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SBA Lending, Decoded

Everything I wish someone had told me before I started looking for an SBA loan. No forms to fill out, no phone number required.

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The 7(a) Loan — What It Is, Who Gets One, and What It Costs

The SBA's most popular loan program. Who qualifies, how much you can borrow, what the rates look like, and what the application actually involves.

01

The Basics

How SBA loans work, what they cost, and what you need to qualify.

1

504 vs. 7(a) — Which One Fits Your Deal

Two programs, different purposes. A side-by-side breakdown so you can figure out which one makes sense for what you're trying to do.

2

Down Payments — How Much You Actually Need

Equity injection requirements for 7(a) and 504 loans, what counts as a down payment, and what real deal data shows about how much people actually put down.

3

SBA Rates — How Pricing Works and How to Shop

Prime + spread, SBA rate caps, variable vs. fixed — how SBA loan pricing actually works, and how to use lender data to find a competitive rate.

02

Finding the Right Lender

Not all lenders are the same. Here's how to pick the right one for your deal.

1

Broker vs. DIY — Is a Loan Broker Worth Five Figures?

Brokers charge $10K–$30K at closing. Sometimes that's worth it. Sometimes you're just paying for someone's rolodex. Here's how to know the difference.

2

Picking the Right Lender (It Matters More Than You Think)

Deal type experience, geographic focus, pricing patterns, responsiveness — the factors that actually matter when you're choosing who to work with.

3

PLP Lenders — Why They Close Faster and How to Find Them

Preferred Lender Program (PLP) banks can approve your loan without waiting on the SBA. What that means for your timeline, and which lenders have the designation.

03

Your Specific Deal

Guides for the situation you're actually in.

1

Buying a Business with an SBA Loan

How acquisition financing works through the SBA — what you can borrow, what lenders want to see, and how to find one that actually does these deals.

2

How Long SBA Loans Actually Take

Realistic timelines for 7(a) and 504 loans. What affects timing, why PLP lenders close faster, and the most common causes of delays.

3

Franchise Financing Through the SBA

Franchises are strong SBA candidates — lenders love the proven model. SBA Franchise Directory, franchise-specific requirements, and which lenders do the most franchise deals.