Small Business Loans
Learn All About Small Business Loans in Maine
Maine is home to more than 160,000 small businesses, which account for 99.2% of all enterprises in the state. From the working waterfronts of the coast to the forestry and agricultural hubs inland, these companies employ more than 54% of the state’s workforce.
Whether you’re launching a sustainable aquaculture venture or expanding a seasonal tourism business, finding small business loans in Maine can be a key step toward helping your business thrive. Here’s what you need to know about securing financing for your company.
- Key Points
- • Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) serves as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), providing capital, advice, and other services to small businesses.
- • The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) provides grants and loans specifically for innovation-driven companies in sectors like marine technology and advanced forestry.
- • Seasonal tourism businesses often rely on lines of credit to bridge cash flow gaps during the slower winter months.
- • Maine’s Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund (AMLF) offers low-interest financing to help farmers, aquaculture entrepreneurs, and food processors improve or expand their operations.
- • The Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College offers advice and assistance for startups.
Popular Types of Small Business Loans in Maine
Entrepreneurs in the Pine Tree State benefit from a robust network of state-backed programs and private lending options designed to support its unique mix of heritage industries and modern innovation. The following sections outline the most common funding options available to business owners across Maine.
Maine Small Business Loan Programs
The state actively fosters economic growth through the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). FAME manages the Grow Maine program, which utilizes federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds to offer loan guarantees and direct lending.
Additionally, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) offers specialized lending products, including the “Wicked Fast” microloan for smaller capital needs (up to $15,000 for startups or $30,000 for existing businesses) that don’t involve as complicated an application process as many loans.
And Maine’s Agricultural Marketing Loan Fund (AMLF) offers low-interest financing intended to help farmers, aquaculture entrepreneurs, and food processors improve or expand their operations.
Term Loans
A term loan can provide a small business with an upfront lump sum. The borrower then repays the principal, along with interest (which is usually charged at a fixed rate), in regular payments over a defined period of time. A predictable repayment structure can be useful as you prepare monthly budgets, and because the funds come in a lump sum, these loans can be well-suited to funding large, one-time investments. For example, a craft brewery in Portland might use a term loan to expand its canning line.
Business Lines of Credit
In contrast to a term loan, a business line of credit can give you access to a revolving pool of funds that you can draw from as you need, up to a preset limit determined by the lender. Generally, you pay interest only on the money you actually withdraw, and as you repay the balance, you replenish the pool of funds and the money becomes available for you to withdraw again.
Lines of credit can be helpful for businesses that have seasonal lulls or uneven cash flow. For example, a seasonal lobster shack in Bar Harbor could use a line of credit to purchase inventory and cover payroll before the summer tourist rush begins.
Equipment Financing
If your business needs a specific physical asset, like machinery, vehicles, or technology, you could consider applying for equipment financing. For instance, if you’re a commercial fisherman in Rockland, you could use an equipment financing loan to pay for a new boat, while if you run a logging company in Aroostook County, you might use one to acquire a skidder.
Since the equipment itself serves as collateral for the lender, equipment financing loans may be easier to obtain than unsecured loans. What’s more, they often come with more favorable terms, too.
SBA Loans
Although SBA loans are issued by approved private lenders, they’re partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This backing reduces risk for the lender, so the loan conditions may permit lower down payments and longer repayment terms. If you qualify, these Maine business loans are available through many approved banks and credit unions.
Below are the types of SBA loans that may be the most useful for small businesses.
• The SBA 7(a) loan is very flexible: Amounts can range from $500 to $5 million. It’s suitable for covering working capital, refinancing debt, or purchasing supplies.
• The SBA 504 loan is specifically meant for companies to use on major fixed assets, such as commercial real estate or heavy equipment. The maximum amount is between $5 million and $5.5 million.
• The SBA Microloan is meant to help with short-term needs and can be useful to companies that need startup loans. You can borrow up to $50,000 and the maximum repayment term is seven years.
An SBA loan calculator can help you estimate what your loan costs might be for different kinds of SBA funding.
Recommended: Small Business Financing Guide
How to Apply for a Small Business Loan in Maine
When you’re applying for Maine small business loans, prospective lenders generally want you to present them with an in-depth, easy-to-understand rundown of your company’s financials and a defined plan for how you’d spend the funds you receive.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for a small business loan in Maine.
Define Your Loan Purpose and Amount
Before contacting prospective lenders, it’s smart to have a precise understanding of your funding needs. You’ll want to be able to articulate exactly how much money your business needs, why, and how it will generate a return. A specific proposal, such as “$50,000 to upgrade our blueberry processing equipment, which should reduce pre-market spoilage by 15%” shows that you’re thinking strategically and with financial foresight.
Know Your Credit Score
Your credit profile is likely to be one of the first factors that a lender will review when considering extending a loan. Your personal credit scores will probably be scrutinized, with traditional banks often requiring a credit score for a business loan to be in the range of 680 or higher. Other lenders, like online banks, may be willing to look at slightly lower scores.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to review your reports before you apply in order to find any errors and have them corrected — and to be sure you understand your financial situation before you submit an application for a Maine small business loan.
