SBA Loans (7(a), 504, Express)
SBA-backed financing for owner-occupied commercial real estate, business acquisition, equipment, and working capital, packaged and placed through SBA-approved lending partners.
- Buy, renovate, or refinance owner-occupied commercial real estate
- Acquire a business, including goodwill
- Purchase equipment and make tenant or leasehold improvements
- Working capital, inventory, and refinancing certain business debt
- Lines of credit for operating needs (program dependent)
SBA loans are made by participating lenders. We help you structure and submit a complete package. We are not the SBA.
SBA Limit Strategy
With some structuring and creative strategies, we can exceed the normal $5M SBA limits.
Compare SBA Programs
Use case and structure should drive the program choice.
SBA 7(a)
Best for business acquisition, working capital, equipment, refinance, and owner-occupied real estate.
- Up to $5,000,000
- Terms can extend up to 25 years for real estate
- Typical timeline: about 45 to 90 days
- Rates and terms negotiated with the lender within SBA maximums
- Prepayment penalties can apply on longer-term loans
SBA 504
Best for purchasing, constructing, or renovating owner-occupied buildings and long-life equipment.
- Up to $5,500,000
- Fixed-rate structure for major fixed assets
- Typical timeline: about 60 to 120 days
- Not intended for working capital, inventory, or investment rental real estate
SBA Express
Best for speed and simpler requests where a smaller loan size is enough.
- Up to $500,000
- Typical timeline: about 15 to 45 days
- Streamlined lender process with a lower SBA guaranty
Microloans
Best for early-stage needs, smaller purchases, and short-term capital.
- Up to $50,000
- Typical timeline: about 30 to 90 days
- Offered through nonprofit intermediary lenders, not directly through SBA
SBA 504 Green Program
For eligible projects, the SBA 504 Green Program can unlock additional 504 capacity beyond standard limits when the project includes qualifying energy-efficiency or renewable energy improvements.
- Can support larger total project financing than standard 504 limits in eligible cases
- Common uses include efficient HVAC, insulation, lighting, building envelope upgrades, and solar-related improvements
- Project eligibility depends on lender and SBA program rules at the time of application
A Realistic Are We a Fit Checklist
SBA lenders typically want to see:
Qualification Basics
- Ability to repay, with cash flow as the top driver
- Reasonable credit and clean explanations for any past issues
- Relevant experience or a strong operator team
- A clear use of funds with documentation to support it
What You Usually Need
- 2 to 3 years business tax returns, or what you have, plus interim financials
- Business debt schedule
- Personal financial statements for owners and guarantors
- Purchase contract or LOI for business or property acquisition
- Entity documents and a short write-up of plan and background
If you are unsure, pre-qual first and we will map the fastest path.
How SBA Structure Actually Works
SBA deals are usually either a single-loan 7(a) structure or a layered 504 structure with two loans plus equity.
One Primary Loan
7(a) is typically structured as one lender-issued SBA-backed loan and can cover acquisition, working capital, equipment, refinance, and owner-occupied real estate.
- Single note with one lender relationship
- Flexible use of funds compared to 504
- Can include business purchase plus related operating needs
Two Loans + Equity
504 is commonly structured with a bank first lien, a CDC second lien backed by SBA, and a borrower equity contribution. This is why many fixed-asset SBA real estate deals feel like two loans in one execution.
- Bank loan in first position (senior lien)
- CDC/SBA loan in second position
- Borrower equity injection closes the stack
What This Means in Practice
Structure affects rate profile, timeline, and documentation. The cleanest files map use of funds clearly to the selected program before underwriting starts.
- 7(a): broader eligibility and simpler capital stack
- 504: fixed-asset focus with layered approvals
- Right structure early reduces rework and speeds closing
FAQs
What's the difference between 7(a) and 504?
Do SBA loans require a down payment?
How long does SBA take?
Can SBA be used for investment rental real estate?
Are rates fixed?
Are there prepayment penalties?
Ready to See What You Qualify For?
Start an SBA pre-qualification and we'll tell you best program fit, realistic proceeds, and what you need to close clean.
No obligation. No impact to credit unless you authorize a full application.