Financing knowledge

SBA 7(a) Loans

SBA 7(a) loans are made by participating lenders and partly guaranteed by the SBA. An individual 7(a) loan can be up to $5 million, subject to eligibility and underwriting.

Common eligible uses

Qualified uses can include working capital, equipment, owner-occupied business real estate, business ownership changes and eligible debt refinancing. Eligibility depends on both program rules and the lender’s review.

Compare a complete offer

Ask for the interest rate, whether it can change, loan maturity, fees, collateral and guarantee requirements, and any prepayment conditions. An SBA guaranty protects the lender against part of its loss; it does not remove your obligation to repay.

Check the official program details

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration. Program summaries checked October 8, 2026. Terms and eligibility can change; confirm current requirements with the SBA or participating lender.