Gather Your Key Documents
Handing in an application package that’s organized and complete can speed up the review process and signal to a potential lender that you’re a motivated, reliable borrower. While requirements will vary among lenders, you’re likely to be asked for some or all of the following:
• Credit report
• Income statement
• Bank statements
• Budget
• Income tax returns (both business and personal)
• Business plan
• Collateral valuation and supporting documents (which may include titles, deeds, or invoices)
Compare Lenders and Loan Offers
Shopping around for your Maine small business loans can go a long way toward helping you find the financing that best fits your business’s needs, since different lenders may offer very different options on term loans, for instance. It may also be helpful to compare options from multiple kinds of sources, including local community banks, large national institutions, and online lenders.
As you evaluate financing proposals, consider using a business loan calculator to help you estimate the monthly payments for different options. It’s also a good idea to look closely at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of each loan to understand its true cost.
Submit Your Application and Await Approval
Once you’ve filled out the application form and organized your supporting documentation, you’re ready to submit the application package. After your lender has it, you’ll need to wait for its response. This can take as little as two days in some cases, but may take several weeks in others.
Tips for Improving Your Loan Approval Chances
Lenders typically want to see evidence of your business’s stability as well as its ability to repay the loan. Taking steps to strengthen your business’s financial profile before you apply might help you increase your chances of securing a loan. Here are some steps to consider trying:
• Be sure that you’ve got a realistic business plan with detailed financial projections.
• Work to build your business and personal credit scores by paying down your current balances and making timely payments.
• If you have collateral available, consider offering it as security to potentially bolster your application’s chance for approval with certain Maine business loans.
Other Funding Options for Maine Small Businesses
If a traditional loan isn’t the best fit for your business right now, there may be other ways to fund it. Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem offers several alternative pathways to capital. One of these options may align better with your company’s specific stage of growth or industry.
Small business grants are often a highly sought-after option because they don’t require repayment. Maine’s Office of Business Development lists small business grants and initiatives, while the Maine Technology Institute (MTI) offers grants and loans to help innovative companies scale. You can also search national databases like Grants.gov for federal programs relevant to your industry.
Crowdfunding can be another viable route, allowing your business to raise smaller amounts of capital from a broad base of supporters online.
Additional Business Resources in Maine
Success in business generally requires more than just capital; it takes expert guidance and a supportive community. Fortunately, Maine has a robust network of resources designed to help small business owners navigate challenges. The Maine Small Business Development Center (Maine SBDC) is a prime resource, offering no-cost advising at locations across the state. And the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College provides advice and assistance for startups.
For mentorship, local SCORE chapters connect entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders who volunteer their time. Additionally, the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs offers accelerator programs like “Top Gun” that let young businesses access mentors. Engaging with your local Chamber of Commerce can also provide valuable networking opportunities.
The Takeaway
Securing a Maine small business loan can be the decisive factor that allows your company to expand and thrive. By defining your goals and utilizing state resources, you should ultimately be able to find the right financing solution for your small business.
If you’re seeking financing for your business, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your business in minutes.
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FAQ
How do I get a small business loan in Maine?
To apply for a Maine business loan, start by defining your funding needs and checking your credit scores. Gather essential documents like your business plan, tax returns, and bank statements as you prepare and submit your loan application. Finally, compare options from various lenders to find the best terms possible for your Maine small business loan.
Can I get a startup business loan with no money?
This can be challenging, since most lenders require an owner’s investment. However, some SBA microloans that are designed for startups have lower capital requirements. Another option is to research business grants, which provide funding that doesn’t have to be repaid.
How hard is it to get a small business loan in Maine?
The difficulty depends on your business’s financial health, time in operation, and credit history. Traditional bank loans can be competitive and strict. Online lenders often offer more flexible requirements, making them a more accessible option for many Maine businesses.
What is the easiest type of business loan to get approved for?
Loans secured by collateral, such as equipment financing, are generally easier to obtain because the asset lowers the lender’s risk. Short-term loans and invoice financing from online lenders may also have less stringent requirements.
What credit score do I need for a small business loan?
Requirements vary, but for traditional bank and SBA loans, a personal credit score of 680 or higher is often preferred. Some online lenders may approve applicants with scores in the low 600s. Keep in mind that higher scores can result in better approval odds and lower interest rates.
What can I use a Maine small business loan for?
You can use a small business loan for almost any legitimate business purpose. Common uses include purchasing inventory, buying equipment, funding marketing campaigns, or refinancing debt. You can’t use the loan for personal expenses, however.
Are there any small business grants available in Maine?
Yes, grants are available from a variety of sources. The Maine Office of Business Development lists state-level opportunities for small businesses. It could also be beneficial to search national databases like Grants.gov for federal programs relevant to your industry.
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