SBA loan programs
SBA loan programs compared
Short answer
The SBA backs several loan programs, all made by private lenders. SBA 7(a) loans, up to $5 million, cover most business needs. SBA 504 loans finance owner-occupied real estate and major equipment at fixed rates. SBA Express trades a smaller guarantee for faster decisions, and Microloans serve the smallest requests.
How do SBA loan programs compare?
Maximums, terms and rate caps are set by the SBA. Your actual rate, term and down payment are set by the lender within those limits.
| Program | Max loan | Max term | Down payment | Interest rate | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) Loans | $5 million | 25 years | 10% | Prime + 3% to 6.5% | Almost any business purpose |
| SBA 7(a) Small Loans | $350,000 | 25 years | 10% | Prime + 4.5% to 6.5% | Loans up to $350,000 with simpler underwriting |
| SBA Express Loans | $500,000 | 25 years | 10% | Prime + 3% to 6.5% | Fast decisions on smaller loans and credit lines |
| SBA 504 Loans | $5 million | 25 years | 10% | Fixed | Owner-occupied real estate and major equipment |
| SBA Microloans | $50,000 | 7 years | Set by the lender | 8%–13% | Startups and very small businesses |
| Business Acquisition Loans | $5 million | 10 years | 10% | Prime + 3% to 6.5% | Buying a business, practice or partner's share |
| SBA Startup Loans | $5 million | 25 years | 10% | Prime + 3% to 6.5% | New businesses and first-time owners |
| Working Capital & CAPLines | $5 million | 10 years | Set by the lender | Prime + 3% to 6.5% | Payroll, inventory and seasonal cash flow |
| SBA Equipment Loans | $5 million | 15 years | Varies | Prime + 3% to 6.5% | Machinery, vehicles and technology |
| Commercial Real Estate Loans | $5 million | 25 years | 10% | Fixed or variable | Buying or building the property you operate from |
| SBA Debt Refinancing | $5 million | 25 years | Usually none | Prime + 3% to 6.5% | Replacing high-cost business debt |
| SBA Franchise Loans | $5 million | 25 years | 10% | Prime + 3% to 6.5% | New franchise units and resales |
Figures summarize SBA program rules; each program page lists its primary sources. Lenders may set stricter terms.
How do I choose the right SBA loan?
Start with what you're paying for. Here's the program most borrowers start with for each goal.
- Buy a business Business Acquisition Loans
- Start a business SBA Startup Loans
- Working capital Working Capital & CAPLines
- Buy equipment SBA Equipment Loans
- Buy or build commercial real estate Commercial Real Estate Loans
- Refinance business debt SBA Debt Refinancing
- Open or buy a franchise SBA Franchise Loans
- Expand my business SBA 7(a) Loans
Every SBA loan program we cover
-
SBA 7(a) Loans
The SBA's most flexible program, used for working capital, equipment, real estate, business purchases and refinancing.
Learn about SBA 7(a) Loans -
SBA 7(a) Small Loans
A streamlined version of the 7(a) for smaller requests, with simpler underwriting and faster decisions.
Learn about SBA 7(a) Small Loans -
SBA Express Loans
Faster SBA decisions on smaller term loans and lines of credit, made directly by approved lenders.
Learn about SBA Express Loans -
SBA 504 Loans
Long-term, fixed-rate financing for owner-occupied commercial real estate and major equipment.
Learn about SBA 504 Loans -
SBA Microloans
Small loans made through nonprofit lenders for startups and very small businesses.
Learn about SBA Microloans -
Business Acquisition Loans
Use an SBA loan to buy an existing business, buy out a partner, or purchase a professional practice.
Learn about Business Acquisition Loans -
SBA Startup Loans
How new businesses qualify for SBA financing, and what lenders expect from first-time owners.
Learn about SBA Startup Loans -
Working Capital & CAPLines
Cover payroll, inventory and seasonal swings with an SBA term loan or a revolving CAPLines credit line.
Learn about Working Capital & CAPLines -
SBA Equipment Loans
Finance machinery, vehicles and technology over long SBA terms that keep monthly payments manageable.
Learn about SBA Equipment Loans -
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Buy, build or renovate the building your business operates from with an SBA 7(a) or 504 loan.
Learn about Commercial Real Estate Loans -
SBA Debt Refinancing
Replace expensive business debt with longer-term SBA financing to lower payments and free up cash flow.
Learn about SBA Debt Refinancing -
SBA Franchise Loans
Finance a new or existing franchise location with an SBA loan, including what lenders look for in the brand.
Learn about SBA Franchise Loans
Not sure which program fits? Start with what you need.
We'll match the program and show you the lenders that fund it most in your industry and state.
Frequently asked questions about SBA loan programs
What is the most common type of SBA loan?
The SBA 7(a) loan is by far the most common. It can be used for working capital, equipment, real estate, buying a business and refinancing debt, with loans up to $5 million. See our SBA 7(a) loan guide.
What's the difference between SBA 7(a) and 504 loans?
7(a) loans are flexible and can fund almost any business purpose. 504 loans are limited to owner-occupied commercial real estate and long-lived equipment, but offer long-term fixed rates and a smaller down payment on large projects. Compare them on our SBA 504 page.
Which SBA loan is fastest?
SBA Express loans are usually fastest because approved lenders make the credit decision themselves without waiting for SBA review. The trade-off is a smaller SBA guarantee, so lenders can be more selective. Learn more about SBA Express loans.
Can I combine more than one SBA loan?
Yes. A business can use more than one SBA program. Since July 4, 2026, the SBA allows combined 7(a) and 504 financing of up to $10 million per business, with each program still capped at its own maximum.
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