Clearwater is a city located in Pinellas County, Florida. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 107,685. It is the county seat of Pinellas County. Clearwater is the smallest of the three principal cities in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, most commonly referred to as the Tampa Bay Area.

The economy of Clearwater is largely driven by tourism and the service industry, with some manufacturing and high-tech industries also present. The city is home to a number of tourist attractions, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Clearwater Beach Walk, and the Clearwater Jazz Holiday. The service industry is the largest sector of the economy, with nearly 60% of all jobs in the city being in the service industry. The top employers in the city are in the fields of healthcare, education, and retail.

Small businesses are a vital part of the economy in Clearwater, accounting for over 60% of all businesses in the city. The most popular industries for small businesses in Clearwater are in the fields of retail, healthcare, and food and beverage. Clearwater has a number of programs and resources in place to support small businesses, including the Clearwater Business Assistance Center and the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce.

Comparing SBA Loan Types in Clearwater

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When it comes to small business loans, the SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and SBA Express programs are some of the best options available. Boasting favorable terms and low rates, these financing vehicles can provide up to $5 million for your business plans.

SBA 7(a) Loans specifically connects small business owners with lenders across the country who are prepared to offer the very best terms to support their businesses. If you're looking to buy commercial real estate or equipment, or if you need access to repair capital, SBA 7(a) loans should definitely be one of your top options.

Our experienced team will provide you with the very best terms from our network of lenders to ensure your business has what it needs to succeed. We offer this service completely free of charge.

Looking for more information about Clearwater? Read on below. Otherwise, click the button below, and we'll get right back to you with your free SBA 7(a) loan quote.

Small Business Loans Available in Clearwater

There are several options for small business loans in Clearwater. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several loan programs, including the 7a, 504, and Express programs, that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as working capital, equipment, and real estate. SBA loans are backed by the government and usually have lower interest rates and longer repayment terms than other types of loans.

1. SBA 7(a) Loans

The SBA 7(a) loan program is the Small Business Administration's most popular loan program. It can be used for a variety of different purposes, from working capital to equipment and even real estate. An SBA 7(a) loan's interest rate is generally lower than interest rates on conventional loans. Loan terms are also longer than most conventional loans, which keeps monthly debt service costs low. SBA 7(a) loans are capped at $5 million.

2. SBA 504 Loans

The SBA 504 program is aimed at businesses looking to acquire heavy equipment or fixed assets or for purchasing or developing real estate. Loan terms are typically up to 10 years for equipment purchases and 25 years for real estate, and interest rates are generally lower than most conventional financing options.

3. SBA Express Loans

SBA's Express Loan program are designed for speed: While loans max out at $500,000, the application turnaround time is just a few days. This convenience does not come for free, with interest rates generally higher — and repayment schedules typically shorter — than other SBA loan types, which increases the cost of debt service.

If you are interested in applying for a small business loan in Clearwater, we’ll match you with the best lender: Click here for a free quote.

Getting the Right Insurance for Your Property

If you own the property you operate out of, you'll need adequate insurance in place as part of the SBA financing process. Unfortunately, the cost of property insurance has shot up in recent years — and not just in the disaster-prone areas that may immediately come to mind.

Janover Insurance Group is happy to provide you with a free, zero-obligation quote on insuring the commercial real estate your business owns and occupies. Simply click here to get started.