Most Flexible SBA Program · Up to $5M · 10% Down

SBA 7(a) Loans —
The Most Powerful Tool for Business Buyers.

The SBA 7(a) program is the Swiss Army knife of business financing. Buy a business, purchase commercial real estate, finance equipment, consolidate debt, or fund working capital — all in one loan with 10% down and terms up to 25 years.

Apply Now → Call 510-786-8739

Program Overview

SBA 7(a) at a Glance

$5M

Max Loan Amount

Any eligible use

10%

Min Down Payment

Business acquisition

25 Yr

Max Loan Term

Real estate

10 Yr

Equipment Term

Machinery & vehicles

Prime

Rate Based

+ spread fixed or variable

SBA

Government Backed

Partial guarantee

Eligible Uses

What SBA 7(a) Can Finance

Business acquisition — buy an existing business

Commercial real estate purchase or construction

Equipment and machinery

Working capital and operating expenses

Business debt refinancing

Leasehold improvements and renovations

Franchise acquisition

Partner buyout

Inventory purchase

Key Requirements

SBA 7(a) Qualification

Business Eligibility

For-profit US business, small by SBA size standards, has exhausted other financing options, owner is US citizen or permanent resident.

Credit Requirements

Typically 680+ personal FICO. No recent bankruptcies or delinquencies on federal debt. Business credit reviewed if applicable.

Down Payment

10% down for most acquisitions. Some specialty industries (gas stations for first-time buyers) may require 20-30%. Must be from verified sources.

Personal Guarantee

All owners with 20%+ ownership must personally guarantee the SBA loan. This is a requirement of the SBA program — not negotiable.

Collateral

All business and personal assets are pledged as collateral where available. SBA will not decline solely for lack of collateral if other factors are strong.

Common Questions

SBA 7(a) FAQs

What is the SBA 7(a) interest rate?

SBA 7(a) rates are typically Prime + a spread set by the lender (max 2.75% for loans over $50K). As of 2026, this puts most SBA 7(a) rates in the 10-11% range. Rates can be fixed or variable.

How long does SBA 7(a) approval take?

Standard SBA 7(a) approval takes 60-90 days. Preferred SBA Lenders (PLP) can approve in-house without SBA review — cutting time to 30-45 days. We always route applications to PLP lenders when possible.

Can I use SBA 7(a) to buy a gas station?

Yes — this is one of the most common SBA 7(a) uses. We specialize in gas station SBA packaging and have closed dozens of these deals. The key is proper presentation of fuel margins, inside sales, and environmental status.

What documents are needed for SBA 7(a)?

Business and personal tax returns (3 years), YTD P&L and balance sheet, business plan, personal financial statement, purchase agreement (for acquisitions), and seller financial statements. We provide a complete checklist.

Can a foreign national get an SBA loan?

No — SBA loans require the borrower to be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Non-residents do not qualify for SBA programs.

What is the SBA guarantee fee?

SBA charges a guarantee fee based on loan amount and term. For loans over $1M, the fee is approximately 3.5% of the guaranteed portion. This can be financed into the loan. We explain all costs upfront.

Ready to Apply for SBA 7(a)?

We'll walk you through every step — from determining eligibility to packaging your application to selecting the best SBA lender for your deal.

Apply Now → Call 510-786-8739

CA DRE #01480904 · NMLS #300923 · Equal Housing Lender · SBA Financing Available Nationwide

MIA — Mortgage Intelligence Assistant

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SI MTG · CA DRE #01480904 · NMLS #300923 · Not financial advice

SBA 7(a) Loans —The Most Powerful Tool for Business Buyers.