The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of lending programs. Its most popular program, the SBA 7(a) loan, includes financial assistance for small businesses that meet certain requirements.
The SBA 7(a) loan is partially government-backed. This means the government agrees to cover a portion of the loan amount in case borrowers default. This guarantee provides lenders with additional security, which in turn, translates to lower interest rates for you.
The maximum funding amount for SBA 7(a) loans is $5 million, and funds may be used for operational expenses, real estate purchases, equipment purchases, or even debt refinancing. The SBA 7(a) loan features some of the lowest interest rates on the market, with repayment periods ranging between 10 to 25 years.
The SBA 7(a) loan can be a great financing solution for small businesses, however, not every business will qualify. The SBA maintains very strict eligibility requirements.
What Is an SBA 7(a) Loan?
The SBA’s 7(a) loan program provides small businesses with funding for almost any business purpose, with some specialized restrictions. Funding amounts are capped at $5 million, and repayment can extend up to 25 years.
SBA loans carry some of the lowest interest rates available, making them one of the most popular financing solutions on the market. Entrepreneurs commonly use them for working capital, equipment purchases, construction/renovation, purchasing new businesses entirely, and refinancing existing debt.
Most 7(a) loans come with fixed interest rates and monthly payments. Although eligibility requirements are tight, this type of financing is something that any entrepreneur should consider as they plan to grow their business.
How Does a SBA 7(a) Loan Work?
SBA loans are offered by SBA-sponsored lenders, which vary from location to location. Once you’ve found one in your area, you’ll review the eligibility requirements, fill out an application, and submit it for processing.
If you qualify, you’ll receive an approval letter outlining the terms you qualify for. Review all of the language and make sure that the offered terms align with your goals, then make a decision on whether or not you’ll accept the offer.
Like other forms of financing, there’s room for negotiation. You can potentially make minor changes to your terms that fit better with your business plan, but remember you’ll need evidence to back up your claims. For example, if you’re offered repayment terms that don’t fit your opportunity, there’s a chance that speaking with your lender about the discrepancy will improve your terms to best suit your business plan.
Keep in mind: The SBA underwriting process is notoriously lengthy, and some applicants who don’t proactively check the eligibility requirements can spend 6+ weeks waiting only to receive a denial. It’s important to make sure you check all the boxes, including the specialized requirements, to move through the process as fast as possible.
What Are the Benefits of a SBA 7(a) Loan?
SBA 7(a) loans are some of the most coveted financing options available because of the many benefits they offer to growing businesses. Here are a few of the most notable benefits.
- Low interest rates
- High funding amounts
- Flexible repayment options
- Fixed (or variable) interest rates
- Ability to use the funds for almost any business purpose
- Minimal down payments
Unlike the SBA’s other loan programs, 7(a) loans can be used for various business purposes, allowing entrepreneurs immense flexibility in implementing their growth plans.
What Credit Score Is Required for an SBA 7(a) Loan?
For the best approval odds, you’ll need to have solid personal and business credit scores. The SBA emphasizes strong credit and may analyze personal credit score data for multiple owners (with 20% shares or more).
The SBA uses the FICO® Small Business Scoring ServiceSM Score (SBSS Score) for SBA 7(a) loan applications. The FICO SBSS is a business credit score that can analyze personal credit data, business credit, as well as other financial information. The FICO SBSS maintains a score range of 0 to 300, and anything below 155 may hinder approval.
Additionally, SBA lenders may have their own personal credit score requirements. If you’re considering working with a bank or a credit union, personal and business credit scores should be at least 700. However, fintech lenders and online lenders offer more flexibility.
What Can an SBA 7(a) Loan be Used for?
SBA 7(a) loans are working capital loans that can be put towards a variety of business functions.
You can use the funds for:
- Inventory, supplies, and raw material purchases
- Operational expenses
- Expansion projects, entailing hiring new staff, advertising, start-up costs, etc.
- Debt refinancing
- Real estate or vacant land purchases
- Real estate renovations
- Certain business acquisitions
An SBA 7(a) loan cannot be used to finance:
- Business expenses in the following industries: speculation, lending, investment, rental real estate, gambling, and nonprofit
- Delinquent tax payments
- Relocations that will result in net job losses
- Rental property purchases where your business doesn’t occupy at least 51% of the space in an existing property or 60% of the space in a new construction.
Explore SBA 7(a) Loan Costs: Fees & Interest Rates:
SBA loans come with some of the most attractive interest and repayment terms, which is why so many entrepreneurs consider them as their first choice when seeking to access capital.
What Are the SBA 7(a) Interest Rates?
SBA 7(a) loans feature some of the most competitive interest rates on the market – if you can qualify for funding. Interest rates for SBA 7(a) loans typically start at 6% and range to 8%. While participating lenders have some room to negotiate, they can’t exceed the SBA’s maximum limit. Plus, default rates aren’t allowed, so borrowers won’t have to worry about rate hikes if they miss a payment.
SBA 7(a) interest rates depend on the Federal Reserve’s prime rate. This number changes based on the economy, which fluctuates SBA interest rates. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date information on SBA interest rates, check out National’s resource.
| Dollar Amount | Loans Less Than 7 Years | Loans Longer Than 7 Years |
| $0 – $25,000 | Prime + 4.25% | Prime + 4.75% |
| $25,001 – $50,000 | Prime + 3.25% | Prime + 3.75% |
| Over $50,000 | Prime + 2.25% | Prime + 2.75% |
What Are the SBA 7(a) Loan Fees?
