SBA loans, lenders and grants

Compare SBA loan programs

• SBA 7(a) loans

  SBA 7(a) loans provide up to $5 million through participating lenders for purposes including working capital, equipment, real estate and business ownership changes. SBA: 7(a) loans. Last checked Oct 25, 2026.

• SBA Express loans

  SBA Express is a 7(a) delivery method with a $500,000 maximum and a 50% SBA guarantee. Participating lenders make the credit decision using delegated authority. Revolving lines can run up to ten years. SBA: types of 7(a) loans. Last checked Oct 25, 2026.

• SBA 504 loans

  SBA 504 financing supports major fixed assets through a Certified Development Company (CDC) working with a senior lender. The usual SBA 504 limit is $5 million; eligible manufacturing and energy projects can reach $5.5 million. These limits concern the 504 loan, not the total project financing. SBA: 504 loans; eCFR: 13 CFR 120.931. Last checked Oct 25, 2026.

• SBA microloans

  SBA microloans provide up to $50,000 through approved community intermediary lenders for small businesses and certain nonprofit childcare centers. The maximum repayment period is seven years. SBA: microloans; eCFR: 13 CFR 120.707. Last checked Oct 25, 2026.

• SBA disaster loans

  SBA disaster assistance includes loans for uninsured physical damage and economic injury after a declared disaster. Business physical-damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) generally share a $2 million combined limit. Apply through SBA’s disaster application route. SBA: disaster recovery. Last checked Oct 25, 2026.

SBA lenders and free Lender Match

SBA’s Lender Match is a free online tool for connecting small businesses with prospective lenders. SBA: Lender Match instructions (PDF). Last checked Oct 25, 2026.

You describe your business and financing needs on SBA’s site. SBA says it provides a summary of interested lenders after two business days; you can then compare rates, terms and fees and submit a separate application to a lender. SBA: Lender Match. Last checked Oct 25, 2026.

Lender Match is not a loan application and guarantees neither a match nor a loan offer. Personal information submitted there is used to connect you with prospective lenders; participating lenders may also offer conventional loans. SBA: Lender Match. Last checked Oct 25, 2026.

• SBA lenders by state and city
• Documents to prepare

What SBA funds as grants

SBA says it does not offer general grants to start or expand a business. Its grant-related funding instead has specific purposes, including research and development, exporting and organizations that provide entrepreneurial support. SBA: grants and STEP directory. Last checked Oct 25, 2026.

• SBA grants and who receives them
• SBA loans vs grants

Questions about SBA funding

Official SBA help

SBA’s Lender Match is a free online tool for connecting small businesses with prospective lenders. SBA: Lender Match instructions (PDF). Last checked Oct 25, 2026.

SBA district offices and resource partners help with business planning and applications. The local-assistance directory includes Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers, with free or low-cost counseling and training. SBA: local assistance; SBA: 7(a) loans. Last checked Oct 25, 2026.

Each fact links to the official source checked on the date shown. Confirm the requirements and costs for your application with SBA or the participating lender.