Overview

Fulton Financial Corporation provides Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs designed to help growing businesses access the capital they need while benefiting from federal support and competitive lending practices. An SBA loan combines the stability and resources of an established financial institution with SBA-guaranteed features that can make borrowing more accessible, support long-term planning, and preserve working capital.

Why Choose an SBA Loan?

• Lower Down Payments: SBA-backed financing often requires smaller down payments than conventional commercial loans, helping businesses conserve cash for operations and growth.
• Longer Repayment Terms: Extended amortization schedules reduce monthly payments, improving cash flow management and allowing owners to invest in marketing, staffing, and product development.
• Competitive Interest Rates: SBA loans typically offer attractive rates relative to many alternative lenders, particularly for well-qualified borrowers and sound business plans.
• Support for Various Uses: Proceeds can be used for working capital, equipment purchases, real estate acquisition, refinancing, and expansion projects, depending on the SBA program.
• Federal Backing: The SBA’s partial guarantee to the lender reduces risk, which can expand access to credit for businesses that might otherwise have difficulty securing financing.

Common SBA Programs

Fulton Financial Corporation structures SBA financing around several widely used programs to meet diverse business needs:

• SBA 7(a) Loans: Flexible and versatile, ideal for working capital, inventory, equipment, and real estate. These loans are among the most popular SBA products for small businesses.
• SBA 504 Loans: Designed primarily for fixed-asset financing, including major equipment or commercial real estate purchases, with long-term, fixed-rate financing options.
• SBA Express: Faster approval timelines for smaller financing needs, offering a streamlined process for qualifying businesses seeking quicker access to capital.

Who Can Benefit

SBA loans are well-suited for a broad range of small business owners, including startups with a solid business plan, established companies planning expansion, and entrepreneurs seeking to acquire an existing business. Typical beneficiaries include:

• Retail and service businesses looking to expand storefronts or inventories
• Manufacturers seeking new equipment or facility upgrades
• Professional practices in need of working capital or space acquisition
• Franchise operations requiring structured financing with competitive terms

Key Features and Benefits at Fulton

• Personalized Guidance: Dedicated business lenders help you identify the SBA program that aligns with your goals and guide you through documentation, eligibility, and structure.
• Local Decision-Making: Community-focused underwriting that takes into account local market dynamics and long-term relationships with borrowers.
• Comprehensive Banking Relationship: Integrated solutions that include treasury management, deposit services, and commercial cards to streamline cash flow and financial operations.
• Transparent Process: Clear communication about timelines, documentation requirements, and next steps to reduce surprises and keep deals moving forward.

Eligibility and Documentation

Eligibility depends on SBA size standards, business type, creditworthiness, and the intended use of funds. While specific requirements vary by program, typical documentation requested includes:

• Business and personal tax returns
• Business financial statements and cash flow projections
• Business plan or executive summary for startups or expansion projects
• Details on collateral and personal guarantees
• Legal documents such as articles of incorporation, leases, and ownership records

Fulton’s lending team can provide a checklist tailored to your situation and assist in compiling a complete application.

Application Process

The SBA loan application process typically follows these steps:

1. Initial Consultation: Discuss business needs, timelines, and eligibility with a Fulton business lender.
2. Document Preparation: Gather financial statements, tax returns, projections, and supporting documents with guidance from the lending team.
3. Underwriting and SBA Review: Fulton performs underwriting and submits the loan package to the SBA when required; review timelines vary by program.
4. Closing and Funding: Once approved, closing is scheduled and loan proceeds are disbursed for the intended business purpose.
5. Ongoing Relationship: Fulton offers support after closing, including account management and access to additional financial products as your business evolves.

How to Prepare

To improve the chances of a successful application and speed the process, prepare the following in advance:

• Clear business plan with realistic financial projections
• Organized financial records covering recent years
• Documentation of collateral and ownership structure
• Understanding of the exact amount and purpose of the loan

Having these materials ready helps Fulton’s team evaluate your opportunity more efficiently and tailor a financing solution that fits your goals.

Why Fulton Financial Corporation

Fulton combines the advantages of SBA programs with a community-minded approach to banking. Business owners benefit from seasoned lenders who understand both SBA mechanics and the local markets they serve. From initial inquiry to closing and beyond, the focus is on building lasting relationships that support sustainable growth.