Small Business Loans
SBA Loans
Loans partly guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The guarantee lets lenders offer longer terms and lower down payments than most conventional loans.
All loan programsTwo main programs
| SBA 7(a) | SBA 504 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum | $5 million | $5.5 million SBA portion |
| Best for | Flexible needs: property, equipment, working capital, buying a business, refinancing | Fixed assets: buildings, land, construction, long-life equipment |
| Terms | Up to 25 years for real estate; generally up to 10 years otherwise | 10, 20, or 25 years |
| Not for | Passive investment property | Working capital, inventory, investment rental property |
How a 504 is structured
A 504 loan has three pieces. A bank or other lender typically finances 50% of the project with a first lien. A Certified Development Company (CDC) finances up to 40% with an SBA-backed debenture in second position, at a fixed rate tied to 10-year Treasuries. You put in at least 10%.
Businesses operating less than two years, or projects involving special-purpose property, generally put in 15% instead.
Who qualifies
- A for-profit business operating in the U.S.
- Within the SBA’s size standards for your industry
- Able to show the business can repay from its cash flow
- For real estate, the business occupies the space: at least 51% of an existing building, or 60% of new construction
What to have ready
- Three years of business and personal tax returns
- Year-to-date profit and loss and balance sheet
- Personal financial statement for each owner of 20% or more
- Purchase contract, project costs, or a summary of what the funds are for
SBA program limits and rules are from sba.gov and SBA SOP 50 10 8, current as of 2026, and can change. This page is general information, not a commitment to lend. Every loan is subject to underwriting and approval, and actual terms depend on the property, the business, and the borrower. Adelante Group is a loan broker, not a lender; loans are made by our lending partners.