the startups.com platform about startups.comCheck out the new Startups.com - A Comprehensive Startup University
Education
Planning
Mentors
Funding
Customers
Assistants
Clarity
Categories
Business
Sales & Marketing
Funding
Product & Design
Technology
Skills & Management
Industries
Other
Business
Career Advice
Branding
Financial Consulting
Customer Engagement
Strategy
Sectors
Getting Started
Human Resources
Business Development
Legal
Other
Sales & Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Search Engine Optimization
Public Relations
Branding
Publishing
Inbound Marketing
Email Marketing
Copywriting
Growth Strategy
Search Engine Marketing
Sales & Lead Generation
Advertising
Other
Funding
Crowdfunding
Kickstarter
Venture Capital
Finance
Bootstrapping
Nonprofit
Other
Product & Design
Identity
User Experience
Lean Startup
Product Management
Metrics & Analytics
Other
Technology
WordPress
Software Development
Mobile
Ruby
CRM
Innovation
Cloud
Other
Skills & Management
Productivity
Entrepreneurship
Public Speaking
Leadership
Coaching
Other
Industries
SaaS
E-commerce
Education
Real Estate
Restaurant & Retail
Marketplaces
Nonprofit
Other
Dashboard
Browse Search
Answers
Calls
Inbox
Sign Up Log In

Loading...

Share Answer

Menu
Loans: Can a foreign corporation (similar to an LLC) qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan to acquire businesses in the United States?
LK
LK
Lyubim Kogan, I don’t teach theory. Only what I survived. answered:

✅ TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
No, a foreign corporation by itself cannot qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan.
To be eligible:
The borrowing entity must be a U.S.-based business
At least 51% of ownership must be held by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder)

🧠 Full Answer
The SBA 7(a) loan program is designed to support small businesses in the U.S. that are owned and operated by U.S. persons.
🔒 Basic Eligibility Requirements:
Business must be legally registered and operate in the United States
At least 51% ownership must be by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
Business must be for-profit
Must demonstrate repayment ability (which you already noted — DSCR is solid)
So if your acquiring entity is a foreign corporation, it doesn’t qualify on its own.

🛠️ What You Can Do Instead (Solution):
Form a U.S. entity
Set up a new U.S.-based LLC or corporation.

Bring in a U.S. partner (at least 51%)
This can be an individual or group of individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
They must truly hold ownership — not just on paper — and be involved in management.
Structure the acquisition under this new U.S. entity
The new U.S. entity becomes the borrower
The SBA lender will review ownership, business plan, acquisition details, and personal guarantors
Work with an SBA-approved lender to get pre-qualified
Choose a bank or non-bank SBA lender
Share financials of target business (including DSCR)
Prepare a business plan, buyer resume, and personal financial statements for U.S. owners

🔍 What Was Missed or Oversimplified Before
The previous answer was correct but incomplete. It said:

"No. The business needs to be registered in the USA and at least one majority owner (ex. 51%), should be a legal resident or citizen of the USA."

✅ That’s true — but it left out what steps to take if you are currently a foreign corporation and still want to move forward.
🧭 Final Word
You can’t use a foreign entity to apply — but you can:
Form a new U.S. company
Structure ownership to meet SBA rules
Partner with a qualified U.S. co-owner
Apply through a lender who specializes in SBA 7(a) acquisitions
Hope this helps.

Talk to Lyubim Upvote • Share
•••
Share Report

Answer URL

Share Question

  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Google+
  • Share by email
About
  • How it Works
  • Success Stories
Experts
  • Become an Expert
  • Find an Expert
Answers
  • Ask a Question
  • Recent Answers
Support
  • Help
  • Terms of Service
Follow

the startups.com platform

Startups Education
Startup Planning
Access Mentors
Secure Funding
Reach Customers
Virtual Assistants

Copyright © 2025 Startups.com. All rights reserved.