SBA Loans
Access the lowest rates and longest terms available through SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs. Our bank relationships help you navigate the SBA process efficiently, getting your business the government-backed financing it deserves.
SBA loans are government-backed business loans offering low down payments and long terms. Growth Fund Partners arranges SBA 7(a) and 504 financing from $25K to $5M with terms up to 25 years, rates near Prime + 2.75%, and down payments as low as 10% — ideal for real estate, equipment, acquisitions, and working capital.
How SBA lending works
The Small Business Administration does not lend money directly. Instead, it guarantees a portion of the loan\u2014typically 75 to 85 percent\u2014reducing the risk for the bank that funds it. That guarantee lets lenders offer lower rates, longer terms, and smaller down payments than they could on their own.
Two programs cover most needs. The SBA 7(a) is the most flexible: up to $5 million for working capital, equipment, business acquisitions, and real estate, with variable or fixed rates. The SBA 504 is designed specifically for major fixed assets\u2014owner-occupied commercial real estate and heavy equipment\u2014with below-market fixed rates and terms up to 25 years.
Growth Fund Partners matches your deal to an SBA Preferred Lender in our bank network. Preferred Lenders can authorize the SBA guarantee in-house, bypassing the standard SBA review queue and saving weeks on the timeline.
When SBA financing is the right fit
SBA loans deliver the best combination of rate, term, and down payment in small business lending\u2014but they require more documentation and take longer to close than asset-based alternatives. They are best suited for borrowers who can plan ahead:
- Purchasing commercial property. SBA 504 offers down payments as low as 10 percent and 25-year fixed terms for owner-occupied real estate.
- Buying an existing business. SBA 7(a) finances the full acquisition\u2014assets, goodwill, inventory, and working capital\u2014with terms up to 10 years.
- Major equipment purchases. Finance heavy machinery, vehicles, or technology with terms matched to the equipment\u2019s useful life via equipment financing or SBA programs.
- Expansion and working capital. Fund new hires, inventory, marketing, or a second location without the high cost of short-term alternatives.
- Debt refinancing. Consolidate multiple high-rate obligations into one lower-rate, fully amortizing SBA loan.
A quick example
A manufacturer needs $2.5 million to buy the warehouse it has leased for 10 years. An SBA 504 loan requires only $250,000 down (10 percent), a bank lends 50 percent at a market rate, and the CDC provides the remaining 40 percent at a below-market fixed rate. Monthly payments are comparable to the current lease\u2014but the company now owns the asset.
SBA Loan Programs
Choose the SBA program that fits your business goals \u2014 from flexible 7(a) to real estate-focused 504 and fast Express lines.
SBA 7(a) Loans
The SBA's Flagship Small Business Loan Program
SBA 504 Loans
Long-Term, Fixed-Rate Financing for Real Estate & Equipment
SBA Express Loans
Accelerated SBA Financing in as Little as 30 Days
Rates & Terms
Transparent, current terms for this program. Final pricing depends on the deal, collateral, and borrower profile.
| Loan amount | $25,000 – $5,000,000 |
|---|---|
| Interest rate | 7(a) from Prime + 2.75%; 504 below-market fixed (Prime is 6.75%, July 2026) |
| Loan term | Up to 25 years (real estate) |
| Down payment | As low as 10% |
| Programs | 7(a), 504, Express |
| Time to close | 30 – 90 days |
SBA 7(a) vs. SBA 504
| Feature | SBA 7(a) | SBA 504 |
|---|---|---|
| Best use | Working capital, acquisitions, equipment, real estate | Owner-occupied real estate & heavy equipment |
| Max loan | $5 million | $5.5 million (SBA portion) |
| Rate type | Variable or fixed | Below-market fixed |
| Down payment | As low as 10% | As low as 10% |
| Term | Up to 25 years | Up to 25 years |
| Flexibility | Most flexible | Fixed-asset focused |
Process & Timeline
A straightforward path from first conversation to funded — with no surprises along the way.
Eligibility & program match (Day 1–3)
We confirm your business qualifies, assess 7(a) vs. 504 vs. Express, and outline documentation requirements.
Application packaging (Day 3–14)
We help assemble your tax returns, personal financial statement, business plan (if required), and use-of-funds narrative.
Lender underwriting (Day 14–35)
Our SBA Preferred Lender partner underwrites the deal, reviews cash flow, and clears conditions.
SBA authorization (Day 30–50)
The lender secures the SBA guarantee. Preferred Lenders can authorize without sending to the SBA office, saving time.
Closing & funding (Day 30–90)
Final docs, title, and funding. 7(a) loans close fastest; 504 closings run longer because a CDC is involved.
Sources & Market Data
- The SBA approved a record $45.1 billion in FY2025 — $37.3 billion across 78,078 7(a) loans and $7.8 billion in 504 loans. U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA Delivers Record Capital to Small Businesses in FY25 (September 2025).
- SBA rates are priced over the U.S. prime rate of 6.75%. Federal Reserve, Selected Interest Rates (H.15) (July 2026).
What to watch out for
SBA loans are among the most documentation-intensive products in business lending. Expect to provide two to three years of tax returns, a personal financial statement, a business plan (for acquisitions and startups), and detailed financial projections. Having these ready before you apply is the single best way to speed up the process.
SBA guarantee fees add to the upfront cost. On a 7(a) loan, the guarantee fee ranges from about 2 to 3.75 percent of the guaranteed portion, depending on loan size. The fee is typically rolled into the loan so you do not pay it out of pocket, but it does increase your total amount financed.
Finally, personal guarantees are standard on SBA loans\u2014every owner with 20 percent or more must guarantee the full loan amount. Understand that liability before you sign. For more on qualification and how to prepare, see our getting funding ready guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions borrowers ask us most.
Most SBA loans require a personal credit score of at least 640 to 680, though higher scores improve your terms. The SBA and lenders also review your business cash flow, time in business, and industry, so strong financials can offset a borderline score.
SBA loans typically require a 10% down payment, one of the lowest in commercial lending. For some transactions, such as business acquisitions or special-use real estate, lenders may ask for slightly more. The low down payment helps you preserve valuable working capital.
SBA loans generally take 30 to 90 days to fund, depending on the program and how quickly you provide documentation. Preparing your business financials, tax returns, and a clear use-of-funds statement up front is the best way to speed up approval.
SBA loans can fund working capital, equipment, inventory, real estate, business acquisitions, refinancing, and expansion. With amounts from $25,000 to $5 million and terms up to 25 years, they are one of the most flexible financing tools available to small businesses.
The SBA 7(a) loan is flexible, covering working capital, acquisitions, and equipment up to $5 million. The SBA 504 loan is designed for real estate and major fixed assets, offering long terms and fixed rates. We help you choose the right fit.
SBA loan terms reach up to 25 years for real estate, 10 years for equipment and acquisitions, and up to 7 years for working capital. Longer terms lower your monthly payment, improving cash flow so you can reinvest in growing your business.
Ready to Apply for an SBA Loan?
Let us help you secure government-backed financing with the best rates and terms available.