A decade or so ago, massage businesses were chiefly run out of practitioners' home offices. But as massage's popularity has steadily grown, it has emerged as both viable health care and a viable business venture. Although some of today's therapists can still be found in small home-based session rooms, many more are working in - and owning - massage clinics, private offices and on-site businesses.

But along with professional success come professional costs. Whether you need to purchase a fleet of new tables or chairs for your employees, expand into a larger facility or launch your massage practice, one thing is certain: You need money to grow. A small-business loan can be the tool that nets you enough capital to create your dreams.

Of course, the first place to start when in need of a small-business loan is your bank. Most businesses don’t need a tremendous amount of outside financing to start or sustain the venture. In fact, many begin with less than $10,000 in working capital. However, many conventional bank loans aren’t well-suited for micro loans (under $10,000) or to finance new businesses.

If you have already tried your bank with little success, don’t despair. There are a number of special loan programs out there that are well-suited for even the smallest businesses. Some are designed for loans of up to $100,000 or more, while others can address the micro-loan needs that often arise in a massage business.

We will start with three programs offered through the U.S. Small Business Loan Administration and then look at an example of a local program that is indicative of many micro-loan programs available around the country.

• SBA Low-documentation Loans
• SBA Micro-Loans
• Other Micro-Loans Program

Loan Requirements

To find out the closest micro-loan intermediary or for more information on the SBA loan programs, check out the Web site (www.sba.gov) or call the SBA Answer Desk, (800) 827-5722, 9-5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.