SBA Programs

SBA Loans — The Gold Standard
for Small Business Financing

Government-backed financing with the lowest rates available to small businesses. Captrivo's SBA consultants guide you through the process and connect you with the right bank for your specific situation.

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Program Overview

SBA 7(a) vs SBA 504 — Which Is Right for You?

The two primary SBA programs serve different needs. Most businesses qualify for 7(a). The 504 is specifically for major fixed assets.

Most Common
SBA 7(a) Loan
General-purpose financing for almost any business need
Maximum Loan Amount$5,000,000
Interest RatePrime + 2.25%–4.75%
Repayment — Working CapitalUp to 10 years
Repayment — Real EstateUp to 25 years
Min FICO (most lenders)650–675
Down Payment10%–30%
Collateral RequiredPreferred but flexible
Use of FundsWorking capital, equipment, real estate, refinancing, acquisition
SBA Guarantee Fee0.25%–3.75% of guaranteed portion
Approval Timeline30–90 days
Fixed Assets
SBA 504 Loan
Long-term financing for major fixed assets and real estate
Maximum Loan Amount$5.5M ($16.5M for manufacturing)
Interest Rate (CDC portion)Fixed — below market
Repayment10, 20, or 25 years
Structure50% bank / 40% CDC / 10% borrower
Min FICO680+
Down Payment10% (owner-occupied)
Collateral RequiredYes — the asset being financed
Use of FundsCommercial real estate, heavy equipment, building renovation
Net Worth LimitBusiness net worth under $20M
Approval Timeline60–90 days
Fast Track
SBA Express Loan
Max Amount
$500,000
Approval
36 hours
SBA Guarantee
50%
Best For
Fast working capital

The SBA Express program offers faster turnaround but a lower guarantee percentage (50% vs 85%). Lenders have more flexibility with underwriting, making it more accessible for businesses that may not qualify for standard 7(a).

Eligibility

Core SBA Eligibility Requirements

The SBA sets baseline requirements. Individual lenders add their own criteria on top. Captrivo matches you with lenders whose guidelines align with your profile.

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For-Profit U.S. Business
Your business must be legally operating for profit in the United States and its territories. Nonprofits, passive businesses, and certain financial companies are ineligible.
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SBA Size Standards
Your business must qualify as "small" under SBA size standards — typically under 500 employees for most industries, or under $7.5M–$41.5M in annual receipts depending on the industry.
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Owner Equity & Investment
Business owners must have invested reasonable equity in the business. The SBA requires that owners demonstrate they have something at risk in the venture.
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Creditworthiness
No recent bankruptcies, no current delinquencies on federal debt (student loans, taxes). Most lenders require 650–675 minimum FICO. Strong business credit history preferred.
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Time in Business
Most SBA lenders require a minimum of 2 years in business. Startups can apply through SBA microloan programs ($50K max) with a strong business plan and owner experience.
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Revenue Requirements
Most lenders require $500,000+ in annual revenue for standard 7(a) loans. SBA Express may be available with $100K+ annual revenue. Revenue must be documented with 2 years of tax returns.
Eligibility by Industry

Who Qualifies — and Who Doesn't

✓ Generally Eligible
  • 🏪 Retail stores and e-commerce
  • 🍽️ Restaurants and food service
  • 🏗️ Commercial construction contractors
  • 🏥 Healthcare and medical practices
  • 🔧 Manufacturing and production
  • 💻 Technology and software companies
  • 🏢 Professional services (law, accounting, consulting)
  • 🚗 Auto dealerships and repair
✗ Generally Ineligible
  • 🚫 Nonprofit organizations
  • 🚫 Passive investment businesses (rental income only)
  • 🚫 Lending and financial companies
  • 🚫 Life insurance companies
  • 🚫 Businesses in illegal activities
  • 🚫 Government-owned entities
  • 🚫 Cannabis businesses (federally illegal)
  • 🚫 Pyramid sales schemes or MLM primary income
Common Questions

SBA Loan FAQ

Answers to the most common questions about SBA programs.

What is the difference between an SBA loan and a regular bank loan?▼
An SBA loan is a regular bank loan with a government guarantee. The SBA guarantees 75–90% of the loan amount, which reduces the lender's risk and allows them to offer better rates and terms than a conventional business loan. You apply through an approved SBA lender — not through the SBA directly.
What credit score do I need for an SBA loan?▼
Most SBA lenders require a minimum personal FICO score of 650–675. Some preferred lenders require 680+. SBA Express loans are sometimes available at 620+. Your business credit score (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business) also plays a role. Captrivo matches you with lenders whose credit requirements align with your profile.
How long does SBA loan approval take?▼
Standard SBA 7(a): 30–90 days from complete application to funding. SBA Express: 36 hours for approval, 7–10 days to fund. SBA 504: 60–90 days. Captrivo pre-qualifies your file and submits to lenders whose guidelines match — reducing back-and-forth and speeding up the process.
Do I need collateral for an SBA loan?▼
Collateral is preferred but not always required. For loans under $50,000, many lenders do not require collateral. For larger amounts, lenders typically take business assets as collateral. The SBA requires lenders to take available collateral but will not decline an otherwise qualifying loan solely due to a lack of collateral.
Can I use an SBA loan to start a new business?▼
Yes, but it is more challenging. Startups can access the SBA Microloan program (up to $50,000) and some 7(a) programs with a strong business plan, relevant industry experience, and owner equity investment. Most standard SBA lenders require 2+ years in business for larger amounts.
What documents are required for an SBA loan application?▼
Typically: 2 years of business tax returns, 2 years of personal tax returns, current year-to-date P&L and balance sheet, 3–6 months of business bank statements, business plan (for startups), government-issued ID, business licenses, and any existing lease or debt agreements. Captrivo guides you through exactly what each lender needs.
Does Captrivo charge fees for SBA consulting?▼
Captrivo is compensated by lenders through referral fees when a loan is successfully funded — not by charging clients directly. Our consultation is free. We are transparent about our compensation structure and are required to disclose any fees as part of the loan process.
⚠ Important Disclosure

Captrivo is not an SBA lender, SBA approved lender, or SBA Preferred Lender. Captrivo is a licensed business financing broker and consultant. We do not make lending decisions and we do not fund loans directly. All SBA loan products are offered by third-party SBA-approved lending institutions.

SBA loan approval is not guaranteed. Eligibility is determined by the SBA and the individual lending institution based on their underwriting standards. Program availability, interest rates, terms, and fees are subject to change without notice and vary by lender.

Information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor or attorney before making financing decisions.

Captrivo may receive compensation from lenders for successful referrals. This does not affect the rates or terms you receive — lenders set their own pricing independently.

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