SBA Loans
The lowest long-term cost of capital, unlocked.
SBA 7(a), 504, and microloan programs put a federal guarantee behind your loan — so partner lenders can offer rates and terms no conventional product matches. We package the file, pick the right lender, and carry it through agency review.
- Amounts
- $50K – $5M
- Typical rates
- Prime + 2–3%
- Terms
- 10 – 25 years
- Time to fund
- 3 – 6 weeks
- Cost to apply
- $0
Which SBA program fits?
"SBA loan" is really three distinct programs, and choosing the wrong one wastes weeks. Here's how we route files:
| Program | Best for | Range |
|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Working capital, expansion, acquisitions, partner buy-outs, refinancing expensive debt | $50K – $5M |
| SBA 504 | Owner-occupied real estate and heavy fixed assets — fixed rates up to 25 years | $125K – $5.5M |
| SBA Microloan | Younger businesses needing a smaller first facility | $5K – $50K |
Most of our SBA volume is 7(a): it's the most flexible program, and the federal guarantee (up to 85%) is exactly why lenders can stretch to 10-year terms on working capital — something no conventional lender will do.
Who qualifies
- U.S.-based, for-profit business operating for two or more years (exceptions exist for strong acquisitions and franchises).
- Owner credit typically 650+ — though the file is underwritten as a whole, and we've closed below that with strong cash flow.
- Debt service coverage around 1.15× or better on trailing cash flow.
- No recent federal defaults (prior SBA or federal student loan defaults complicate, but don't always end, an application).
Not sure you clear these bars? Apply anyway — eligibility screening is part of intake, costs nothing, and doesn't touch your credit. If 7(a) isn't realistic today, we'll tell you what is, and what would change the answer in six months.
Why SBA files die at banks — and don't with us
The SBA process has a reputation for being slow. Mostly that's not the agency — it's files sitting in a branch queue behind whatever the bank's balance sheet prefers that quarter. We work exclusively with SBA Preferred Lenders (PLP), who hold delegated approval authority and don't wait on the agency for a decision. Combined with a complete, pre-packaged file on day one, our median SBA close runs about half the time owners report from walk-in bank applications.
What it costs
SBA guaranty fees are set by statute (waived entirely on many loans under $1M, roughly 2–3.5% above that, typically financed into the loan). Our advisory work costs the borrower nothing — we're paid by the lender at closing. You'll see every fee itemized on the term sheet before you commit to anything.
SBA loan FAQ
How long does an SBA loan really take?
With a Preferred Lender and a complete package: three to six weeks from application to wire. Real estate (504) adds appraisal time. The biggest variable is how quickly you can return document requests — your advisor will give you the full checklist up front so nothing surprises you mid-process.
What can I use a 7(a) loan for?
Working capital, equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, business acquisition, partner buy-outs, owner-occupied real estate, and refinancing existing business debt at better terms. Restricted: passive real estate investment, lending, and a short list of ineligible industries.
Do I have to personally guarantee it?
Yes — anyone owning 20% or more personally guarantees an SBA loan. That's an agency requirement, not a lender choice. Collateral is taken "to the extent available," but a shortfall in collateral alone does not disqualify a 7(a) file.
Can I pay it off early?
7(a) loans under 15 years have no prepayment penalty. Fifteen-year-plus terms carry a declining penalty (5%/3%/1%) for the first three years only. 504 loans have a declining penalty through roughly the first half of the term.
I was declined for an SBA loan before. Is it worth reapplying?
Often, yes. A declination at one lender is not an SBA blacklist — credit boxes differ meaningfully between lenders. We see why files died (thin packaging, wrong lender for the industry, fixable credit items) and either re-route or tell you honestly what needs six months of work first.