SBA Loans Quiz — Wireframe Board

Heuristic finding: users get lost in loan jargon. Pitch: replace passive "Learn about SBA loans" with a guided quiz that ends on a matched program (or short list) + clear next steps. Styled to the official SBA brand guide — SBA blue #002E6D, SBA red #CC0000, Source Sans Pro + Merriweather.
v0.4 — SBA brand reskin 12 frames · desktop @ 1200
3 hero variants → 4 quiz screens → 2 results → 3 personas
Source Sans Pro + Merriweather · SBA palette
1

Entry — How the quiz lives in the hero

Pick one direction; the other two are fallbacks. Variant B pulls the user into Q1 before they leave the page — strongest IMO.
Variant A · CTA swaplow risk
sba.gov
An official website of the United States government. Here's how you know
Business GuideFundingContracting
2 min · No login

Find the right loan for your business.

Answer 4 quick questions. We'll match you to SBA programs you actually qualify for.

Start the quiz
Swaps the "Learn about SBA loans" CTA for the quiz card. Lowest risk — same real estate, smarter copy. Existing analytics on the card translate.
Variant B · inline Q1recommended
sba.gov
An official website of the United States government. Here's how you know
Business GuideFundingContracting

Need funding for your small business?

Skip the jargon. Tell us what you need — we'll match you to the right SBA loan.

See all loan types
Question 1 of 4
What's the money for?
Starting a new business
Buying equipment or inventory
Working capital / cash flow
Real estate or expansion
Next
Recommended. Q1 lives in the hero — the user is already 25% through before they decide. Friction drops; completion should climb. Costs the hero photo's full bleed.
Variant C · slim bannerA/B-able
sba.gov
An official website of the United States government. Here's how you know
Business GuideFundingContracting
NEW Not sure which loan fits? Take our 2-minute matching quiz. Start quiz

Need funding for your small business?

Learn about SBA loans
Quiz lives above the existing hero — non-invasive, easy to A/B test. Lowest commitment from the page, but also easiest to scroll past.
2

Quiz flow — Four screens

Plain-language questions, no jargon, USWDS step indicator visible on every screen. "Save & email me" escape preserves progress without requiring a login.
Screen 1 · Purposerequired
sba.gov/loan-finder
Step 1 of 4: What you need Save & email me a link
1 2 3 4

What do you need the money for?

Pick the closest match — you can refine later. Plain language only, no SBA program codes.

Start a new businessIdea-stage or first 12 months
Buy equipment or inventoryTools, vehicles, machinery, stock
Working capital / cash flowPayroll, rent, daily operations
Buy or improve real estateProperty, build-out, expansion
Refinance existing debtConsolidate loans or restructure
Recover from a disasterStorm, fire, flood, declared event
How we use this: Six plain-language buckets map to all SBA programs — 7(a), 504, Microloan, EIDL, Express. You'll never see those codes until results.
← Back to sba.gov Continue
Q1 — Purpose. Replaces "what type of loan do you want?" (which users can't answer) with "what's the money for?" (which they can).
Screen 2 · Business stagerequired
sba.gov/loan-finder
Step 2 of 4: Your business Save & email me a link
✓ 2 3 4

Tell us where your business is today.

Three quick reads — we use these to figure out which programs you're eligible for.

Just an ideaNot operating yet
Under 2 yearsGetting traction
2+ years, establishedStable revenue
$0not yet earning
< $250ksmall but real
$250k–$2Mgrowing
$2M+established
01050250500+
← Back Continue
Q2 — Stage. Three sub-questions on one screen to keep flow short. Revenue tier silently filters programs the user wouldn't qualify for — they never see a dead end.
Screen 3 · Amount & timingrequired
sba.gov/loan-finder
Step 3 of 4: How much & when Save & email me a link
✓ ✓ 3 4

How much do you need to borrow?

A range is fine. Drag the slider or type a number. We'll show programs that cover this amount.

$175,000roughly — adjust below
$5k$50k$350k$1M$5M+
$ 175,000
or type the exact amount
Tick marks = the breakpoints SBA actually uses (Microloan ≤ $50k, 7(a) Express ≤ $500k, 7(a) ≤ $5M). Helps you see where you fit.
ASAPwithin 30 days
This quarter1–3 months
Later this year3–12 months
Just exploringno timeline
← Back Continue
Q3 — Amount & Timing. Slider with SBA's actual loan-cap breakpoints. Timing chip routes "ASAP" requests to Express programs on the results page.
Screen 4 · About youoptional
sba.gov/loan-finder
Step 4 of 4: About you Save & email me a link
✓ ✓ ✓ 4

Last step — does anything special apply?