SBA loan fees vary depending on the funding amount. However, borrowers are also subject to an annual service fee of 0.52% of the total loan amount.
| Funding Amount | Fee |
| $150,000 to $700,000 | 3% |
| $700,000 to $1 Million | 3.5% |
| $1 Million to $5 Million | 3.5% + .25% for the amount over $1 million |
SBA 7(a) loans also come with prepayment penalties. If you make an early payment in the first three years of your financing, you’re subject to a 5% penalty in the first year, a 3% penalty in the second year, and a 1% penalty in the third year.
Late fees have a limit of 5% and only apply if a borrower is more than 10 days late on a payment. The SBA also has to approve all servicing fees in advance, and borrower legal fees are also limited. The SBA forbids origination fees, broker fees, and renewal fees.
How Do I Qualify for an SBA 7(a) Loan?
When assessing your application, the SBA will look into what your business does to receive income, your operating location, and the character of ownership. At the very minimum, to qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan, your business must:
- Operate for profit
- Be owned (51% or more) by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Meet the SBA’s size standards
- Must be located and operate within the United States
- Have reasonable invested equity
- Not operate in an ineligible industry
- Not be delinquent on any debt obligations to the U.S. government, such as student loans
- Meet character requirements for all owners with 20% or greater ownership – individuals with certain types of criminal histories are prohibited
- Be able to demonstrate a need for the loan
There are some rare exceptions to these requirements. In some cases, a for-profit subsidiary of a non-profit organization may be eligible for an SBA 7(a) loan. Other times, borrowers enrolled in a repayment plan for federal tax debt or federal student loans may qualify.
The SBA will also want to make sure your cash flow is strong enough to repay the loan. The SBA doesn’t rely on collateral as much as other lenders, instead, they expect cash flow to be the primary source of repayment. Businesses should be able to demonstrate projected positive cash flow within a minimum of two years.
You can review the types of documents and financial statements you’ll need to include in your SBA 7(a) loan application by visiting our SBA loans for small businesses page.
What Is the Repayment Term for an SBA 7(a) Loan?
SBA 7(a) loan repayment periods range between 10 to 25 years. The SBA will need to know how you plan to use the funds and impose repayment periods accordingly. Generally, the SBA insists on the shortest repayment period possible, depending on your project and finances.
The SBA typically insists on the following loan repayment terms:
- Working capital: up to 10 years
- Equipment purchases or fixtured: between 10 to 15 years
- Leasehold improvements: up to 10 years with a possible extension of another 12 months
- Real estate purchases or renovations: up to 25 years
- Mixed purpose loans: case-by-case basis
What Are SBA 7(a) Loan Collateral Requirements?
SBA 7(a) small loans up to $25,000 or less do not require collateral. However, for loans greater than this amount, the SBA will insist you pledge collateral if you own assets of value. This includes business assets as well as personal assets.
In some cases, any business owner with 20% or more shares may be required to put up their personal real estate (unless they own less than 25% of equity in the real estate property). Other times, personal guarantees may be required. Spouses may also have to sign a personal guarantee when the combined interest of the couple and children equates to 20% or more.
Owners of businesses with one year or less of history, such as startups, will have to contribute at least 10% of their own funds as an “equity injection”.
How to Apply for an SBA 7(a) Loan?
Applying for an SBA loan is as simple as finding an SBA-sponsored lender, filling out an application, and waiting for their decision. Reaching an approval that aligns with your goals, however, can be a bit more difficult, depending on the financial background of your business when applying.
Wondering how to apply for an SBA 7(a) loan as fast as possible? At National, we streamlined the process to best suit the always-on-the-move entrepreneur.
- Apply Securely Within Minutes – Move through our streamlined application within minutes and upload your business documents with zero risk.
- Review Your Offers – Compare your offers with expert advice from our team and select the best one for your specific circumstances.
- Get Funded – With your money in hand, you can take advantage of opportunities and tackle challenges with confidence.
SBA 7(a) Loans: Compare National with Other Lenders
You can apply for an SBA 7(a) loan through participating lenders. These include banks, some credit unions, online lenders, fintech lenders, and other financial institutions. Participating lenders must be vetted by the SBA beforehand to ensure they’re following the designated guidelines.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to approve your SBA 7(a) loan application or not depends on the lender. Lenders are free to impose their own requirements so long as they don’t conflict with SBA guidelines. Some lenders, such as Preferred Lending Partners (PLPs), even have the authority to underwrite SBA loans and make credit decisions without the SBA’s approval.
Banks are known to have more rigid requirements, and many businesses find it difficult to secure funding from them. Other lenders, such as online lenders or fintech companies, can be more flexible.
If you’re considering taking out an SBA 7(a) loan for your small business, you may benefit from reviewing multiple offers from different lenders. In that case, make sure to use National – a FinTech marketplace that connects businesses with financing opportunities.
National works with different SBA lenders to help small businesses secure the funds they need at the lowest rates and ideal repayment terms. And while most SBA 7(a) loan applications require boatloads of paperwork and can be time-consuming – National works to expedite and simplify the process.
Other lenders can take up to 8 months to approve your application and release funds – National can get it done in as little as 45 days. Plus, our team of expert Business Financing Advisors works with you every step of the way. In some cases, they even be able to help you get a SBA 7(a) loan with a tax lien.
Ready to get started? Apply now, and learn more about how your business could qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan and other financing solutions.