
SBA Loans
SBA (Small Business Administration) loans are government-backed financing programs designed to help small businesses access affordable capital when traditional bank loans aren't available. While SBA loans are issued by approved lenders like banks and credit unions, they're partially guaranteed by the U.S. government, which reduces the lender's risk and allows them to offer better terms to borrowers.
This government guarantee means you can get larger loan amounts, lower down payments, longer repayment terms, and more competitive interest rates than conventional business loans. SBA loans are considered the gold standard of small business financing, offering terms that simply aren't available through any other lending source and is considered the most favorable financing possible for small business owners.
SBA loans offer the most competitive rates available, typically 6-11% APR. Rates are 2-4% lower than conventional business loans and significantly lower than alternative financing.
Get up to 10 years for working capital and equipment, and up to 25 years for real estate purchases. Longer terms mean lower monthly payments and better cash flow.
Put down as little as 10% compared to 20-30% required by conventional lenders. Preserve your working capital while still accessing the funding you need.
Access up to $5 million in financing. The government guarantee allows lenders to approve larger amounts than they would for conventional loans.
Use SBA loans for real estate, equipment, working capital, debt refinancing, business acquisitions, expansions, and more. Few restrictions on how you deploy capital.
SBA loans report to business credit bureaus, helping you establish a strong credit profile for future financing needs and better terms over time.
The SBA 7(a) program is the most common and versatile SBA loan, accounting for the majority of all SBA lending. These loans can be used for almost any business purpose including working capital, equipment purchases, real estate, refinancing debt, business acquisitions, and expansion projects.
Best for: General business purposes, acquisitions, refinancing, working capital.
SBA 504 loans are specifically designed for purchasing fixed assets like commercial real estate, buildings, and major equipment. These loans use a unique structure involving two lenders: a bank finances 50% of the project, a Certified Development Company (CDC) finances 40%, and you provide 10% down payment.
Best for: Commercial real estate purchases, major equipment, new construction, substantial renovations.
Microloans are small SBA loans up to $50,000 provided through nonprofit intermediary lenders. These are ideal for startups, newer businesses, and those needing smaller amounts of capital. The application process is less rigorous than standard SBA loans.
Best for: Startups, working capital, inventory, equipment, furniture and fixtures.
A streamlined version of the 7(a) loan program offering faster approval (typically 36 hours) with slightly less favorable terms. The trade-off is speed for slightly higher rates and lower guarantee percentages.
Best for: Businesses needing faster funding.


⚫ Business Type – Must be a for-profit business operating in the United States
⚫ Size Standards – Must meet SBA's definition of a small business (varies by industry, generally under 500 employees or specific revenue thresholds)
⚫ Time in Business – Typically 2+ years in operation (though startups may qualify for certain programs with strong personal credit and experience)
⚫ Credit Score – Minimum 680 personal credit score (640 may be considered); higher scores get better rates
⚫ Revenue – Demonstrated ability to repay the loan through business cash flow; specific minimums vary by loan size
⚫ Equity Injection – 10-20% down payment depending on loan type and purpose
⚫ Collateral – Required for loans over $25,000; lenders take a lien on assets being financed and may require additional collateral
⚫ Personal Guarantee – All owners with 20%+ ownership must personally guarantee the loan
⚫ Use of Funds – Must be for a sound business purpose; cannot be used for speculation, refinancing delinquent debt, or lending to others
⚫ Demonstrated Need – Must show you've been unable to get financing on reasonable terms from other sources

10,000+

$2 billion+


