Can a US nonprofit raise money through Regulation Crowdfunding?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

Not clearly. The SEC rule for Regulation Crowdfunding does not mention nonprofits or charities, so ask securities counsel before you rely on it. The rule applies to issuers organized under a US state or territory's law. It excludes Exchange Act reporting companies, investment companies, disqualified issuers, issuers that missed required annual reports after an earlier raise, and issuers with no specific business plan. It also sets a $5,000,000 cap on securities sold in any 12 months and requires the offering to run through one intermediary's platform.

Donation crowdfunding is a separate matter. It involves gifts, not selling securities, and has its own tax and consumer-protection rules.

If you want gifts, look at donation platforms and your tax-exempt status instead. This is general information, not legal advice, and CELER does not arrange offerings.

Sources (read 2026-11-01): 17 CFR 227.100 Crowdfunding exemption and requirements

What kinds of businesses are ineligible for an SBA business loan?

United States Draft, not yet reviewed

SBA's regulation lists specific kinds of businesses as ineligible for its business loans. Under 13 CFR 120.110 they include nonprofits (for-profit subsidiaries can be eligible), businesses mainly in lending, passive businesses owned by developers or landlords, life insurance companies, businesses located in a foreign country, pyramid sales plans, businesses with over one-third of revenue from legal gambling, illegal activities, private clubs, government-owned entities, loan packagers earning over one-third of revenue from packaging, and businesses with a principal who is incarcerated or under indictment for certain crimes.

It also lists speculative businesses, political or lobbying businesses, and businesses tied to an earlier federal loan default unless SBA waives it for good cause.

Some exceptions apply. Read the full section and ask a participating lender whether your business fits. This is information only, not an eligibility decision.