CAPLines Evaluation Criteria

CAPLines is the umbrella program under which the SBA helps small businesses meet their short-term and cyclical working-capital needs. A CAPLines loan, Except the Small Asset-Based Line, can be for any dollar amount that does not exceed SBA's limit. (See the 7(a) Loan program for more information on SBA's Basic Requirements.)

There are five short-term working-capital loan programs for small businesses under the CAPLines umbrella:

Seasonal Line

These are advances against anticipated inventory and accounts receivable help during peak seasons when businesses experience seasonal sales fluctuations. Can be revolving or non-revolving.

Contract Line

Finances the direct labor and material cost associated with performing assignable contract(s). Can be revolving or non-revolving.

Builders Line

If you are a small general contractor or builder constructing or renovating commercial or residential buildings, this can finance direct labor-and material costs. The building project serves as the collateral, and loans can be revolving or non-revolving.

Standard Asset-Based Line

This is an asset-based revolving line of credit for businesses unable to meet credit standards associated with long-term credit. It provides financing for cyclical growth, recurring and/or short-term needs. Repayment comes from converting short-term assets into cash, which is remitted to the lender. Businesses continually draw from this line of credit, based on existing assets, and repay as their cash cycle dictates. This line generally is used by businesses that provide credit to other businesses. Because these loans require continual servicing and monitoring of collateral, additional fees may be charged by the lender.

Small Asset-Based Line

This is an asset-based revolving line of credit of up to $200,000. It operates like a standard asset-based line except that some of the stricter servicing requirements are waived, providing the business can consistently show repayment ability from cash flow for the full amount.

Maximum Loan Amounts

Except the Small Asset-Based Line, CAPLine loans follow SBA's maximum loan amounts. The Small Asset-Based Line has a maximum loan amount of $200,000.

Eligibility

Although most small businesses are eligible for SBA loans, some types of businesses are ineligible and a case-by-case determination must be made by the Agency. Eligibility is generally determined by four factors:
Type Of Businesses Eligible
Size
Use Of Proceeds
Credit Elsewhere

Loan Maturities

Each of the five lines of credit has a maturity of up to five (5) years, but because each is tailored to an individual business' needs, a shorter initial maturity may be established. CAPLines funds can be used as needed throughout the term of the loan to purchase short term assets, as long as sufficient time is allowed to convert the assets into cash at maturity.
Interest Rates
Fees
Guaranty Percent

Collateral

Holders of at least 20% ownership in the business are generally required to guaranty the loan. Although inadequate collateral will not be the sole reason for denial of a loan request, the nature and value of that collateral does factor into the credit decision.