Tap to get financing
SBA 7(a) Loans
SBA 7(a) Loans
Uses for the SBA 7(a) LoanCompare SBA LoansFund a StartupBuy EquipmentGet a Commercial MortgageRepair CapitalRefinance Business DebtGet a Working Capital LoanBuy a BusinessLearn About the SBA Lending ProcessFind an SBA Lender
Requirements Rates Loan Calculator
SBA Tools
SBA 7(a) Loan CalculatorSBA 504 Loan CalculatorCommercial Property InsuranceEnsuring a Smooth CloseSBA Form 1081 Guide
Blog
About Us
About usContact us
(561) 559-5551
Get financing →
Close sba7a.loans is an independently owned and operated website and has no government affiliation. We are not the Small Business Administration and are not a lender. If you are trying to reach the SBA click here to be redirected.
Interest Rates

Today’s interest rates for all SBA loans
Check Today's Rates →

Newly Published
Mar 12 at SBA 7(a) Loans
Are SBA 7(a) Loans Available for Franchises?
Mar 11 at SBA 7(a) Loans
SBA 7(a) Loans vs. ROBS Financing: Using Retirement Funds for Business
Mar 8 at SBA 7(a) Loans
SBA 7(a) Loans vs. Equipment Financing: Get Equipment the Smart Way
Explore the Janover Network
May 8 at HUD Loans
The 2025 Developer's Guide to HUD Lender Matching
Apr 22 at Janover Inc. Investor Relations
Janover Inc. Announces Corporate Name Change to DeFi Development Corporation
Apr 16 at Janover Inc. Investor Relations
Janover Inc. to Host X Spaces Conversation on NAV Premiums
Was This Article Helpful?
Small Business and SBA Lending Blog
1 min read

Who Are Specialized Lenders in the SBA 7(a) Loan Program?

In terms of SBA lending, a specialized lender is a bank or other financial institution that meets the SBA's criteria for offering SBA loan products.

Start Your Application and Unlock the Power of Choice Experience expert guidance, competitive options, and unparalleled industry expertise.
Click Here to Get Quotes →
$5.6M offered by a Bank$1.2M offered by a Bank$2M offered by an Agency$1.4M offered by a Credit UnionClick Here to Get Quotes!

In terms of SBA lending, a specialized lender is a bank or other financial institution that meets the SBA's criteria for offering SBA loan products.

Traditional loans aren’t right for everybody, especially small business entrepreneurs who are planning on repaying the capital of their loan with income made through their new business. This is where specialized lenders can fill in the gaps, offering flexible funding solutions that make a loan more possible. The SBA is just one example of a specialized lender.

To learn more about the SBA 7(a) loan program or to get a free quote, simply click fill out the form below!

Related Questions

What is the SBA 7(a) loan program?

The SBA 7(a) loan program is a federal government guarantee of a small business loan. Although the loan itself comes from a private lender, owners who qualify for SBA 7(a) loans have a significant portion backed by the government, making it much easier for businesses with less access to capital or problems with credit to receive financing.

Loans of up to $5 million qualify under SBA 7(a), with the SBA providing a guarantee of up to $3.75 million, or 75%. For loans worth less than $150,000, the government will back up to 85% of the debt. To qualify under this program, borrowers must meet SBA standards of being a small business, not have defaulted on previous government loans, and demonstrate the ability to repay the loan.

While there is a prepayment penalty on loans that mature beyond 15 years, there's no prepayment penalty for shorter-term loans. SBA 7(a) doesn't have a balloon payment, and provides improved cash flow for the business. SBA 7(a)-backed loans can be used for various business purposes, including renovations, capital purchase, seasonal lines of credit, or refinancing of existing debt.

What are the eligibility requirements for the SBA 7(a) loan program?

The SBA 7(a) loan program has the following eligibility requirements:

  • The business must meet the SBA's size standards for its particular industry.
  • The business must have fewer than 500 employees and less than $7.5 million in revenue each year for the previous three years.
  • The business must physically be based in the U.S. and operate within the U.S. and its territories.
  • The business must operate for profit.
  • Business owners must first have used other sources of financing, including personal funds, in order to qualify.
  • Businesses must not be involved in lending, real estate, or speculation.
  • Your business must operate for profit. Nonprofits and not-for-profit businesses are not eligible.
  • You must also have some equity in the business — this could mean you already have a profitable business, or you could use your own personal equity as collateral.
  • If you have any alternative financial resources, you must have used them first. For example, if you have a personal savings account or are able to get a personal loan, then you must first pursue those options before applying for an SBA 7(a) loan.
  • The business owner cannot be on parole.
  • You must be doing business in the U.S. or its territories.

