🏛️ SBA Loans

Lendio SBA Loans — Lowest Rates, Longest Terms

Q: What is the SBA loan interest rate in 2026?

SBA 7(a) loans are variable, tied to the prime rate plus 2.25%–4.75% depending on loan size and term. Most SBA 7(a) loans carry effective rates between 10–14% APR as of 2026.

Q: Does Lendio charge a fee to apply for an SBA loan?

No — Lendio is completely free to use. The SBA charges a guarantee fee of 0.5%–3.5% of the guaranteed amount, but this is charged by the SBA, not Lendio, and can often be financed into the loan.

Q: What is the minimum SBA loan amount through Lendio?

SBA 7(a) loans through Lendio start at $50,000 and go up to $5,000,000. SBA microloans start at $500 and go up to $50,000 for startups and very small businesses.

Government-backed SBA loans offer small businesses the most affordable long-term financing in America. Apply through Lendio's marketplace and get matched with SBA-approved lenders in minutes — free, with no credit score impact.

Check SBA Eligibility — Free → All Loan Types

$50K–$5M

Loan Amount

Up to 25 yrs

Repayment Term

650+

Min. Credit Score

2–8 weeks

Funding Timeline

Understanding SBA Loans

What Makes Lendio SBA Loans Different?

SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, allowing lenders to offer significantly better terms than conventional business loans.

U.S. Capitol building — Lendio SBA loans backed by the Small Business Administration

Government-Backed = Lower Risk for Lenders = Better Terms for You

The SBA guarantees a portion of each loan — typically 75–90% — which means lenders take on less risk. That reduced risk translates directly into more favorable terms for business owners: lower interest rates, longer repayment periods, and lower down payments than conventional loans offer.

SBA loans are not issued directly by the government. Instead, they're provided by SBA-approved lenders — banks, credit unions, and online lenders — through Lendio's marketplace. Lendio connects you with multiple SBA lenders at once, so you compare options rather than guessing which one to apply to first.

RATE ADVANTAGE

Prime + 2.25–4.75%

Typical SBA 7(a) interest rate

TERM ADVANTAGE

Up to 25 Years

Longest repayment terms available

SBA Programs

SBA 7(a) vs. SBA 504 Loans

The two most common SBA loan programs serve different business needs. Here's how they compare.

SBA 7(a) Loan

The most flexible SBA loan program — suitable for a wide range of business needs including working capital, equipment, real estate, and debt refinancing.

Loan AmountUp to $5,000,000
Term (Working Capital)Up to 10 years
Term (Real Estate)Up to 25 years
Interest RatePrime + 2.25–4.75%
Down PaymentTypically 10%
SBA Guarantee75–90%
Min. Credit Score650+
Use of FundsWorking capital, equipment, real estate, acquisitions

Apply for SBA 7(a) Loan →

Fixed Assets

SBA 504 Loan

Specifically designed for the purchase of major fixed assets — commercial real estate, large equipment, and machinery — with fixed, below-market interest rates.

Loan AmountUp to $5,500,000
Term10, 20, or 25 years
Interest RateFixed, below-market rate
Down PaymentTypically 10–20%
SBA Portion40% via Certified Development Company
Bank Portion50% from approved lender
Min. Credit Score680+
Use of FundsCommercial real estate, heavy equipment only

Apply for SBA 504 Loan →

Eligibility

Lendio SBA Loan Requirements

SBA loans have more stringent requirements than other loan types — but they offer dramatically better terms. Here's what you need to qualify.

Requirement	Typical Standard
Credit Score (Personal)	650 minimum; 680+ preferred for best rates
Time in Business	2+ years (some exceptions for startups with strong financials)
Annual Revenue	Sufficient to service debt — typically $100,000+ per year
Business Type	For-profit business operating in the United States
Business Size	Must qualify as a "small business" per SBA size standards (varies by industry)
Collateral	May be required for larger amounts; personal guarantee always required
Down Payment	Generally 10–20% for real estate and acquisition loans
No Delinquent Debt	Must not have past-due federal debt (tax liens, federal student loans)

Don't meet all requirements yet? Lendio can help you build a roadmap to SBA eligibility — or match you with non-SBA alternatives that fund faster while you work toward SBA qualification. Apply free and your funding manager will walk you through your options.

Common Questions

SBA Loan FAQs

How long does it take to get an SBA loan?+

SBA loans typically take between 2 and 8 weeks from application to funding, depending on the lender, loan type, and completeness of your documentation. SBA Express loans (up to $500,000) have a faster 36-hour approval response time from the SBA, though funding still takes 1–3 weeks. Lendio's team helps you prepare a complete application to minimize delays in the underwriting process.

Can I get an SBA loan as a startup?+

SBA loans are generally designed for businesses with at least 2 years of operating history. However, there are exceptions. SBA microloans (up to $50,000) are available for startups. Franchise businesses and businesses with very strong personal financials may also qualify. For newer businesses, Lendio typically recommends exploring startup loan options or conventional short-term products first, then graduating to SBA financing once you've established business credit history.

What's the difference between SBA direct loans and SBA-backed loans?+

The SBA does not typically lend money directly to businesses (with a few disaster loan exceptions). Instead, the SBA guarantees a portion of loans made by approved private lenders — banks, credit unions, and online lenders. The lender provides the funds; the SBA's guarantee reduces the lender's risk, which allows them to offer better terms. Lendio connects you with SBA-approved private lenders in their network.

Am I Eligible?

Who Qualifies for a Lendio SBA Loan?

SBA loans have more stringent requirements than other products — but the terms are dramatically better. Here's exactly what you need to qualify through Lendio's marketplace.

✅ You Likely Qualify If:

✓ Credit score 650+ (680+ for best rates)
✓ In business 2+ years
✓ Annual revenue $100,000+
✓ U.S. for-profit business
✓ No delinquent federal debt
✓ Meet SBA size standards for your industry

❌ You May Not Qualify If:

✗ Credit score below 650
✗ In business less than 1 year
✗ Outstanding tax liens or judgments
✗ Operating in an ineligible industry (gambling, speculation, etc.)

Don't Qualify for SBA Yet?

Lendio can help you find an alternative that funds faster — then work toward SBA qualification. Many business owners start with a term loan, build their credit history, and upgrade to SBA financing within 12–18 months.

Check Your Options Free →

📋 Documents You'll Need for SBA

→ Last 2 years business tax returns
→ Last 2 years personal tax returns
→ YTD profit & loss statement
→ Business bank statements (12 months)
→ Business plan or use of funds statement
→ Articles of incorporation / business license

Best Uses

What Can You Use a Lendio SBA Loan For?

SBA loans are among the most flexible business financing products available. Here are the most common and highest-ROI uses.

🏢

Commercial Real Estate

Purchase, renovate, or refinance commercial property. SBA 504 loans are ideal — fixed low rates, 25-year terms, 10% down.

🏗️

Business Expansion

Open new locations, expand production capacity, or scale operations with affordable long-term capital.

🚜

Equipment & Machinery

Finance large equipment purchases with 10-year terms and rates far below those of equipment-specific lenders.

💰

Debt Refinancing

Consolidate high-interest business debt into a single low-rate SBA loan. Dramatically improve monthly cash flow.

🏪

Business Acquisition

Buy an existing business or franchise with SBA 7(a) financing — lower down payment than conventional acquisition loans.

💼

Working Capital

Fund operations, inventory, payroll, or marketing initiatives with 7(a) working capital loans — up to $5M, 10-year terms.