Small Business Loan Software

The First Step Review is offered to its members and the general public through its strategic partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov/) and its resource partners, Small Business Development Center (www.asbdc-us.org) and Service Corps of Retired Executives (www.score.org).

National Business Association First Step Review is a screening software tool that helps small businesses (with less than 100 employees and annual sales of less than $5 million) determine the likelihood of qualifying for a SBA guaranteed small business loan or any loan in general. If your score is 70 or greater on First Step, then the next step would be to find a lender who is SBA certified for loans. Questions fall under these categories:

1. Management Experience
2. Credit History
3. Repayment Ability
4. Equity
5. Collateral

However, if your score is less than 70 on First Step, your next step would be to find a counselor at your local SBA,SBDC or SCORE offices who can provide help with bettering your position and score.

Who Funds the Loan?

It is a common misconception that the SBA makes the loans directly. Loans come from local lenders, not the SBA.  What the SBA does is stands behind you by guaranteeing a major portion of the loan requested thus reducing the amount your lender is risking. Your first step would be to go through a traditional loan and if you are turned down by your bank, then you could seek SBA's help.  Your lender will usually go over your application and recommend a course of action you need to take to better your chances.

If you are not sure where to start and would like to save the time and effort before getting rejected by your lender, contact the SBA.  Your local SBDC, SCORE chapter, or SBA office should be able to help you find a lender. A listing of certified lenders is available at your local SBDC, SCORE, or SBA office. Local offices should also be able to help you gain a better understanding of the criteria and steps necessary to qualify for a loan.

How to Use First Step Review Handbook

This handbook was designed as a tool to help you familiarize yourself with the First Step Review program. It is designed to be used in a classroom or workshop setting either in a group setting or a one-on-one session with a counselor or loan officer. Please complete all sections on this manual prior to taking the First Step Review online or your personal computer.

Computer/System Requirements

First Step Review requires version 4.0 or higher of Internet Explorer or Netscape. (If you need to upgrade, these browsers are available for free at their Home pages.) You can also Download the First Step Review and run it on your local computer. (NOTE: print and e-mail functions won’t work without an Internet Connection). Otherwise, select “Next” below to complete an online version of First Step Review.  You can download the program at no cost at http://www.nationalbusiness.org/review-and-plan.