Growing a small business is an exciting journey, but can also push a business to its financial limits. Expenses can pile up, cash flow may feel tight, and funding everyday operations or expansion can quickly become challenging.
This kind of financial strain can make even the most driven business owners feel stretched thin, wondering how they’ll keep up with growth demands while maintaining critical resources. Traditional business loans, often with steep interest rates and quick repayment deadlines, can feel out of reach for many growing businesses.
Fortunately, an SBA 7(a) loan may be a practical solution. Designed to ease financial pressure, SBA 7(a) loans feature competitive interest rates, long repayment terms, and flexible requirements for down payments and collateral. They may help small businesses access the capital they need.
Below, we’ll cover information you need to know about SBA 7(a) loans—from eligibility and application steps to understanding SBA forms like SBA Form 1919 and SBA Form 1920—to help your business take the next big step with confidence.
What is an SBA 7(a) loan: A quick overview
What is the SBA?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a cabinet-level federal agency that provides small businesses with working capital, counseling, and contracting expertise.
The SBA partners with lenders to provide funding to small businesses, helping reduce some of the risks typically associated with small business loans. To support business owners and banks, the SBA guarantees up to 85% of the loan amount to lenders on behalf of the federal government.
What is an SBA 7(a) loan?
An SBA 7(a) loan is the most commonly used loan program offered by the SBA. It is tailored to help small businesses access affordable capital. Unlike conventional loans, SBA 7(a) loans are backed by the government, allowing lenders to offer more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates, longer repayment periods, and flexible collateral requirements.
An SBA 7(a) loan allows small business owners to use the funds for working capital, equipment, inventory, or even expansion without giving up ownership of their business. This loan is perfect for businesses that experience seasonal income fluctuations, growth challenges, or unexpected expenses.
In this way, an SBA 7(a) loan may allow businesses across industries to bridge financial gaps, meet seasonal or unexpected needs, and build a more sustainable future.
Other common SBA loan types
While the SBA 7(a) loan is the go-to for many small businesses, other SBA loans address unique financing needs. For example, the SBA 504 loan is geared toward fixed assets like equipment or real estate, and the SBA microloan provides smaller sums for startups or minor expenses. However, the SBA 7(a) loan best fits general business use.
Do you meet the requirements for SBA 7(a) loans?
Before applying for an SBA 7(a) loan, it’s important to review the SBA loan eligibility criteria. Meeting these requirements may help your application process run smoothly.
The SBA defines a small business primarily by the number of employees and annual revenue. A business must employ fewer than 500 people, but industry-specific criteria may also apply. You can verify your status as a small business by reviewing the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) income table, which outlines eligibility by industry.
In addition to size requirements, the SBA 7(a) loan program has a few other business and personal criteria:
Business requirements
For your business to qualify for small business loans under the SBA 7(a) loan program, it should typically meet the following criteria:
- Be in operation for at least two years
- Generate a consistent annual revenue
- Operate primarily in the United States
For a full list of qualification criteria, refer to the SBA loan website for more details.
Are any business types ineligible for SBA 7(a) loans?
Certain industries are not eligible for an SBA 7(a) loan. These include:
- Casinos or gambling establishments
- Life insurance sales
- Religious or political organizations
- Wildcat oil drilling, mining, or real estate development
- Bail bond agencies
For a full list of ineligible businesses, refer to the SBA loan website for more details.
Personal requirements
Lenders prefer applicants with sound financial management. SBA-preferred lenders will review your credit history, existing debt, and personal financial responsibility. While each lender’s requirements may vary, here are some factors that may disqualify applicants:
- Owner must be at least 21 years of age
- The owner must be a U.S. citizen
- Credit scores below 650
- Outstanding tax liens
- Recent bankruptcies or foreclosures
- Overdue payments on prior government loans
Use of funds
The SBA 7(a) loan offers flexibility in how you may use the funds, with very few restrictions. Here are some common ways business owners typically apply their loan proceeds:
- Working capital for day-to-day expenses
- Equipment and supplies such as machinery, furniture, and fixtures
- Real estate purchases or renovations
- Business expansion or acquisition costs
- Refinancing existing business debt
- Inventory financing for seasonal or high-demand periods
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and gathered the required documents, the next step is selecting a lender to support your business through the SBA 7(a) loan application process. Working with an experienced lender may help you access SBA 7(a) loan down payment and collateral requirements that suit your business needs.
3 Steps to apply for an SBA 7(a) loan
Navigating the SBA 7(a) loan application process may be straightforward when broken into three essential steps.
1. Choose the right SBA 7(a) loan lender
Choosing the right SBA lender is key to a smooth application process. The SBA lender matching tool may connect you with a lender fast, or you can let SmartBiz® help you determine the right loan for your business. Either way, be sure to look for lenders that do small business financing to increase your chances of approval and better loan terms. Another, more traditional, option is to visit the bank branches in your area and see what loans each offers.
2. Collect required SBA 7(a) loan documentation
The application process typically requires documents such as:
- Each small business owner’s resume
- Business overview and history
- Business certificate or license
- Business lease
- Business tax returns
- SBA Forms 912 – Statement of Personal History
- SBA Form 413 – Personal Financial Statement
- Business financial statements (current balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and statements of financial projections
- List of business fixed assets
- Loan application history, including loans approved
Necessary SBA Forms
Completing the SBA 7(a) loan application involves specific SBA forms that provide essential information about the business and its owners.
SBA Form 1919: Borrower Information Form
SBA Form 1919 is required to collect information on the borrower, including personal background, criminal history and financial information. This form is required for each principal with 20% or more ownership.
