SBA 7(a) — The flagship SBA program
SBA 7(a) Loans — up to $5 million.
The most flexible SBA program — real estate, equipment, working capital, acquisitions, and debt refinance. Fully amortized, no balloon, up to 85% SBA guarantee.
Max loan amount
Max SBA guarantee
Max real estate term
Max working capital term
Source: SBA 7(a) program guidelines (sba.gov).
Why Choose SBA 7(a)?
The most versatile and widely-used SBA loan program, perfect for businesses at every stage
- Flexible use of funds
- Real estate, equipment, working capital, debt refinancing, or business acquisition — 7(a) covers the broadest set of uses among SBA programs.
- Up to $5 million
- The program cap. Smaller loan tiers (under $25K, under $50K) have different rate caps and faster processing options.
- Long repayment terms
- Up to 25 years on real estate, 10 years on equipment and working capital. Fully amortized — no balloon.
- SBA guarantee up to 85%
- The SBA backs a portion of the loan, which reduces lender risk and makes approval more accessible than conventional financing.
- Rate caps tied to Prime
- Maximum rates are set by the SBA as Prime + a fixed spread based on loan size and term. Our calculator shows current Prime live.
- No prepayment penalty on most terms
- Loans under 15 years carry no SBA prepayment penalty. Longer-term real estate loans have a declining penalty in the first three years.
Do You Qualify?
SBA 7(a) loans have straightforward eligibility requirements designed to help businesses succeed
Business Requirements
- For-profit business operating in the U.S.
- Meet SBA size standards for your industry
- Demonstrate a genuine need for the loan
- Have invested equity into the business
- Exhausted other financing options
Owner Requirements
- Good personal and business credit history
- Demonstrate good character and management ability
- No recent bankruptcies or defaults
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Personal guarantee from 20%+ owners
Endless Possibilities
SBA 7(a) loans offer unmatched flexibility for your business needs
Real Estate
- Purchase commercial property
- Refinance existing mortgages
- Construction and renovation
Working Capital
- Inventory purchases
- Payroll and expenses
- Marketing campaigns
Equipment
- Manufacturing equipment
- Technology upgrades
- Vehicle fleets
Business Growth
- Business acquisition
- Franchise purchase
- Debt consolidation
Simple Application Process
From application to funding in as little as 30-45 days
Initial Consultation
Discuss your needs and determine loan eligibility
Day 1
Application & Documents
Complete application and gather required documentation
Days 2-7
Underwriting & Approval
Lender review and SBA authorization
Days 8-30
Closing & Funding
Sign documents and receive your funds
Days 31-45
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about SBA 7(a) loans
What credit score do I need for an SBA 7(a) loan?
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 680, though some may consider scores as low as 650 with strong business financials and collateral.
How much down payment is required?
Typically 10-15% for most loans. For real estate purchases, you may need 10% down. For business acquisitions, expect 15% down payment.
Can I use SBA 7(a) for startup costs?
Yes, but it's more challenging. Startups typically need strong business plans, industry experience, and may require additional collateral or higher down payments.
What collateral is required?
Collateral requirements vary, but typically include business assets, real estate, and personal guarantees from owners with 20% or more ownership.
How long does the approval process take?
The SBA aims to process applications within 5-10 business days of receiving a complete package. Total time from application to funding is typically 30-45 days.
Ready to Fuel Your Growth?
Talk with our team about SBA 7(a) financing, or model real payments with our live-rate calculator.