Some SBA programs are designed for specific groups. Check anything that fits — none are required.

✓
Veteran or military spouse
Women-owned business (51%+)
✓
Minority-owned business
Located in a HUBZone / rural area
Recently affected by a disaster
Exporting goods or services

Self-reported — we don't pull credit at this stage.

Good (680+)Confident
Fair (600–679)Some bumps
Not sureWe'll show all
Your privacy: No SSN, no credit pull, no signup. Answers stay on your device until you ask to send them to a lender.
← Back See my matches
Q4 — Eligibility. Optional checks unlock special programs (Community Advantage, 8(a), Veterans Advantage). Heavy privacy copy because this is the trust cliff before results.
3

Results — The payoff screen

Two takes. A is the conventional "best match + runner-ups." B answers the next question users actually have: "OK, what do I do now?"
Result A · best match + runnersconventional
sba.gov/loan-finder/results
Your match

You look like a fit for an SBA 7(a) loan.

Based on $175k · equipment purchase · 2-yr business · veteran-owned · good credit.

Best match

SBA 7(a) — Veterans Advantage

Flagship program · reduced fees for vets

Up to $5Mloan amount
10–25 yrsrepayment
Prime + 2–3%typical rate

The most flexible SBA-guaranteed loan. Works for equipment, working capital, real estate, or refinance. Veterans Advantage waives the upfront guaranty fee on loans up to $350,000.

Find a 7(a) lender near me Save my matches Why this match?
Also worth a look
Runner-up

SBA Express

36-hr turnaround

Faster turnaround, up to $500k. Good if "ASAP" is the priority.

Compare
Also fits

504 / CDC Loan

Real estate & heavy equipment

For heavy-duty equipment or real estate, 504 caps higher with a longer term.

Compare
Result A. Clean USWDS hierarchy: one hero match, two runner-ups, primary CTA → real Lender Match. Familiar shape, low cognitive load.
Result B · match + next-stepsrecommended
sba.gov/loan-finder/results
Your match

You look like a fit for an SBA 7(a) loan.

You're not done yet — here's exactly what happens next ↓

Strongest match

SBA 7(a) — Veterans Advantage

Flagship program · fee waiver

Up to $5Mamount
10–25 yrsterm
P + 2–3%rate

Most flexible SBA program. Veterans Advantage waives the upfront guaranty fee.

Backup options if 7(a) doesn't pan out
SBA Express 504 / CDC Microloan

Your next steps

✓
Take the quizDone — nice work.
✓
Save your matchesWe emailed a PDF summary you can share with a lender.
3
Gather 4 documentsTax returns (2 yr), bank statements, business plan, debt schedule.
4
Find a lenderWe'll match you with SBA-approved lenders in your state.
5
Talk to a counselor (free)Optional — a SCORE mentor can review your plan before you apply.
Find a lender near me
Result B — recommended. Same match, but the right rail keeps momentum. Users see where they are in the funnel, not just an info page. Doubles as a re-engagement email.
4

Persona walkthroughs — Does it work for them?

Tracing your three personas through the quiz. Each lands on a real, differentiated match — and the design fixes the specific heuristic failures they hit today.
MG

Maria Gonzalez

Restaurant owner · San Antonio, TX · Age 47
Kitchen fire — needs emergency funding fast
Tech: Low · Phone-only · ESL
I just need someone to tell me which one to pick and what papers to bring.
Her path through the quiz
1
What's the money for?Recover from a disaster
2
Where's your business?2+ yrs established$250k–$2M
3
How much & when?~$85kASAP
4
Anything special?Disaster-affectedMinority-owned
Match

SBA Disaster Loan — Business Physical

Up to $2M, 30-yr term, designed for declared-disaster losses like fire. Skips the "can you get credit elsewhere?" test.

New for Maria: Language toggle (EN / ES) in the header, plain-language icons on every option, and a printable "papers to bring" checklist she can hand to her daughter.
Fixes today's failures
  • H#2 Match real world. No 7(a) / 504 ever shown until results — she answers in her own words.
  • H#6 Recognition. Six visual buckets w/ icons — she picks the one with the burning building.
  • H#10 Help. One match, one CTA, one document list. Nothing to guess.
DW

DeShawn Williams

E-commerce entrepreneur · Atlanta, GA · Age 34
3-yr sportswear brand · needs $150k
Tech: High · Expects Shopify-grade UX
I run a real business. Just treat me like an adult and tell me where I stand.
His path through the quiz
1
What's the money for?Buy equipment / inventory
2
Where's your business?2+ yrs established$250k–$2M
3
How much & when?$150kThis quarter
4
Anything special?Minority-ownedCredit 680+
Match

SBA 7(a) + Community Advantage

7(a) covers $150k inventory + payroll; Community Advantage adds underwriting flexibility for established minority-owned businesses.

