SBA Express Bridge Loans

SBA Express Bridge Loans

Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who is eligible?
Small businesses – including nonprofits, veterans’ organizations, Tribal business concerns, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors – with 500 or fewer employees can apply. Businesses in certain industries can have more than 500 employees if they meet applicable SBA employee-based size standards for those industries.
- The small business must have been operational when the declared disaster commenced and must meet all other 7(a) loan eligibility requirements
- The EBL loan must be structured as term loans not to exceed 7 years (revolving lines of credit are not permitted)
-
When can I apply?
Any time after the Presidential declaration, which for COVID-19 began March 25, 2020 and extends through March 13, 2021.
-
How can I apply?
You can make application with an SBA Express Lender that you have a business relationship with prior to the disaster declaration.
-
Why an SBA Express Lender?
SBA Express Lenders have been authorized to expedite EBL financing on an emergency basis due to certain qualifications and their familiarity with your business and access to your business and financial profile.
-
What am I required to show the SBA Express Lender?
- The small business must have been an operating business as of March 13, 2020 .
- The small business must demonstrate that it has been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 emergency.
- The small business must meet all other 7(a) loan eligibility requirements
- Businesses must have a banking relationship with the eligible lender prior to the declaration.
- A credit score that meets the lender’s requirements
-
How much can I borrow?
Maximum amount of an EBL is $25,000.
-
Will I need to provide collateral or personal guarantees?
NO collateral is required and NO personal guarantees.
-
What are the terms of this loan?
- Maximum interest rate is prime + 6.5%
- Maximum maturity of the loan is 7 years
-
What is the eligibility period?
March 25, 2020 and extends through March 13, 2021.
-
How much out of pocket should I prepare to spend?
EBL Pilot Program to restrict the fees that can be charged in connection with an EBL loan to 2% or $250, whichever is greater.
-
What forms do I need to complete for the application?
- SBA Form 1919 (Borrow Information)
- IRS Form 4506-T and IRS transcript
- SBA Form 912 (Statement of personal history)
-
How can I use the loan proceeds?
COVID-19 Used exclusively to support the survival and/or reopening of the small business / For the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, EBL loan proceeds must be disbursed as working capital.
-
Can I apply for more than one EBL?
Since this is a bridge loan to long-term financial assistance, a business is only eligible once per declaration.
Intuit Aid Assist
A free service for everyone, helps U.S.-based businesses, self-employed, contractors, freelancers, and gig workers understand different business relief programs.
Click on button below and tell Intuit about your business, they will let you know your loan eligibility, and then find out where to apply.
SBDC Assistance
Still have small business questions related to SBA EIDL or CARES Act? Complete our online intake form and we will be in touch!

Funded in part through the State of Texas and a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of any of the cosponsors’ or participants’ opinions, findings, conclusions, recommendations, products or services. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Texas State University SBDC by phone at 512.420.9379 or via email at sbdc@txstate.edu.