SBA Business Loans — Financing to Help Your Business Grow

An SBA loan is a business loan made by a participating lender and partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The guarantee encourages lenders to finance eligible small businesses that might not qualify for conventional financing on the same terms.

SBA 7(a) is a flexible program covering a broad range of business purposes, including working capital, acquisitions, equipment, and real estate. SBA 504 is specifically designed for owner-occupied commercial real estate and major fixed assets, and typically combines a conventional lender, a Certified Development Company (CDC), and borrower equity.

SBA 7(a) financing is available up to $5,000,000. The SBA/CDC portion of a 504 project is generally up to $5,000,000, with up to $5,500,000 for certain eligible projects. SBA Express loans are available up to $500,000. The amount any borrower may qualify for depends on the lender, the program, and the transaction.

It depends on the program and the transaction. Some 7(a) transactions — particularly complete changes of ownership and certain startups — generally require a minimum 10% equity injection under applicable SBA rules. A typical 504 structure includes 10% borrower equity, which may increase for startups or special-purpose properties. Requirements vary by transaction and lender.

There is no single universal minimum FICO score that governs all SBA programs and lenders. Each participating lender applies its own credit standards within SBA program rules. Stronger credit generally improves the options available, but eligibility is evaluated across the full picture of the business and the transaction.

Yes. Business acquisition is one of the most common uses of SBA 7(a) financing, subject to SBA eligibility rules and lender underwriting. Complete changes of ownership generally require a minimum equity injection.

Yes. Both SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 can finance owner-occupied commercial real estate. SBA 504 is specifically structured for real estate and major fixed assets, while 7(a) can cover real estate along with other business purposes.

Startups can be eligible under certain SBA programs, though requirements are typically stricter. Startups generally face higher equity injection requirements and closer review of the business plan, projections, and owner experience.

It helps to separate SBA processing from lender underwriting and funding. SBA Express offers an SBA response generally within 36 hours, but that is not a guarantee of lender approval or funding within that window. Standard 7(a) and 504 transactions involve lender underwriting, SBA review, documentation, and closing, which together commonly take several weeks or longer depending on the transaction.

Both exist. Many 7(a) loans carry variable rates tied to a base rate, though fixed-rate options may be available depending on the lender and structure. The SBA/CDC portion of a 504 loan is typically fixed-rate, while the conventional lender portion may have different rate and repayment terms.

Yes, in eligible situations. SBA 7(a) can refinance certain existing business debt when the refinance meets SBA program requirements, and 504 refinancing may be available for eligible owner-occupied real estate debt. Eligibility depends on the existing debt, the benefit to the business, and lender underwriting.

Typical documentation includes business and personal tax returns, financial statements, a business plan or projections for newer businesses, ownership and legal documents, and details about the use of proceeds. The exact list depends on the program, the lender, and the transaction. None of this is required to submit a preliminary inquiry on this page.

No. This preliminary website questionnaire does not itself initiate a credit pull. A participating lender may request your authorization for a credit check later in the process.