SBA Loans
Government-guaranteed loans with the lowest rates and longest terms available to small businesses. Slow and paperwork-heavy, and worth it for strong profiles.
Updated September 2026. Details vary by lender and change often; confirm terms with the provider.
How it works
You apply through a participating lender. The SBA guarantees part of the loan (often 75–85%), which lets the lender offer terms no other product matches. In exchange you provide full financials, tax returns, a personal guarantee from every 20%+ owner and, frequently, collateral.
| Program | Amount | Typical use | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7(a) | up to $5M | working capital, expansion, acquisition, refinance | up to 10 yrs (25 for real estate) |
| 504 | up to $5.5M (SBA share) | owner-occupied real estate, heavy equipment | 10, 20 or 25 yrs |
| Microloan | up to $50k | startups, very small businesses | up to 7 yrs |
| Express | up to $500k | faster 7(a) variant, lines of credit | up to 10 yrs |
Rates are capped relative to prime and are typically the lowest a small business can get. Confirm current caps at sba.gov.
Who gets approved
- 2+ years in business, profitable or close to it, with tax returns to prove it.
- Owner credit generally 680+ (some lenders accept lower with strong cash flow).
- Reasonable existing debt; stacked advances are usually a deal-breaker until cleared.
- U.S.-based, for-profit, meets SBA size standards.
Timeline
Expect 30–90 days from application to funding. SBA Preferred Lenders move fastest because they approve in-house. If you need money this month, pair a faster product now with an SBA refinance later.
Free help
SBA-funded Small Business Development Centers and SCORE mentors will review your package at no charge. Use them; a clean package is the difference between 45 and 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Does the SBA lend the money?
No. Banks and approved lenders make the loan; the U.S. Small Business Administration guarantees a large share of it, which is why lenders accept lower rates and longer terms.
What are the main programs?
7(a) is the general-purpose workhorse (up to $5M). 504 finances real estate and heavy equipment through a certified development company. Microloans go up to $50k via nonprofit intermediaries and are the realistic SBA route for newer businesses.
Can I get an SBA loan with under two years in business?
Rarely for 7(a), unless you bring strong collateral and industry experience. Microloans and some SBA Express lenders are more flexible. Check the current program terms on sba.gov.