Key Takeaways The SBA expanded its International Trade Loan (ITL) program in May 2026 with two new initiatives — the Made in America Loan and the Grocery Guarantee Loan — offering up to $1M in working capital with a 90% federal guarantee, 15 percentage points higher than the standard SBA…

Key Takeaways Working capital is your business’s financial breathing room, calculated as current assets minus current liabilities, it covers day-to-day expenses like payroll, inventory, and rentThe SBA defines working capital more narrowly than standard accounting— SBA loans designated for working capital can only be used for operating costs like rent,…

Key Takeaways The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) shows how easily a business can pay its debt obligations from its operating cash flow.The SBA requires a minimum of a 1.1 DSCR for SBA 7(a) loans under $350kTo calculate DSCR, you need financial statements to find operating cash flow (typically EBITDA),…

Key Takeaways Whether you’re applying, uploading documents, or waiting on underwriting, our Member Services team is your go-to team for help, updates, and escalation.Our team is always implementing new tech and strategies to be as accessible to our members as possible At NEWITY, we walk our members through the entire…

Key Takeaways The Supreme Court has ruled Trump’s IEEPA tariffs unlawfulThis ruling opens the door for many businesses to get refunded for IEEPA tariffs they paid directly on importsIn order to be eligible for your money back, your business must have been the Importer of RecordThe CBP is developing a…

Key Takeaways Small business loans through traditional banks have become less accessible and affordableSome financial institutions are introducing AI into their lending processes, making small business lending more efficient and less expensiveSmall business owners should apply for funding proactively rather than waiting until their need for capital is direWhen searching…

Key Takeaways Small businesses on average receive funding at less than half the rate of larger enterprisesTraditional banks cannot justify the cost of funding small-balance (<$500k) loans The integration of AI into small business lending makes the loan process quicker and less expensiveAI does not make loan approval decisions, nor does…

Key Takeaways A QBI allows eligible businesses to deduct up to 20% of their business’s qualified income from their taxes, allowing them to secure a refund from quarterly paymentsCertain business types and industries are excluded from QBI deduction eligibilityIndividuals filing jointly must have a taxable income below $394,600 for 2025Individuals…

Key Takeaways Ensure you know your EIN number and your business’s entity type in order to identify your payment and filing requirementsThis article lists the dates returns are due based on your business’s use of the calendar or fiscal yearRegardless of filing dates, most small businesses should be making quarterly…

Erected in the center of DeKalb, IL from nothing but a concrete slab stands The Grove Tavern. Owned by born-and-raised DeKalb natives, at the heart of this small business is a hometown legacy. “The rewarding part is, a lot of people saw us grow up here,” said Sam Patterson, co-owner…

NEWITY’s 2025 Year Wrapped: A Year of Record-Breaking Growth and Impact As 2025 comes to a close, NEWITY is proud to reflect on a year defined by innovation, expansion, and unwavering commitment to small businesses across the nation. From industry recognition to member milestones, we’re proud of what we’ve built…

Key Takeaways Start by organizing all your accounts, clearly indicating how much you owe, to whom, and by when.Consider various strategies to reduce your debt, such as avalanche pay-off and refinancing If you are going to refinance with an SBA 7(a) loan, ensure you’re aware of what types of debt can…

Key Takeaways Get festive with your online presence, sharing holiday-themed posts and drawing attention to your holiday season dealsConsider expanding your hours to cater to shoppers on a tight scheduleEnsure all the information about your business is up to date on every website and platformOffer gift cards for indecisive shoppers…

Key Takeaways Factors like your revenue, credit, debt, and business age all impact the funding you qualify for Paying down existing debt, opening credit building accounts, and getting strategic about your financial tracking can help you increase your approved loan amountConsider the timing of when you apply— slow seasons, unpaid client…

Key Takeaways Gross Margin shows how efficiently your business is producing and selling its products or services. Customer Concentration is a way to assess how dependent your business is on a small number of clients.Aging of Accounts Receivable shows how quickly customers are paying you.Cash Needs reflects the amount of cash…

