SBA Loan Eligibility for Bar or Brewerys — Do I Qualify? (2026)
Bar or Brewery SBA loan eligibility: 200 employees for bars; 1,250 employees for breweries size standard, $75K–$1.5M typical loan, SBA 7(a) recommended.
Bars and breweries are SBA-eligible and common borrowers — the SBA's ineligibility rules have never restricted alcohol businesses. What you need: your liquor license application in process, equipment that serves as collateral, and a site with a solid lease or real estate. Craft breweries doing $500K+ in taproom revenue have excellent SBA loan options, especially 504 loans for equipment and real estate.
SBA Size Standard
200 employees for bars; 1,250 employees for breweries
employee-based
Typical Loan Amount
$75K–$1.5M
Based on SBA 2023–2024 data
Best Loan Type
SBA 7(a)
Covers bar buildout, draft systems, POS, and working capital for the critical first 6 months before a liquor license is fully operational
Credit note: Bar and brewery lenders want 650+ FICO. For brewery equipment loans, the fermentation equipment itself is strong collateral. For a new bar, personal financial strength compensates for the lack of hard assets.
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Answer 6 questions. See if your specific profile qualifies.
Check Bar or Brewery SBA EligibilityAvailable Loan Programs
SBA 7(a)
Up to $5 millionMost flexible SBA loan. Covers working capital, equipment, real estate, and business acquisitions.
Terms
Up to 25 years
Down payment
10–20%
Min. credit
650+ FICO
✓ Recommended for Bars and Breweries
SBA 504
Up to $5.5 millionLowest long-term rates for fixed assets: commercial real estate and major equipment.
Terms
10, 20, or 25 years (fixed)
Down payment
10%
Min. credit
680+ FICO
What Bars and Breweries Use SBA Loans For
- Bar buildout and fixtures
- Draft beer system and refrigeration
- Brewing equipment (fermenters, glycol systems)
- Canning or bottling line
- Working capital for liquor license processing period
Industry-Specific Considerations
- Liquor license is required — SBA requires you to have a license or be in active application before most lenders will close
- SBA doesn't restrict alcohol businesses — the ineligibility list applies to illegal activities, not alcohol
- Brewery equipment (fermenters, brite tanks, canning lines) is strong collateral with active resale markets
- Taproom buildout costs are significant — $200K–$600K for a mid-size brewery taproom is typical
Common Questions
Is a bar or brewery eligible for SBA loans? I heard alcohol businesses are excluded.
This is a common misconception. Alcohol businesses are NOT on the SBA's ineligibility list. The SBA doesn't fund illegal activities — and selling alcohol with a license is completely legal. Bars, breweries, wineries, and distilleries are all eligible. You'll need your state and local liquor license (or active application) before closing.
Can I use an SBA 504 loan to buy brewery equipment?
Yes, and it's a popular choice. SBA 504 loans are designed for major fixed assets: real estate and large equipment. For a brewery, this means fermenters, brite tanks, canning lines, and cold storage. The 504 requires a 10% down payment, uses a Certified Development Company (CDC) intermediary, and offers below-market fixed rates on 10- or 25-year terms.
How long does it take to get an SBA loan for a bar?
Standard 7(a) loans take 30–90 days from application to close. The liquor license process in your state often takes longer — 60–180 days depending on jurisdiction. Most lenders will start your loan process concurrent with the liquor license application, but you won't close the loan until the license is approved or imminent. Plan your lease start and loan closing timeline around your state's actual licensing timeline.
NAICS Codes for Bar or Brewery
Drinking places (alcoholic beverages) and breweries
Codes: 722410, 312120
Check Other Industries
Restaurant
$50K–$500K typical
Retail Store
$25K–$350K typical
Technology Company
$100K–$2M typical
Healthcare Practice
$100K–$5M typical
Need to Know Your Startup Costs First?
Before applying for an SBA loan, you need to know how much to borrow. Use our startup cost estimator to get a real number.
Estimate Bar or Brewery Startup CostsTools to Prepare Your SBA Loan Application for Your bar or brewery business
Lenders ask for organized books and accurate financials. These tools help you show up prepared.
SBA lenders want 2–3 years of organized P&L statements and balance sheets. QuickBooks generates them in minutes.
Your business must be properly registered before SBA loan closing. LLC formation from $0 + state fees.
Clean payroll records and tax filings are part of SBA due diligence. Gusto makes payroll documentation airtight.
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