What are the benefits of the SBA 7(a) loan program?

The SBA 7(a) loan program offers several benefits, including flexible terms, competitive interest rates, and loan amounts up to $5 million. The flexible terms allow borrowers to tailor their loan to fit their specific needs, while the competitive interest rates are typically lower than those offered by traditional lenders, such as banks. Additionally, the loan amounts can range from $5,000 to $5 million, and terms can be up to 25 years.

Sources:

  • What Is an SBA 7(a) Loan?
  • Small Business Loans: A Comparison of SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and SBA Express

What types of businesses are eligible for the SBA 7(a) loan program?

The SBA 7(a) loan program is available to businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Eligible businesses include those in the business services and office-based companies sector. This includes businesses that need funding for day-to-day operational costs, expansion, inventory needs, and even refinancing debt. The SBA also focuses on boosting female business owners, since the lack of financing for female entrepreneurs has been identified as a huge problem.

Eligible business types for SBA 7(a) loans include:

  • Retail
  • Manufacturing
  • Wholesale
  • Service
  • Restaurants
  • Franchises
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • Hotels and Motels
  • Non-profits

For more information on the SBA 7(a) loan program, please visit www.sba7a.loans.

What are the different types of lenders in the SBA 7(a) loan program?

The SBA 7(a) loan program is offered through traditional lending institutions, such as banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. The SBA also works with non-traditional lenders, such as online lenders, to provide 7(a) loans. The SBA also works with Certified Development Companies (CDC) to provide loans through the SBA 504 loan program.

For more information on the different types of lenders in the SBA 7(a) loan program, please visit the SBA website.

In this article:
  1. Related Questions
  2. Get Financing
Tags
  • Lenders

Getting a small business loan should be easy.⁠ Now it is.

Click below for a free, no obligation quote and to learn more about your loan options.

Get financing →

Janover: Your Partner in Growth

At Janover, we offer a wide range of services tailored to your unique needs. From commercial property loans and LP management to business loans and services for lenders, we're here to help you succeed.

Learn more about Janover →
Commercial Property Loans

Get the best CRE financing on the market.

Explore Financing Options →
LP Management

Syndicate deals on autopilot with Janover Connect.

Discover LP Management →
Business Loans

Match with the right kind of loan, in record time.

Find Business Loans →
For Lenders

Supercharge your loan pipeline. Unlock more deals.

Boost Your Loan Pipeline →
SBA 7(a) Loans

SBA 7(a) Loans is a Janover company. Please visit some of our family of sites at: Multifamily Loans, Commercial Real Estate Loans, SBA7a Loans, HUD Loans, Janover Insurance, Janover Pro, Janover Connect, and Janover Engage.

Janover Tech Inc.

6401 Congress Ave
Ste 250
Boca Raton FL 33487
(561) 559-5551 
hello@sba7a.loans

SBA 7(a) Loans

SBA Loan Comparison
SBA 7(a) Loan Fees, Rates, and Terms
Qualifying for an SBA 7(a) Loan
SBA Loan Guides per State
Commercial Mortgage Rates
For Commercial Mortgage Brokers

Site Information

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Advertiser Disclosure

For Commercial Mortgage Brokers

This website is owned by a company that offers business advice, information and other services related to multifamily, commercial real estate, and business financing. We are a technology company that uses software and experience to bring lenders and borrowers together.

All users should perform their own due diligence and research. Nothing on this website is an offer or a solicitation for a loan. This website does not endorse or charge you for any service or product. None of the information on this site constitutes legal advice. We are not affiliated with the Small Business Administration (SBA). If you need to visit the SBA directly please click here: sba.gov

Click here for our Advertiser Disclosure.

This website utilizes artificial intelligence technologies to auto-generate responses, which have limitations in accuracy and appropriateness. Users should not rely upon AI-generated content for definitive advice and instead should confirm facts or consult professionals regarding any personal, legal, financial or other matters. The website owner is not responsible for damages allegedly arising from use of this website's AI.

Copyright © 2025 Janover Tech Inc. All rights reserved.

+

Fill out the form below and get the pricing and terms banks can't compete with.