SBA loan programs
| Program | Amount | SBA guarantee | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 7(a) | $350,001 – $5 million | 75% | Real estate, working capital, equipment, refinancing, buying a business |
| 7(a) Small | Up to $350,000 | 85% up to $150K; 75% above | Same uses; no collateral required for loans of $50,000 or less |
| SBA Express | Up to $500,000 | 50% | Faster lender decisions |
| Microloan | Up to $50,000 (average about $13,000) | Via nonprofit intermediaries | Working capital, inventory, supplies, equipment — not real estate or refinancing |
Source: SBA.gov. 7(a) maturities are 10 years or less (25 for real estate). Rates are negotiated with lenders subject to SBA maximums.
Who is eligible
- An operating, for-profit business located in the US
- Small under SBA size standards
- Not an ineligible business type
- Creditworthy, with a reasonable ability to repay
- Unable to get the desired credit on reasonable terms from non-government sources
How to apply
- Check basic eligibility. Operating, for-profit business located in the US, small under SBA size standards, not an ineligible business type, creditworthy, and unable to get the credit on reasonable terms elsewhere.
- Get your documents in order. EIN, formation documents and operating agreement, business and personal tax returns, financial statements, a debt schedule and a business plan with how you’ll use the money.
- Find a lender. Use SBA’s Lender Match tool to connect with SBA-approved lenders, or ask your bank. For microloans, contact a local nonprofit intermediary.
- Apply and negotiate. Rates are negotiated between you and the lender, subject to SBA maximums. Compare offers on rate, fees, term and collateral.
Faster alternatives
SBA loans take weeks. If you need money sooner — and can afford a higher cost — online lenders decide in minutes:
Bluevine Line of Credit
Rates from 7.8%
- Credit lines up to $250,000
- Rates as low as 7.8% for top-qualifying customers
- Checking eligibility doesn’t affect your credit score
Watch out: Needs 12+ months in business and $10K monthly revenue
National Funding
Factor-rate pricing
- Working capital from $6,000 to $500,000
- Equipment financing up to $150,000
- Funding as fast as the next business day
Watch out: Factor-rate pricing can be expensive — compare the total payback
Fundbox
No origination fee
- Credit decision in as little as 3 minutes
- No origination fees
- Remaining fees waived if you repay early
Watch out: Requirements and rates not published up front
Loan amounts, rates and requirements come from each lender’s site and change often. Approval isn’t guaranteed. Compare the total cost (APR or total payback), not just the payment. Verified October 18, 2026. We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no cost to you. How we’re funded.
Frequently asked questions
Can an LLC get an SBA loan?
Yes. LLCs are eligible if they meet SBA’s rules: operating for-profit in the US, small under size standards, not an ineligible type, creditworthy, and unable to get credit on reasonable terms elsewhere.
What is the maximum SBA loan?
The maximum 7(a) loan is $5 million. Microloans go up to $50,000; the average is about $13,000.
What are SBA loan interest rates?
For 7(a) loans, rates are negotiated with the lender subject to SBA maximums (a base rate plus a capped spread that depends on loan size). Microloan rates vary by intermediary, generally 8%–13%.
Can a new LLC get an SBA loan?
Possibly. Microloans are designed for small and newer businesses. 7(a) lenders focus on creditworthiness and ability to repay; some programs, such as the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot, require at least one year of operating history.
How long are SBA loan terms?
7(a) loans generally have maturities of 10 years or less, or up to 25 years for real estate. SBA lists microloan maximum terms of up to 7 years on its microloan page.
Your LLC setup checklist
- Get a free EINFrom the IRS, in minutes online.
- Open a business bank accountKeep LLC money apart from yours to protect the liability shield.
- Sign an operating agreementSettle who owns and decides what before it matters.
- Get business insuranceCover what the LLC itself doesn’t protect.
- Plan your taxesKnow your tax status and federal due dates.
- Track state deadlinesFree reminders before each filing.
Everything in one list: printable LLC compliance checklist · live deadline calendar.