SBA Form 1920: Lender’s Application for Guaranty
The lender completes SBA Form 1920 to provide the SBA with information about the loan application. This form outlines the business’s financial information, use of funds, and terms, all of which help the SBA evaluate the application. Accuracy is important, as any errors will delay processing.
Other SBA forms
Additional forms may be required based on your loan amount and business type, including:
- SBA Form 912 (Statement of Personal History)
- SBA Form 413 (Personal Financial Statement)
- Business tax returns, balance sheets, and cash flow projections
3. Submit: The SBA 7(a) loan application process
With your documents in order, the next step is to submit your application to your lender. Your lender will perform a credit check, and if approved, they will prepare the loan documentation and any collateral agreements needed. Lenders such as SmartBiz often simplify this step, helping small business owners move through the process more efficiently and with added support.
With a SmartBiz SBA loan, you may get low interest rates on a minimum of $30,000 and a maximum loan amount of $500,000 with a 10-year repayment plan and a low payment, and there are even more reasons to get an SBA loan.
Benefits of SBA 7(a) loans
When your business lacks the working capital needed for growth, securing the right financing option is essential. The wrong type of loan may create more financial strain and potentially set back your progress. However, SBA 7(a) loans offer features designed to help small businesses move forward sustainably.
Lower down payments and minimal fees
Traditional business loans often require a large down payment, usually between 15% and 30% of the loan amount, and can include various fees. SBA 7(a) loans work differently; they often come with much lower down payment requirements—or, in some cases, no down payment at all—making them a more accessible financing option for small businesses. And, while they may have guarantee fees, they are typically lower than traditional loans.
Low interest rates you won’t find anywhere else
A major advantage of SBA 7(a) loans is their competitive interest rates, often lower than conventional business loans. With options for both fixed and variable rates, these loans can provide substantial long-term savings, helping small businesses easily manage their finances.
Long repayment terms that fit your schedule
Compared to traditional business loans, which often have shorter repayment periods (1–3 years for short-term loans and up to 10 years for longer-term options), SBA 7(a) loans offer flexible repayment terms. Borrowers generally have up to 10 years to repay loans for working capital, equipment, or inventory purchases and up to 25 years for commercial real estate loans. Additionally, most SBA loans are fully amortizing, so there’s no need to worry about a large, one-time balloon payment at the end of the term.
Flexible use of funds for all types of businesses
One of the most versatile aspects of the SBA 7(a) loan program is its flexible use of funds. Business owners can use the loan proceeds for nearly any legal business, whether constructing a new facility, renovating existing locations, expanding to new markets, acquiring another business, or refinancing existing debt. This flexibility makes SBA 7(a) loans an attractive option for a wide range of business types and industries.
No collateral requirements
Another advantage of SBA 7(a) loans is the flexibility in SBA 7(a) collateral requirements. Loans up to $25,000 generally don’t need collateral, while lenders have the discretion to require it for amounts over $25,000. For larger loans over $350,000, the SBA mandates that lenders secure collateral “to the maximum extent possible.” This flexible approach often makes SBA loans more accessible than traditional loans.
With these advantages, SBA 7(a) loans can be a practical choice for small businesses looking to support growth, cover operational expenses, or make strategic investments without overburdening cash flow.
Common challenges of SBA 7(a) loans
While an SBA 7(a) loan is typically a popular choice for many business owners, it may not always be the best fit. The approval process may be lengthy, the eligibility criteria are strict, and these loans aren’t fully guaranteed, which may affect certain applicants.
The application process can be lengthy
One major drawback of the SBA 7(a) loan is the time it can take to process. First, the lender performs an internal assessment; then, the SBA follows up with a thorough review to confirm eligibility and credit standards are met. This two-step process may extend the wait time to several weeks or months without guaranteed approval.
Strict eligibility requirements
Eligibility for an SBA loan may be more rigorous than traditional bank loans. The SBA enforces strict standards regarding business income, industry type, and financial standing, with detailed requirements listed on the SBA’s website. Unlike traditional loans, SBA loans have less flexibility in eligibility, meaning there is little room for exceptions if the requirements aren’t met.
Personal guarantees can add risk
One unique aspect of SBA 7(a) loans is the partial guarantee provided by the SBA, which generally ranges from 50% to 85% of the loan amount. This guarantee won’t exceed $3,750,000 for most standard loans, with up to 90% coverage only offered for international trade loans. Because the SBA doesn’t fully back these loans, business owners must personally guarantee repayment, which may add financial risk in the event of default.
These challenges underscore the importance of carefully considering whether an SBA 7(a) loan is the right financing solution for your business.
Frequently asked questions about SBA 7(a) loans
How long does it take to get an SBA 7(a) loan?
Approval for an SBA loan may take several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the application and the lender’s internal process.
What can SBA 7(a) loans be used for?
SBA 7(a) loan funds may cover a wide range of business expenses, including equipment purchases, real estate, and working capital.
What is the interest rate on SBA 7(a) loans?
Interest rates on SBA loans are generally competitive, with both fixed and variable options. Rates vary based on the prime rate and loan size.
How hard is it to get an SBA 7(a) loan?
Eligibility may be challenging if your business is new or has limited revenue. Businesses with solid cash flow and credit profiles generally have better chances.
Is an SBA 7(a) loan right for you?
An SBA 7(a) loan may offer essential benefits for small businesses seeking financing, such as competitive interest rates, low down payment options, and flexible collateral requirements. However, weighing these benefits against the lengthy application process and strict eligibility standards is crucial. For businesses that qualify, SBA 7(a) loans may be a cost-effective way to fund expansion, manage cash flow, and reach new business goals.
