SBA Loans: Know Where They Fit Before You Apply

Find out where SBA fits in your plan, and get connected with SBA lending partners when it makes sense.

See What You Qualify For A few quick questions (no credit pull), then book a free 15-minute call

At a Glance

Typical amounts: Set by the SBA lender based on the business's cash flow and the deal
Credit needed: 700+ on all three bureaus gets the strongest results
Time to fund: Often 60–90 days or more, given the paperwork and underwriting
Our role: We map SBA alongside your other options and refer you to SBA lending partners when it fits
Our fee: No upfront fee. If we help you secure funding, our fee is a percentage of it, and we go over exact terms on your call.

Fully Funded is not a lender and is not affiliated with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Who It Fits

700+ credit score
No late payments, collections, or charge-offs
5+ accounts on your credit report
An established business with revenue history, or a startup or purchase with a solid plan
An equity injection on startups and acquisitions (around 10% is common on a full change of ownership)
Relevant industry or management experience

Who This Is For

This page is for you if you:

Run an established business with revenue history and want capital for growth, equipment, or real estate
Are buying a business or a franchise and need to understand how SBA fits with the cash you'll bring
Have been turned down for SBA, or don't know if you'd qualify, and want an honest second opinion
Want to compare SBA side by side with lines of credit, HELOCs, and credit-based funding

How It Works

How SBA Loans Work

The SBA doesn't usually lend the money itself. Banks, credit unions, and other approved lenders make the loan, and the SBA guarantees a portion of it. That guarantee lets lenders offer longer terms and lower down payments than they would on a conventional loan. In exchange, there's more paperwork and the lender has to follow SBA rules on top of its own.

Underwriting looks at the business's cash flow, your personal credit, your experience, and how much of your own money is going in. For startups and business purchases, lenders usually want an equity injection from you. On a full change of ownership, around 10% is common, and the lender decides what counts toward it.

Your Options

The Main SBA Loan Types

There are several SBA programs. These are the ones that come up most with our clients.

SBA 7(a)

The most common program, with amounts up to $5 million. It's used for working capital, equipment, refinancing, and buying a business or franchise. Long terms make the payments manageable.

SBA 504

Built for major fixed assets like owner-occupied real estate and large equipment. It's structured with a bank and a Certified Development Company, and it's usually not a fit for working capital.

SBA microloans

Smaller loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediaries. Useful for very early-stage businesses, and they often come with business coaching.

When SBA isn't the right move

If you need money quickly, have little or no revenue, or your profile isn't SBA-ready, 0% business cards, personal loans, or a HELOC may get you moving sooner.

Qualifications

What SBA Lenders Typically Look For

Every lender adds its own requirements on top of the SBA's. In general, the strongest applicants have:

Strong personal credit, with a 700+ score putting you in the best position
No late payments, collections, or charge-offs, and at least 5 accounts on your credit report
Business cash flow that supports the payment, or a credible plan and projections for a startup or purchase
An equity injection from you on startups and acquisitions
Relevant industry or management experience
Organized paperwork: tax returns, financial statements, a debt schedule, and a business plan

If you're not there yet, we'll tell you, and we'll show you which options fit your profile today.

The Process

How We Help

Answer a few questions

Tell us what you're funding, your revenue and time in business, and your credit. No credit pull.

Strategy call

On a free 15-minute call, we look at whether SBA makes sense now, later, or not at all for your goal.

Your funding map

We lay out SBA next to your other options, including what each could cover, how long each takes, and the order that makes sense.

Referral and follow-through

When SBA fits, we refer you to an SBA lending partner and help you line up any other funding in the plan.

FAQ

SBA Loan Questions

Do you make SBA loans?

No. We're a consulting service, not a lender, and we're not affiliated with the SBA.

How long does an SBA loan take?

Longer than most credit-based funding. Between gathering documents, underwriting, and closing, it often takes 60 to 90 days or more.

Can I get an SBA loan for a startup?

It's possible, but harder. Lenders want a strong business plan, relevant experience, good personal credit, and usually a meaningful equity injection.

How much do I need to put down?

It depends on the loan and the lender. For business purchases with a full change of ownership, around 10% from the buyer is common.

I was declined for an SBA loan. What now?

Find out why. It's often cash flow, credit, collateral, or paperwork.

How do you get paid?

Our fee is a percentage of the funding we help you secure. There's no upfront fee, and we walk through the exact terms on the call before you commit to anything.

Will checking my options hurt my credit?

No. The pre-qualify questions are self-reported, so there's no credit pull to see your options.

Other Ways We Help

Explore Other Funding Options

Find Out Where SBA Fits for You

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