The SBA Application Process
There are several steps and pieces of information required in order to successfully apply for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s bond guarantee program. Similar to completing applications for other government programs, there are specific procedures and guidelines that need to be followed, and we at CSBA do our best to guide California contractors through the application process so that they don’t need to worry about whether it’s been done correctly.
To help you prequalify for the size of surety bonds you need for the jobs you want to bid on, we’ve put together the information you should know before beginning the application process for the SBA surety bond guarantee program.
Importance of Knowing the SBA Application Process
Small business owners, whether contractors or not, don’t always have the time or the workforce to learn every aspect of an important application or the process of applying. That could mean hastily filling out an application without preparing for the next steps. This in turn could result in an application process that is dragged out, or worse, a rejection.
That being said, it’s imperative to prepare, just as you would before bidding on a job. If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to look over our SBA Guide to learn other aspects of the application process and how you can increase your chances for approval as well as learn about eligibility.
Download the SBA Surety Bond Program Guide
Steps for the Application
1.
An Authorized Agent
To apply for the SBA Bond Guarantee Program, the first step is to align yourself with a surety bond agent who not only is an authorized agent of the SBA, but who also understands the program. The agent should be able to walk you through the entire process step by step, providing you with the forms and guidance that you need.
2.
The Application Package
The SBA bonding program helps small contractors who are not likely to be approved by a surety bond company for a bond, which would prevent them from growing and securing government contracts at the federal, state, and local levels. The program provides a way for contractors who aren’t likely to secure a surety bond to obtain a bonding line for projects up to a certain amount. The SBA would guarantee to the surety company for up to 90% of the liability on the contract, making the contractor a lesser risk to the bond provider.
- SBA Application: Covers questions about the company, the owners of the company and the contract that needs bonding.
- Schedule of Work in Progress: information about all the uncompleted work, both bonded and unbonded.
- Personal Financial Statement: each owner of the construction company.
- Depending on the size of bond(s) that is needed, company financial statements might be needed.
3.
Review Process
Once all the relevant and necessary information is submitted to the SBA by your surety agent, the SBA area office will review the application package and will ask additional questions if needed. After all follow up questions have been answered and the review is complete, then the SBA will provide an approval assuming the application is eligible for the program.
Align with Experienced SBA Surety Professionals
The best way to ensure the SBA application process is done correctly is to work with a surety agent that has extensive experience submitting the forms and compiling the right information. We, at CSBA, understand the SBA bond guarantee program and we are committed to helping California contractors utilize all the tools available for bonding, to grow their companies and meet their professional goals.
If you have any questions about our bonding abilities and the SBA program itself, we encourage you to talk with us and get the application on its way to approval.
Learn more about the SBA Surety Bond Program
The Pros and Cons of the SBA Bond Program
Is the SBA Bond Program Right For You?
7 Tips to Increase Bonding Capacity
Introduction to the SBA Surety Bond Program
Below you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions about the SBA’s bond program and articles that can help you with the process, as well as whether or not the SBA bond program is the right program for you.