SBA loan programs
SBA loan programs compared
SBA does not usually lend money itself. It guarantees part of loans made by banks and other lenders, which makes them more willing to lend to small businesses. Here is how each program works.
Figures checked against sba.gov, October 2026.
| Program | Maximum | Terms | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) Loan | Up to $5 million | Generally up to 10 years; up to 25 years for real estate | Working capital; Equipment and inventory |
| SBA Express Loan | Up to $500,000 | Same as 7(a) term loans; revolving lines of credit up to 10 years | Working capital and lines of credit; Equipment |
| SBA 504 Loan | Up to $5 million for the SBA-backed (CDC) portion; up to $5.5 million per project for small manufacturers and energy projects | 10, 20 or 25 years | Buying, building or renovating owner-occupied buildings or land; Machinery and equipment with at least 10 years of useful life |
| SBA Microloan | Up to $50,000 (the average is about $13,000) | Up to 7 years | Working capital; Inventory and supplies |
| SBA Export Loans | Up to $500,000 (Export Express) or $5 million (Export Working Capital, International Trade) | Export Express lines up to 7 years; Export Working Capital lines usually 3 years or less | Financing export orders and contracts; Expanding into foreign markets |
| SBA Disaster Loans | Up to $2 million combined (physical damage and economic injury) | Up to 30 years | Repairing or replacing damaged property; Working capital after a declared disaster |
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SBA 7(a) Loan
SBA’s main, most flexible loan program.
Made by banks and other lenders, with SBA guaranteeing part of the loan. It can be used for almost any sound business purpose, from working capital to buying a business or property.
Read the 7(a) guide -
SBA Express Loan
A faster, simpler 7(a) loan for amounts up to $500,000.
A 7(a) loan where the lender makes the credit decision under its own procedures, which usually means less paperwork and a quicker answer. In exchange SBA guarantees less, so lenders are more selective.
Read the Express guide -
SBA 504 Loan
Long-term, fixed-rate financing for property and major equipment.
A project is typically financed by three parties: a bank, a Certified Development Company (CDC) backed by SBA, and the business owner’s own cash injection. The CDC portion carries a fixed rate.
Read the 504 guide -
SBA Microloan
Small loans for startups and young businesses.
Made by nonprofit, community-based intermediary lenders that also provide business training. Often the most realistic first loan for a new or small business.
Read the Microloan guide -
SBA Export Loans
7(a) programs for businesses that sell overseas.
Export Express (up to $500,000), the Export Working Capital Program and International Trade loans (up to $5 million each) carry higher SBA guarantees for export activity.
Read the Export guide -
SBA Disaster Loans
Low-rate, long-term loans after a declared disaster.
Made directly by SBA, not through banks. Business physical disaster loans repair or replace damaged property; Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) provide working capital while you recover.
Read the Disaster guide
Rules every SBA business loan shares
Whatever the program, lenders start by checking these. The Readiness Report checks them for you.
Check my readiness- An operating, for-profit business located in the United States
- Small under SBA size standards for your industry
- Not an ineligible business type (for example lending, passive real estate, gambling)
- Every owner and required guarantor a U.S. citizen or U.S. national living in the U.S. (SOP 50 10 8.1)
- No delinquent federal debt, such as a past-due SBA or student loan
- Unable to get the same credit on reasonable terms without SBA help
- Able to show the business can repay the loan