Free · 60 seconds · No credit impact
Do You Qualify for an SBA Loan?
Answer 5 quick questions to see which SBA programs may fit your business — 7(a), 504, Express, or Microloan — and get matched with lenders who are actively funding businesses like yours.
Check your eligibility
Your answers stay in your browser. No account, no email required to see results.
Buying a business with SBA financing? SOP 50 10 8.1 took effect October 1, 2026 and raised the DSCR floor for acquisitions to 1.25x — and lenders can no longer count post-closing projections. See what changed →
How the SBA evaluates your business
Lenders underwriting SBA-guaranteed loans weigh four factors above all else. This checker uses the same logic to give you a fast, honest read on where you stand.
- Operating history — Most SBA lenders want 2+ years in business. Newer businesses often start with Microloans.
- Revenue and cash flow — Consistent, documented revenue shows you can repay. $100k+ annual revenue is the typical comfort zone.
- Credit profile — 640 is the usual minimum for SBA 7(a); 680+ unlocks better rates and SBA Express.
- Use of funds & size — Working capital, equipment, real estate, and refinancing all qualify. Most businesses under 500 employees meet SBA size standards.
How to improve your approval odds
- Raise your credit score above 680 before applying — it directly improves both approval odds and rates.
- Document 2+ years of operating history with clean tax returns and bank statements.
- Build a revenue track record: consistent monthly deposits matter more than one big month.
- Start with a smaller Microloan to establish a repayment history, then scale up to 7(a).
- Have a clear use of funds — lenders fund specific plans, not vague "business expenses".
SBA 7(a) vs 504 vs Microloan — which fits you?
| Program | Amount | Best for | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Up to $5M | Working capital, equipment, refinancing, expansion | 2+ years operating, 640+ credit, $100k+ revenue |
| SBA Express | Up to $500k | Fast turnaround on general business needs | 2+ years operating, 680+ credit |
| SBA 504 | Up to $5M | Real estate and major equipment | 2+ years operating, 660+ credit, $250k+ revenue |
| SBA Microloan | Up to $50k | Startups, small needs, building credit | 600+ credit, less strict history |
The gap between programs is three orders of magnitude. A microloan caps at $50k while 7(a) reaches $5M — which program you apply to matters far more than the interest rate you negotiate. Note that Express also caps at $500k, so businesses needing more than that should look at full 7(a).
Not sure which path fits? Run the checker above or see the FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum credit score for an SBA loan?
Most SBA lenders look for a credit score of 640 or higher, with 680+ preferred for the best terms. SBA Microloans may work with scores around 600 or higher.
How long do you need to be in business to get an SBA loan?
SBA 7(a) and 504 lenders typically want at least 2 years of operating history. Newer businesses can explore SBA Microloans, which are friendlier to startups.
How much revenue do I need for an SBA 7(a) loan?
There is no official minimum, but most lenders prefer at least $100,000 in annual revenue and want to see consistent, documented cash flow.
Will checking my SBA loan eligibility hurt my credit score?
No. This tool uses information you enter yourself. Pre-qualification through most lenders uses a soft credit pull, which does not affect your score.
What can SBA loans be used for?
SBA 7(a) loans cover working capital, equipment, real estate, and refinancing existing debt. SBA 504 loans target real estate and major equipment, and Microloans cover smaller startup and growth needs.
What is the difference between SBA 7(a), 504, and microloans?
SBA 7(a) is the most common program for general business purposes up to $5M. SBA 504 provides long-term financing for real estate and heavy equipment. Microloans go up to $50,000 through nonprofit lenders and are easier for startups and smaller credit profiles.
Small business loan guides
Understand SBA loan requirements, timelines, and alternatives before you apply.
SBA 7(a) Loan Requirements in 2026
Credit score expectations, time in business, revenue, down payment, and the document checklist lenders actually ask for.
Read the guide →How Long Does an SBA Loan Take?
Realistic timelines for 7(a), Express, 504, and Microloans — and how to avoid the delays that stretch the process to months.
Read the guide →SBA Loan vs. Bank Loan
Side-by-side comparison of credit, cost, speed, and terms — and a simple framework for choosing the right one.
Read the guide →SBA Loan Limits in 2026
Maximum amounts for every programme — including the July 2026 change that doubled the combined 7(a) + 504 ceiling to $10M.
Read the guide →SBA Loan Interest Rates
Prime plus spread, fee tiers by loan size, and what a real $100k loan costs over ten years.
Read the guide →SBA Application Checklist
Every document lenders ask for, in the order they ask — plus the three numbers that decide approval.
Read the guide →SBA Loans for Startups
What startups can actually get, which programme fits your business age, and the alternatives worth comparing.
Read the guide →What Changed in SOP 50 10 8.1 (Oct 2026)
The new underwriting manual: acquisition DSCR rises to 1.25x, projections no longer count, and a Quality of Earnings report is required at $3M+.
Read the guide →SBA True APR Calculator
Add the SBA guarantee fee and lender fees to your quote — most calculators omit these and understate the real cost by up to 1.5%.
Open the tool →SBA DSCR Calculator
Your debt service coverage decides your loan size before credit does. Includes the new 1.25x acquisition threshold.
Open the tool →SBA 504 Loan Requirements
The 50/40/10 capital stack, the job creation rule, and why 504 beats 7(a) for real estate.
Read the guide →SBA 7(a) vs 504
Rates, terms and use of funds side by side — and why forcing the wrong programme gets a deal declined.
Read the guide →