New for DeShawn: "Save & email me" link on every step — picks up where he left off, no login. Results page shows an application status tracker after he submits.
Fixes today's failures
  • H#1 System status. USWDS step indicator on every screen + post-submit tracker.
  • H#3 Control. Save/email link preserves answers; Back is non-destructive.
  • H#5 Error prevention. Inline validation, no "wipe on submit" failure mode.
TB

Tom Baxter

Hardware store · Asheville, NC · Age 58
Flood damage · 12 employees on the line
Tech: Medium-low · Desktop · Stressed
I just need to know someone got my application and that help is coming.
His path through the quiz
1
What's the money for?Recover from a disaster
2
Where's your business?2+ yrs established$2M+
3
How much & when?~$400kASAP
4
Anything special?Disaster-affected
Match

SBA Disaster Loan + EIDL

Physical Disaster covers structural / inventory loss; EIDL bridges the working-capital gap for the 12 employees while he rebuilds.

New for Tom: Auto-save every answer (no timeout loss), one-click email-me-a-receipt with reference number on submit, and a "your application is being reviewed" status page that updates without a phone call.
Fixes today's failures
  • H#1 System status. Receipt + status page replace the "did anyone get this?" black hole.
  • H#3 Control. Auto-save kills the timeout-data-loss failure mode.
  • H#9 Error recovery. Upload retries inline; fallback to email is one click — not a 90-min drive.
4

Application form — Guided entry

Auto-save on every field. Inline validation. Plain-language labels replace agency jargon. Back is always non-destructive.
Screen 3 · Business informationStep 2 of 5
sba.gov/loans/apply/business-information
An official website of the United States government  Here's how you know
FundingLearningAbout
Step 2 of 5 — Business Information ✓ Progress saved automatically
1
2
3
4
5
Tell us about your business
All fields are required unless marked optional. Your information is encrypted and secure.
Williams Sportswear LLC ✓
XX-XXXXXXX What's this? ⓘ
Your EIN is on your IRS tax documents or business formation paperwork.
842 Peachtree Industrial Blvd ✓
Georgia
ZIP
2021 ✓
Enter a number
EIN required — Please enter your 9-digit Employer Identification Number. Example: 12-3456789. I don't have an EIN yet
← Back
Save & exit
Screen 3 — Application form. Two-column layout keeps the form compact without overwhelming. EIN field shows a tooltip and plain-language error. Auto-save banner replaces anxiety with confidence. Back is always visible and non-destructive.
Screen 3b · Owner informationStep 3 of 5
sba.gov/loans/apply/owner-information
An official website of the United States government  Here's how you know
FundingLearningAbout
Step 3 of 5 — Owner Information ✓ Progress saved automatically
1
2
3
4
5
About you — the business owner
SBA uses this to verify identity and check basic eligibility. We never sell your information.
DeShawn ✓
Williams ✓
deshawn@williamssportswear.com ✓
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
We only call if there's a problem with your application.
Do you own 20% or more of this business?
SBA requires this for all owners with 20%+ ownership. Why do we ask this?
✓
Yes — I own 20% or more
No — I own less than 20%
Your privacy is protected. SBA uses 256-bit encryption. We never share your personal information with lenders without your permission.
← Back
Save & exit
Screen 3b — Owner info. Plain-language version of the ownership question that typically trips users. Privacy reassurance reduces abandonment. Confirmation email field removes the "did my application go through?" anxiety before they even hit submit.
5

