📌 Direct Answer — What You Actually Need to Know
SBA loans are not free money. They are government-backed loans through approved lenders (banks, credit unions, CDCs) with lower rates and longer terms than conventional loans. To qualify for the most common 7(a) loan, you generally need: 640+ credit score, 2+ years in business, $50K+ annual revenue, and a clear use of funds. Use our tools below to check your specific situation and generate a lender-ready business plan.
Ask anything about SBA loans — loan types, requirements, rates, documentation, or next steps.
Six programs, each designed for a different business situation. Click to learn more.
Most Popular
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SBA 7(a) Loan
The flagship SBA program. Up to $5M for working capital, equipment, real estate, or refinancing. 10-25 year terms.
640+ credit · 2+ yrs biz →
Real Estate & Equipment
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SBA 504 Loan
Long-term fixed-rate financing for major assets. Up to $5.5M. Split between lender (50%), CDC (40%), borrower (10%).
680+ credit · Fixed rate →
Small Amounts
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SBA Microloan
Up to $50K through nonprofit intermediaries. Ideal for startups, women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses.
Lower credit OK · Startup-friendly →
Fast Approval
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SBA Express
36-hour decision, up to $500K. Simplified application process with less paperwork than standard 7(a).
Fast-track · Up to $500K →
Disaster / Emergency
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EIDL
Economic Injury Disaster Loan for declared disasters. Low interest, long terms. Direct from SBA — no bank required.
Direct SBA · Disaster-declared →
Export / International
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SBA Export Loans
Export Express, International Trade, and Export Working Capital programs for businesses with international sales.
International biz only →
End-to-end SBA preparation without the $300/hr consultant.
What is an SBA loan and how does it work?
An SBA loan is a small business loan partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA doesn't lend directly — it backs a portion of the loan (up to 85%) issued by an approved lender (bank, credit union, or CDC). That guarantee lets lenders offer better rates and longer terms than conventional business loans. The most common program, the 7(a) loan, supports nearly any business purpose up to $5 million.
What credit score do I need for an SBA loan?
Most SBA lenders require a personal credit score of 640-680+. The 7(a) program requires 640+, the 504 program typically 680+, and microloans may be available with lower scores depending on the intermediary. Business credit score also matters but personal FICO is the primary filter.
Do I need a business plan for an SBA loan?
Yes — virtually all SBA lenders require a business plan. It needs to cover your executive summary, business description, market analysis, organizational structure, product/service line, marketing strategy, funding request, and financial projections (3-5 years). Use our free generator to produce a lender-ready draft in minutes.
How long does it take to get an SBA loan?
SBA 7(a) loans typically take 30-90 days from application to funding. SBA Express loans can be approved in 36 hours. The preparation phase — gathering documents, writing a business plan, finding a lender — often takes 2-4 additional weeks. Total timeline is usually 45-120 days.
Can startups get SBA loans?
Startups (less than 2 years old) face a harder path but are not excluded. The SBA Microloan program is startup-friendly. Some 7(a) lenders will work with startups with strong collateral, a solid business plan, and good personal credit. The eligibility checker will tell you your realistic odds based on your specific profile.
What documents do I need to apply?
Core documents: business plan, personal financial statement (SBA Form 413), business financial statements (2-3 years if existing), business and personal tax returns (3 years), business legal documents (licenses, articles of incorporation), collateral documentation, and a statement of purpose for the loan. Our advisor can give you a customized checklist.
🚀 Premium SBA Stack — $349/mo
Everything you need to go from idea to funded. Full business plan, lender matching, financial projections, and PDF export — all in one stack.
📋 Full Business Plan (8 sections)
📊 3-Year Financial Projections
🏦 SBA Lender Matching
📄 PDF Export
🤖 Unlimited AI Advisor
✅ Application Checklist
$349/mo
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