SBA 7(a) Guide
SBA 7(a) Loans is an independently owned website and is not the SBA.
What are SBA 7(a) loans?
The SBA's 7(a) loan program is an extremely popular tool for small businesses. The program allows small businesses to borrow up to $5 million over repayment terms of up to 25 years. These extremely attractive loans offer high leverage and low terms. And they can be used for any number of reasons, whether you're acquiring a business or a commercial property or even refinancing debt.
There are really important eligibility requirements for SBA 7(a) loans you must be aware of before starting the application process. Our team can get you through the process to land the financing your small business needs.
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About Janover Capital LLC
SBA 7(a) Loans is a property of Janover Capital LLC. We are not a lender and we are not affiliated with the U.S. Small Business Administration. We connect small business owners with lenders and referral partners active in SBA 7(a) lending, and we publish reference material on the program.
Get an SBA 7(a) Loan for Your Small Business
If you’re looking for small business financing, the SBA 7(a) loan is typically one of the best ways to fund your business. The SBA 7(a) loan is the most popular loan guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, with $27 billion of loans approved in the 2023 calendar year alone.
Here are some key details about SBA 7(a) financing:
Loan Size | Up to $5 million |
Loan Term | Up to 10 years for working capital, 25 years for real estate |
Interest Rates | Rates vary, based on the WSJ Prime and loan size and term. |
Loan Use | Working capital, equipment, buying a business or franchise, refinancing debt, and purchasing real estate. |
Credit Requirement | A credit score of 640 is usually required. |
Down Payment | Usually requires a 10% to 20% down payment as well as collateral. |
Timing | SBA 7(a) loans can be approved in between one and 10 days, depending on the lender. |
Try Our SBA 7(a) Loan Calculator
Our SBA 7(a) loan calculator shows what to expect in terms of interest rates and monthly payments.
SBA 7(a) Loan Terms and Requirements
SBA 7(a) loans offer flexible loan amounts, maturity, and rates to fit every situation. Whether you need a small working capital loan or a million-dollar note to build a facility, the SBA can help. However, in order to qualify for an SBA loan like the SBA 7(a) loan, your business will have to meet certain requirements.
Must not be over the SBA size limit for your particular industry
Must not be able to get a comparable loan from a bank on reasonable terms
Must not be involved in lending, rental real estate, investing, or speculation
Must operate as a for-profit business; no non-profits allowed
2026 SBA 7(a) Interest Rates
SBA 7(a) interest rates vary based on the Wall Street Journal Prime, or WSJ Prime. The typical interest rates for specific loans can be calculated using the interest rate spreads below.
Real Estate Loans (25-Year Terms)
Special Use Property: WSJ Prime plus 2.75%
Mixed-Use Property: WSJ Prime + 2.00%
Refinance (with no cash out): WSJ Prime + 1.75%
Non-Real Estate Loans (10-Year Terms)
Loans under $350,000: WSJ Prime plus 3.50%
Loans between $350,001 and $5 million: WSJ Prime plus 2.75%
Uses for the SBA 7(a) Loan
SBA loans help small business owners get business mortgages for commercial real estate, working capital loans, equipment loans, and much more. Get fast access to capital, amounts up to $5 million, and leverage 85% of the cost of new construction or business-owned commercial real estate.
Learn more about the SBA 7(a) loan →
Latest Posts from the Small Business Blog
Are SBA 7(a) Loans Available for Franchises?
In a word, yes. Around 10% of all SBA loans go to franchises. However, not all franchises can get funding through SBA programs. If your franchisor retains significant management rights or operational control, among other things, you may not be eligible.
What is a Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan?
A Small Business Administration loan is a type of business financing guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration or “SBA”. The SBA sets guidelines and works closely with lenders in order to secure these loans, which minimizes risk for the lender, making obtaining small business financing infinitely easier.
What is the SBA Veterans Advantage Program?
The SBA Veteran Advantage Program is an amazing supplement to the already outstanding SBA loan program. The Small Business Administration honors veterans and other qualified individuals with lower fees on all of their popular loan products.
How to get your loan approved faster?
When you’re in the market for a business loan, getting access to the funds you need quickly is definitely a priority. If you work with an SBA Preferred Lender, you’ll get your loan processed far faster than working with another lender.
Finding a Lender
SBA lenders exist in most U.S. cities. Banks, credit unions, savings & loans companies, and specialized lenders can all operate as SBA 7(a) lenders. Like any important decision about your business, it’s smart to shop around for a lender.
Find a lender near you →
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Get the financing you need for commercial real estate through the SBA. Learn about the SBA 7(a) loan for different property types, including owner-occupied real estate, land, and business rental properties.
SBA Loan Glossary and FAQs
Baffled by SBA terminology? Get answers to your specific SBA loan questions in our massive SBA 7(a) loans glossary and FAQs database.
Browse the SBA Loan FAQs →
Do I Qualify?
Qualification for an SBA loan isn't complicated, but there are some restrictions based on industry and credit history. Find out if you're eligible for an SBA loan, and prepare your business for the best chance of approval.
Qualifying for an SBA Loan →
Other SBA Loan Types
While the 7(a) loan program may be the SBA’s flagship financial product, it’s far from the only loan they guarantee. And, at SBA 7(a) Loans, we want you to get the perfect financing solution for your business, even if isn’t an SBA 7(a) loan, or an SBA loan at all.
Some of the most popular other loans through the SBA include:
SBA 504 loans: Designed specifically for purchasing land, existing buildings, machinery, and other fixed assets, SBA 504 loans have lower interest rates than SBA 7(a) loans and can be issued in far higher amounts in many circumstances. SBA 504 loans, however, cannot be used for working capital.
SBA disaster loans: These loans are designed to help businesses recover in the face of natural disasters. Unlike other SBA loans, disaster loans are provided directly through the SBA, not simply guaranteed by them. SBA disaster loans come in a few major varieties, highlighted below.
Business physical disaster loans: With loan amounts up to $2 million, these loans are designed to help business owners repair buildings, equipment, and other tangible assets. These loans are available to businesses of any size and even many nonprofits.
Business economic injury disaster loans (EIDL): Also available in amounts up to $2 million, these loans provide working capital for small businesses, certain co-ops, and some nonprofits.
Home and personal property disaster loans: After a disaster, home owners or condominium owners can borrow funds from the SBA in order to help repair or replace their primary home and personal property. Primary home repair/replacement loans are available in amounts up to $200,000, while personal property repair/replacement loans are available in amounts up to $40,000.
Getting a small business loan should be easy. Now it is.
Tell us about your business for a free, no obligation quote and to learn more about your loan options.
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