Guides
SBA loan guides
Short answer
Plain-English guides to SBA loans: who qualifies, what they cost, how much you need to put down and how long the process takes. Each guide is written for business owners, reviewed for accuracy, updated when SBA rules change and linked to the SBA's own rules and data.
SBA Loan Programs
How the SBA's loan programs work and how to choose between them.
-
SBA 7(a) vs 504 loans: how to choose
SBA 7(a) vs 504 compared: loan limits, uses, terms, down payment, rates, fees and how to combine both for up to $10 million under the 2026 rules.
Updated
Eligibility & Requirements
Who qualifies for an SBA loan, what lenders look for and what documents you need.
-
What credit score do you need for an SBA loan?
There's no SBA minimum credit score. How lenders review credit for 7(a), Small and Express loans in 2026, what hurts an application and how to prepare.
Updated
-
SBA loan documents checklist
The documents SBA lenders ask for: tax returns, financials, SBA Forms 1919 and 413, plus extras for business purchases, real estate, start-ups and franchises.
Updated
-
SBA loan requirements: the 2026 eligibility checklist
The 2026 SBA loan requirements: a for-profit U.S. business, size standards, owners who are U.S. citizens or nationals, cash flow, guarantees, equity and collateral.
Updated
Buying a Business
Using SBA loans to buy a business, a professional practice or a partner's share.
-
Buying a dental practice with an SBA loan
How to buy a dental practice with an SBA 7(a) loan: evaluating the practice, valuation, seller notes, associate and partner buy-ins, and keeping patients.
Updated
-
How to buy a business with an SBA loan
A step-by-step guide to buying a business with an SBA 7(a) loan: setting a budget, the letter of intent, due diligence, valuation, equity and closing.
Updated
Rates, Fees & Down Payments
What an SBA loan costs: interest rates, SBA fees, closing costs and down payments.
-
SBA loan down payments: how much you need
SBA loan down payment rules: 10% for 7(a) start-ups and acquisitions, 10% to 20% for 504 projects, and where the cash can come from.
Updated
-
SBA loan fees: what an SBA loan costs beyond interest
What SBA loans cost beyond interest: FY2027 7(a) guaranty fees and waivers, 504 fees, closing costs, prepayment fees and what you can finance.
Updated
-
SBA loan rates: current maximums and how they work
Current SBA loan rates: maximum 7(a) and Express rates with prime at 7.00%, how 504 fixed rates are set, and what drives the rate a lender offers you.
Updated
Applying for an SBA Loan
The SBA loan process from first conversation to funding, and how long each step takes.
-
How long does an SBA loan take?
How long SBA 7(a), Express and 504 loans take, what the SBA's own processing time covers, what slows loans down and how to speed up yours.
Updated
See which SBA lenders actually fund businesses like yours
Answer a few questions in about 3 minutes. It's free and won't affect your credit.