SBA Loans for Small Business Owners
Government-backed financing with competitive rates and longer terms — designed to help eligible small businesses access capital that might otherwise be out of reach.
What Is an SBA Loan?
SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, reducing risk for lenders and enabling them to offer more favorable terms to qualifying small businesses. SBA programs include working capital lines, real estate acquisition, equipment purchases, business acquisition, and expansion financing. Lower down payments and longer repayment terms make SBA loans among the most affordable business financing options available.
SBA Loan Programs
SBA 7(a) Loan
The most flexible SBA program — for working capital, equipment, real estate, acquisitions, and debt refinancing.
- Up to $5 million
- Terms up to 25 years (real estate)
- Down payment as low as 10%
SBA 504 Loan
For fixed asset purchases — commercial real estate, large equipment, and long-term business growth investments.
- Up to $5.5 million (CDC portion)
- 10% down payment typical
- 20–25 year fixed-rate structure available
SBA Express Loan
Faster approvals for smaller loan needs — working capital, lines of credit, and revolving financing.
- Up to $500,000
- Faster 36-hour SBA response
- Revolving lines of credit available
SBA Loan General Requirements
Business Size
Must meet SBA “small business” size standards for your industry
Time in Business
Typically 2+ years for most SBA programs
Credit Score
Typically 650+ personal and business credit
Business Location
Must operate in the United States
Collateral
Required when available; personal guarantee typically required
Use of Funds
Working capital, equipment, real estate, acquisition, refinancing
SBA vs. Conventional Business Financing
Understanding when SBA makes sense vs. faster conventional options.
SBA Loan
- Lower down payment (10%)
- Longer repayment terms (up to 25 years)
- More favorable rates for qualified borrowers
- More documentation and longer approval process
Conventional Financing
- Faster approval and funding
- Less documentation for simpler structures
- Flexible for non-standard scenarios
- May require larger down payment or equity
Ready to Explore SBA Financing?
Submit your business scenario and we’ll help you identify the right SBA program or alternative structure.
Business-purpose lending only. Not a bank. Not a direct lender. NMLS #2484887.