Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States. With 2.7 million residents, it is also the most populous city in the state of Illinois and the Midwestern United States. Chicago is a major global financial center, with the second-largest central business district in the United States.

The city is home to many large corporations, including five Fortune 500 companies: United Airlines, McDonald's, Kraft Heinz, Boeing, and Walgreens. The Chicago metropolitan area is also home to several other large corporations, including Abbott Laboratories, Motorola Solutions, Caterpillar, and State Farm. The city's economy is also bolstered by a strong tourism industry, with over 50 million visitors each year.

Chicago is a major center for small businesses. According to a 2017 study, there are over 1.2 million small businesses in the city, accounting for 99.6% of all businesses in the city. These small businesses employ over 1.9 million people, or 47.6% of the city's workforce. The most popular industries for small businesses in Chicago are retail trade, professional services, and health care and social assistance.

Comparing SBA Loan Types in Chicago

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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 Chicago? 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 Chicago

There are several options for small business loans in Chicago. 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 Chicago, 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.