How to Prepare a MARC Loan Application for Your Manufacturing Business

This preparation guide focuses on choosing a MARC lender and assembling a working-capital request. For the program definition, rates and underwriting rules, start with our MARC program guide.

Program information checked September 7, 2026. MARC underwriting descriptions in this guide apply before October 1, 2026. Read the published October changes before planning a later approval. Lending decisions remain subject to the applicable SBA rules and lender underwriting.

Show what the facility will pay for

Separate raw materials, payroll, inventory and operating cash from equipment and property purchases. MARC is for working capital; it does not become a 25-year real-estate loan because a larger expansion also includes a building. Use separate eligible financing for fixed assets.

Ask the lender specific questions

• Are you currently accepting MARC applications for my industry and requested amount?
• Which rules and fee schedule will apply to the expected approval date?
• How will you size the facility: open line, annual availability tiers or borrowing-base controls?
• What cash-flow, collateral and annual-review documentation will you require?
• Which documents are needed before underwriting starts, and what can delay closing?

Prepare a lender-ready request

Use the downloadable application checklist. Include the sources-and-uses budget, historical financials, recent statements, debt schedule, inventory and AR/AP aging. Show customer concentrations and the time between material purchases and cash collection. For a new order, explain the assumptions behind volumes, margins and payment dates.

Compare offers on the same basis

Ask each lender for gross principal, interest calculation, fees, amortization, reporting obligations, collateral and conditions for continued revolving access. At standard MARC guaranty levels, SBA covers 85% of loans up to $150,000 and 75% above that threshold; borrowers remain liable for the full debt.

Confirm the current MARC appendix and October transition. Lender availability, credit analysis and closing conditions determine timing; no general fast-approval promise is reliable.