Key Takeaways Bookkeeping includes functions like transaction recording, account management, payroll processing, reporting, and moreThere are 5 account categories for sorting transactions: assets, liabilities, equity, revenue & income, and expensesThere are different approaches your can take to bookkeeping: cash-based vs. accrual-bases and single-entry vs. double-entryThe three financial statements most commonly…

Key Takeaways Your personal credit plays a role in your business credit, so it’s best practice to focus on maintaining your finances in all areasCredit building accounts are called “tradelines”, which can be either “revolving” or “installment”Different types of tradlines should be used for different types of expensesImplement strategies low…

Key Takeaways When you apply for an SBA 7(a) loan, the debt you already hold factors into how much capital you qualify for.You need to be able to prove that your revenue is sufficient enough to cover your current debt and the additional debt you’re applying for.Lenders also take into…

Key Takeaways A government shutdown occurs when congress cannot pass legislation for federal agency fundingDuring this time, SBA loans cease being processedSubmit your loan application anyway and stay responsive with your loan service provider so you’re first in line once processing resumes Each year, the U.S. Congress votes on a…

Key Takeaways Understanding the tax implications of your business’s structure can help you file properly and identify your tax advantagesConsider opening an account on the IRS website in order to easily access and view your tax filings and paymentsYour tax filings and IRS payments play a role in your loan…

Key Takeaways Your SBSS score is your business’s credit score that accounts for several factors, spanning both business and personal financesSBSS scores range from 0-300, with “good” SBSS scores starting around 165Your SBSS score is sometimes used in determining if you could qualify for a small business loan What Is…

Key Takeaways SBA 7(a) loans offer flexible funding for operational and growth needs. There are clear restrictions on how funds can be used, such as prohibitions on real estate purchases, large equipment, personal expenses, passive investments, delinquent taxes (without a payment plan), and refinancing other SBA loans. Strategic use of…

Key Takeaways Separating your business from your personal finances as much as possible will help you to stay organized, ensure your taxes are accurately filed, and manage cash flow Consider registering as an LLC to protect yourself from personal liability for your business Apply for EIN and DUNS numbers for…

Key Takeaways Secured credit cards require a cash deposit that acts as “collateral” on your card balance, and are easier to obtain for people with lower credit scores Unsecured credit cards do not require that initial cash deposit, but are more difficult to obtain, have higher credit limits, and offer…

Pledging collateral for a business loan can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we’ll break down the definition of collateral, why it’s necessary, and how you can get a loan without needing to pledge collateral at all. Key Takeaways Collateral is a set of assets…

Key Takeaways SBA loan denial could be chalked up to poor credit, industry, or even business ageYou can reapply for an SBA 7(a) Loan through NEWITY after 90 daysOrganize your finances to track your own eligibility and prepare for the next time you applyImprove your business’s credit by using a…

Key Takeaways Your NAICS code helps you and others categorize your business at its most specific levelNAICS codes are used for a variety of purposes, including taxes, identifying industry benchmarks, insurance, and moreNAICS codes have a large effect on how your business qualifies for an SBA loanNAICS codes are self-assigned…

Seasonal slowdowns are a reality for many businesses, whether you’re in retail, hospitality, or any industry affected by fluctuating consumer demand. While these quieter periods can be challenging, they also offer opportunities to reassess, regroup, and prepare for the busy seasons ahead. Here’s how business owners can navigate seasonal slowdowns…

When small business owners look to borrow money, they often encounter two primary types of loans: secured and unsecured. Understanding the differences between these two loan categories is crucial for choosing the best financing option for your business. For many entrepreneurs, SBA 7(a) loans strike the perfect balance, offering flexibility…

Taking out a business loan can be a powerful tool for growth, whether you’re purchasing new equipment, expanding operations, or managing cash flow. However, repaying that loan responsibly is just as important as securing it. A well-planned repayment strategy not only ensures you maintain a healthy financial position but also…