SBA 7(a) & 504 Programs
Find Out If Your Business Pre-Qualifies for an SBA Loan
SBA loans offer long-term, fixed financing for real estate, equipment, business acquisition, and working capital. Pre-qualifying takes just a few minutes.
The basics
What Is an SBA Loan?
An SBA loan is a small business loan partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA does not lend the money directly — instead, it guarantees a portion of the loan issued by a participating bank or lender, which reduces the lender's risk and allows them to offer better terms than a conventional loan: lower down payments, longer repayment terms, and more competitive rates.
SBA loans are commonly used to purchase commercial real estate, acquire an existing business, finance equipment, refinance business debt, or fund long-term growth. Because they're partially backed by the federal government, they tend to be more accessible to small businesses that might not otherwise qualify for traditional bank financing on the same terms.
There are two primary SBA loan programs:
SBA 7(a) Loans
The SBA's most flexible and widely used loan program. 7(a) loans can be used for nearly any legitimate business purpose — working capital, real estate, equipment, refinancing, or business acquisition — with loan amounts up to $5 million.
SBA 504 Loans
Designed specifically for major fixed assets like real estate and long-term equipment. 504 loans offer long-term, fixed-rate financing up to $5.5 million and are issued through Certified Development Companies (CDCs) in partnership with a conventional lender.
Fit check
Is an SBA Loan Right for You?
SBA loans tend to be a strong fit for established businesses with steady revenue and a clear use of funds — purchasing a building, buying out a competitor, financing equipment, or refinancing expensive debt into a longer, more manageable term. They generally aren't designed for startups with no operating history or businesses seeking very small, short-term capital needs.
If your business has been operating for at least two years, generates consistent revenue, and you have a defined purpose for the funds, an SBA loan is worth exploring. The pre-qualification below will help confirm whether your situation aligns with SBA program standards.
Program overview
General SBA 7(a) Requirements
- Must be an operating, for-profit business located in the U.S.
- Must meet SBA small business size standards
- Must not be able to obtain the desired credit on reasonable terms from other sources
- Must be creditworthy and demonstrate a reasonable ability to repay
- Funds can be used for: real estate purchase/improvement, working capital, debt refinancing, equipment and machinery, furniture and fixtures, or ownership changes
- Maximum loan amount: $5 million (SBA Express/Export Express capped at $500,000)
- Terms up to 25 years for real estate, up to 10 years for working capital/equipment
Program overview
General SBA 504 Requirements
- Must be a for-profit business operating in the U.S.
- Tangible net worth under $20 million
- Average net income under $6.5 million after taxes for the prior two years
- Must fall within SBA size standards, have qualified management, a feasible business plan, and good character
- Used for major fixed assets: real estate, ground-up construction, long-term machinery/equipment (10+ year useful life)
- Cannot be used for working capital, inventory, or speculative real estate investment
- Maximum loan amount: $5.5 million
- Available only through Certified Development Companies (CDCs)
Specific qualification requirements vary by lender and deal structure. This is a general overview based on SBA program guidelines — pre-qualification is not a guarantee of loan approval.
Our role
Why Work With Us on an SBA Loan?
SBA loans involve more documentation and a more structured underwriting process than conventional financing. We help business owners navigate that process — reviewing your situation against SBA program requirements, identifying which program fits your needs, and getting your deal in front of the right lender.
SBA pre-qualification
Start your SBA pre-qualification.
Takes a few minutes. No credit pull. No obligation. Kyle personally reviews every SBA inquiry.