SBA Loans

Why SBA Loans Matter

SBA loans are one of the most powerful funding products available for small businesses. They come with longer terms, lower interest rates, and higher approval amounts compared to most alternatives. Loan sizes range from $50K up to $5M+. Timelines vary from 2 weeks for Rapid SBA to 90+ days for larger loans.

Types of SBA Loans

SBA 7(a) Loan

Most popular option for working capital, acquisitions, and refinancing

Rapid SBA Loan

Fast funding under $150K in as little as 2 weeks

SBA Startup Loan

Designed for launching new businesses

SBA Microloan

Small amounts for equipment or inventory

Business Acquisition

Funding to buy an existing business

SBA 504 Loan

Commercial real estate and major fixed assets

SBA 7(a) Loan (Most Popular)

Use

Working capital, acquisitions, refinancing debt, equipment, or real estate.

Amounts

Up to $5M.

Timeline

30–90 days.

Requirements

  • 660+ credit (680 for acquisition).
  • 2+ years in business (unless start-up program).
  • Strong business & personal tax returns.
  • Bank statements, P&L, balance sheet.
  • Debt schedule if existing debt.
  • Real estate schedule if requesting $500K+.

Rapid SBA Loan (<$150K)

Use

Fast working capital.

Amounts

Up to $150K.

Timeline

Funding in as little as 2 weeks.

Requirements

  • 700+ credit score preferred.
  • Last 4 months of business bank statements.
  • Last 2 years personal & business tax returns.
  • Simple application + driver's license.

SBA Startup Loan

Use

Launching new businesses.

Amounts

Typically $50K–$150K.

Timeline

30–90 days.

Requirements

700+ credit score.

3 years of personal tax returns.

Personal financial statement.

Comprehensive business plan with projections.

Owner resume.

SBA Microloan

Use: Small expansions, equipment, or inventory.

$50K

Maximum Amount

Average loan is around $13K

30-60

Days Timeline

Faster than traditional SBA loans

640+

Credit Score

Preferred minimum score

Requirements

  • Credit doesn't have to be perfect (640+ preferred).
  • Collateral or personal guarantee.
  • Basic business plan.

SBA Business Acquisition Loan

Use

Buying an existing business.

Amounts

Up to $5M.

Timeline

60–120 days.

Requirements

  • 680+ credit score.
  • Letter of intent (LOI).
  • P&L and balance sheet for business being acquired.
  • 3 years of business tax returns (acquired business + buyer's personal).

SBA 504 Loan (Commercial Real Estate)

Use: Major fixed assets (real estate, construction, or large equipment).

Amounts

Up to $5.5M.

Timeline

90–120 days.

Requirements

  • 680+ credit score.
  • 2+ years of tax returns (personal & business).
  • P&L, balance sheet, and down payment (10–20%).
  • Business must occupy at least 51% of property.

General Eligibility

Credit

660+ (680 for acquisitions, 700 for startups/rapid). Can go as low as 620 if real estate is collateral.

Business

2+ years in operation (except startups).

Additional Requirements

Cash Flow

Must show ability to repay (DSCR test).

Clean Profile

No recent bankruptcies or tax liens.

Business Compliance

Must hold business licenses and insurance.

Positioning for Clients

SBA loans are slower and require more paperwork, but they're the best long-term funding product.

Great for:

Business acquisitions

Purchase existing businesses with favorable terms

Commercial real estate

Secure property for your business operations

Large expansions

Scale your business with significant capital

Action Step

👉 Post in the community: If you qualified for a $500K SBA loan, would you use it for acquisition, real estate, or expansion — and why?

Share your thoughts and learn from other business owners about how they would leverage SBA financing to grow their businesses.