USDA

Business & Industry Guaranteed Loans (B&I)
The purpose of the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program is to improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. This purpose is achieved by bolstering the existing private credit structure through the guarantee of quality loans which will provide lasting community benefits. It is not intended that the guarantee authority will be used for marginal or substandard loans or for relief of lenders having such loans.

Small Business Administration

Basic 7(a) Loan Program
7(a) loans are the most basic and most used type loan of SBA's business loan programs. Its name comes from section 7(a) of the Small Business Act, which authorizes the Agency to provide business loans to American small businesses.

All 7(a) loans are provided by lenders who are called participants because they participate with SBA in the 7(a) program. Not all lenders choose to participate, but most American banks do. There are also some non-bank lenders who participate with SBA in the 7(a) program which expands the availability of lenders making loans under SBA guidelines.

7(a) loans are only available on a guaranty basis. This means they are provided by lenders who choose to structure their own loans by SBA's requirements and who apply and receive a guaranty from SBA on a portion of this loan. The SBA does not fully guaranty 7(a) loans. The lender and SBA share the risk that a borrower will not be able to repay the loan in full. The guaranty is a guaranty against payment default. It does not cover imprudent decisions by the lender or misrepresentation by the borrower.

Under the guaranty concept, commercial lenders make and administer the loans.

Louisiana Economic Development

These programs are administered by Louisiana Economic Development through the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation. For additional information on these programs, please contact LEDC at 225-342-5675.

Bonding Assistance Program
Aids certified small and emerging businesses in reaching the bonding capacity required for specific projects.

Contract Loan Program
Provides a loan participation and guarantee to a bank for government contract loans.

Micro Loan Program
Provides loan guarantees and participations to banks for micro-business loans, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

Microenterprise Development Program
Provides self-employment training that gives entrepreneurs the competitive advantage they need to succeed.

Small and Emerging Business Development Program
Assists Louisiana’s small businesses with entrepreneurial training, legal needs, marketing, business planning, computer skills and accounting.

Small Business Loan Program
Provides loan guarantees and participations to banks in order to facilitate capital accessibility for businesses.