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Orlando, Florida, is home to a thriving small business ecosystem, with entrepreneurs and business owners contributing significantly to the local economy. As of 2021, there were over 114,000 small businesses in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metropolitan area, accounting for nearly 99% of all businesses in the region. These small businesses have created jobs, fueled innovation, and helped to build a vibrant community.
One of the key programs that has supported the growth of small businesses in Orlando is the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) loan program. This program provides government-backed loans to small businesses, allowing them to access financing that may not be available through traditional lending channels. In the Orlando area, the 7(a) program has had a significant impact on economic growth, helping small businesses to expand, hire new employees, and increase revenue.
Based on your company’s profile, you may be able to get an SBA loan in Orlando of up to $5 million. We can help connect you to the best SBA lenders in Orlando so that your business can secure the financing it needs to grow. Entrepreneurs can opt for an SBA loan in Orlando to acquire a business, purchase equipment, meet working capital requirements, and more. SBA loans provide fast and efficient access to funding under the 504 and 7(a) programs.
According to data from the SBA’s 7(a) loan database, between 2010 and 2020, the program facilitated over $1.5 billion in loans to small businesses in the Orlando area. These loans helped to create or retain over 21,000 jobs, and provided critical funding to businesses across a range of industries, from healthcare and construction to retail and hospitality. Without this financing, many of these businesses may have struggled to survive or grow.
Overall, the small business ecosystem in Orlando is thriving, with entrepreneurs and business owners contributing to the growth and vitality of the community. With support from programs like the 7(a) loan program, as well as resources and incentives provided by local organizations and government entities, small businesses in Orlando are well-positioned to continue driving economic growth in the years to come.
The SBA 7(a) program is the most widely used by Orlando SBA lenders. It’s a versatile option that allows for businesses in a large variety of industries to obtain financing. Based on recent loan activity, these are the top SBA lenders in Orlando:
Orlando SBA Lenders
| Orlando Rank | Orlando Lender | Bank Headquarters | # Loans | Avg Loan | Avg Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citizens Bank | Elizabethton, TN | 16 | $896,200 | 6.0% |
| 2 | TD Bank | Wilmington, DE | 16 | $170,556 | 7.5% |
| 3 | United Community Bank | Blairsville, GA | 12 | $367,667 | 5.4% |
| 4 | Wells Fargo | Sioux Falls, SD | 9 | $8,333 | 8.3% |
| 5 | Centennial Bank | Conway, AR | 8 | $1,775,000 | 5.3% |
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Orlando Small Business Loan Resources
Small business owners in Orlando, Florida, face unique challenges when it comes to growing and managing their businesses. Fortunately, there are a number of organizations that offer valuable consultation and resources to help small businesses succeed. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top organizations in Orlando that small business owners can turn to for consultation on business financing and growth.
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a national organization that offers a variety of services to help small businesses grow and succeed. In Orlando, the SBDC is hosted by the University of Central Florida and offers free one-on-one consulting, training programs, and resources to help small business owners with everything from business planning to financial management. The SBDC also offers specialized assistance to women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses.
- National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) The National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) is a collaboration between several organizations, including the Small Business Administration, the City of Orlando, and the University of Central Florida. The center offers a variety of resources and consulting services to help small businesses grow and succeed. These services include one-on-one consultations, training programs, and access to funding resources.
- Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) is a public-private partnership dedicated to driving economic growth and job creation in the Orlando region. In addition to offering a variety of business incentive programs, the OEP also offers consulting services to small business owners. These services include one-on-one consultations, market research, and access to a network of business leaders and other resources designed to help businesses succeed.
- SCORE Orlando SCORE Orlando is a nonprofit organization that offers free business counseling and mentoring to small business owners. The organization is staffed by retired business executives and entrepreneurs who volunteer their time to help others succeed. SCORE Orlando offers one-on-one counseling sessions, workshops, and other resources to help small business owners with everything from business planning to financial management.
- Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) is a statewide organization that offers consulting services to small businesses throughout Florida. In addition to one-on-one consulting services, the FSBDC offers training programs, access to funding resources, and other resources designed to help small businesses succeed. The organization also offers specialized assistance to women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses.
Overall, small business owners in Orlando have a wealth of resources available to them when it comes to financing and growing their businesses. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your existing business, these organizations can provide valuable consultation, training, and resources to help you achieve your goals.
Resources:
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC): https://sbdcorlando.com/
- National Entrepreneur Center (NEC): https://www.nationalec.org/
- Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP): https://www.orlando.org/
- SCORE Orlando: https://orlando.score.org/
- Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC): https://floridasbdc.org/
Orlando Small Business Incentives
Orlando Economic Partnership
The Orlando Economic Partnership is a public-private partnership dedicated to driving economic growth and job creation in the Orlando region. One of the organization’s key initiatives is the Business Incentives Program, which offers a variety of financial incentives to businesses looking to expand or relocate to the Orlando area. These incentives include tax refunds, cash grants, and low-interest loans, and are designed to help businesses create new jobs and invest in the local community.
Targeted Business Assistance Program
The Targeted Business Assistance Program is a program offered by the City of Orlando that provides financial assistance to small businesses located in designated areas of the city. This program is designed to support businesses that are located in neighborhoods that are experiencing economic challenges or that are underutilized. Eligible businesses can receive grants of up to $20,000 to help cover startup costs or other expenses associated with expanding or relocating their business.
Brownfield Incentive Program
The Brownfield Incentive Program is a statewide program that offers incentives to businesses that are looking to redevelop contaminated or underutilized properties. The program offers tax credits and other financial incentives to businesses that are willing to invest in these properties, which can help to revitalize neighborhoods and create jobs in the local community.
Enterprise Florida
Enterprise Florida is a public-private partnership that offers a variety of resources and incentives to businesses looking to expand or relocate to Florida. The organization offers a variety of financial incentives, including tax credits, grants, and low-interest loans, as well as access to a network of business leaders and other resources designed to help businesses succeed in the state.
Orlando Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program
The Orlando Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program is designed to support businesses that are owned by minorities, women, or other disadvantaged groups. The program offers a variety of resources and assistance, including access to capital, technical assistance, and training programs, to help these businesses grow and succeed.
Overall, there are many business incentive programs available to small businesses in Orlando, offering a range of resources and financial assistance to help businesses grow and succeed. Whether you’re looking to expand your business, relocate to the area, or revitalize a contaminated property, these programs can provide valuable support and resources to help you achieve your goals.
Resources:
- Orlando Economic Partnership: https://www.orlando.org/
- Targeted Business Assistance Program: https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Economic-Development/Business-Incentive-Programs/Targeted-Business-Assistance-Program
- Brownfield Incentive Program: https://floridadep.gov/waste/brownfields/content/brownfields-redevelopment-incentives
- Enterprise Florida: https://www.enterpriseflorida.com/
- Orlando Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program: https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Office-of-Minority-and-Women-Business-Enterprises