Document upload — No dead ends

Three upload paths: drag-and-drop, mobile photo, or email fallback. Upload failure never strands the user. Each slot shows clear status.
Screen 4 · Document uploadStep 4 of 5
sba.gov/loans/apply/documents
An official website of the United States government  Here's how you know
FundingLearningAbout
Step 4 of 5 — Upload Documents ✓ Uploads saved automatically
1
2
3
4
5
Upload your documents
3 of 4 documents uploaded. PDF, JPG, or PNG — max 10MB each. Not sure what to upload? See examples →
📄
Business tax return (most recent year)
williams_taxes_2024.pdf · 2.1 MB
✓
📄
Business bank statements (last 3 months)
statements_jan_mar.pdf · 1.4 MB
✓
⚠️
Business license or registration
Required · Not yet uploaded
📄
Personal tax return (most recent year)
deshawn_personal_2024.pdf · 3.2 MB
✓
3 ways to upload
📁
Drag & drop
or click to browse
📱
Take a photo
with your phone camera
📧
Email instead
docs@sba.gov + your ref #
← Back
Save & exit
Screen 4 — Upload normal state. Color-coded status per document (green = done, red = missing). Continue button is disabled until all required docs are present — preventing a blank submission error. Three upload methods ensure no user is left stranded.
Screen 4b · Upload — error recoveryH#9 Error Recovery
sba.gov/loans/apply/documents
An official website of the United States government  Here's how you know
FundingLearningAbout
Step 4 of 5 — Upload Documents ✓ Other uploads saved
1
2
3
4
5
Upload your documents
One file couldn't upload — see details below. Your other documents are safe.
❌
Business license couldn't upload
Your file license_2024.pdf is 14MB — the limit is 10MB. Try one of these options:
📁
Try a compressed version
Reduce file size and upload again
📱
Take a photo with your phone
Scan the document using your camera
📧
Email your document instead
Send to docs@sba.gov — include reference #SBA-2026-48821
3 documents uploaded successfully
📄 Business tax return (2024) ✓
📄 Bank statements (Jan–Mar) ✓
📄 Personal tax return (2024) ✓
← Back
Screen 4b — Error recovery. ★ Key heuristic fix. Plain-language error names the exact problem (file too large), shows 3 concrete solutions inline, and confirms the other docs are safe. Zero chance of the constituent being told to drive 90 minutes — this addresses the #1 documented SBA portal failure.
6

Status dashboard — Close the anxiety loop

Real-time pipeline tracker replaces the "did anyone get this?" black hole. No phone call required. Loan officer contact visible from day one.
Screen 5a · Submission confirmationH#1 System Status
sba.gov/loans/apply/confirmation
An official website of the United States government  Here's how you know
FundingLearningAbout
✅
Application submitted
Your SBA 7(a) loan application was received on May 26, 2026 at 10:42 AM ET
Reference #SBA-2026-48821
Confirmation sent to: deshawn@williamssportswear.com
Save your reference number — you'll need it if you contact us.
What happens next
1
Document verification · 1–2 business days
SBA confirms your documents are complete and legible.
2
Loan officer assigned · 2–3 business days
You'll receive their name and direct contact by email.
3
Underwriting review · 5–10 business days
Your loan officer evaluates your application.
Screen 5a — Confirmation. Reference number, email confirmation, and a numbered timeline replace the current black hole. Users know exactly what happens next and when — before they even close the tab.
Screen 5b · Application status trackerH#1 + H#3
sba.gov/loans/status/SBA-2026-48821
An official website of the United States government  Here's how you know
FundingLearningAbout
Application status
SBA 7(a) Loan — $150,000
Ref #SBA-2026-48821 · Submitted May 26, 2026
Current status
Under Review
Application pipeline
✓
Submitted
May 26
✓
Docs verified
May 27
↻
Under review
In progress
4
Decision
Est. Jun 6
Your application is under review. Typical review takes 5–10 business days. Estimated decision by June 6, 2026. We'll email you if anything is needed.
Your loan officer
JR
James Rodriguez
SBA Loan Officer · Atlanta District Office
james.rodriguez@sba.gov
Activity log
Assigned to loan officer
May 28, 2026 · 9:14 AM
Documents verified — all 4 accepted
May 27, 2026 · 2:33 PM
Application submitted
May 26, 2026 · 10:42 AM
Screen 5b — Status dashboard. ★ Highest-impact screen. Visual pipeline shows exactly where the application stands. Named loan officer with direct email eliminates the call-center runaround. Activity log gives DeShawn the "adult treatment" he asked for. Tom gets the "someone got this" reassurance. This one screen fixes H#1, H#3, and the documented call-center conflict issue.

What this wireframe is & isn't

USWDS-compliant structural exploration — Public Sans + Merriweather, USWDS color tokens (primary, accent-warm, etc.), USWDS step indicator and button patterns. Goal: align on shape and content before hi-fi design or the Lender Match API hookup.

Open questions: Should eligibility checks come after results so they don't feel gated? Should saving results require an account, or is an emailed PDF enough?

Loan programs surfaced

SBA brand tokens used

SBA blue  #002E6D  PMS 280 SBA red  #CC0000  PMS 1805 secondary blue  #007DBC secondary yellow  #F1C400 secondary green  #197E4E secondary black  #1B1E29

Type: Source Sans Pro (UI / body), Merriweather (display / headlines). Both per SBA brand guide.