What credit score do I need for an SBA loan?

Most SBA 7(a) lenders require a minimum FICO score of 650. The SBA 504 program generally requires 680+. SBA microloans through nonprofit intermediaries often accept scores as low as 580-600. Your personal credit score is the most important factor when the business is young.

How long does my business need to be open to qualify for an SBA loan?

There's no minimum time in business required by the SBA — startups are technically eligible. However, most commercial 7(a) lenders want 2+ years of business tax returns. Startups use SBA microloans, SCORE counseling, and nonprofit lenders who specialize in early-stage businesses.

What businesses are NOT eligible for SBA loans?

The SBA's ineligibility list includes: nonprofits, passive real estate investment (rental properties, REITs), businesses primarily earning from gambling, businesses involved in illegal activities, financial businesses that are primarily lenders, life insurance companies, and businesses located outside the US. Real estate investors are commonly surprised to find rental income is not SBA-eligible.

What is the SBSS score and do I need to know it?

The Small Business Borrower Score (SBSS) is a proprietary score used by SBA lenders for 7(a) loans under $500,000. It ranges 0-300; 165+ is the SBA minimum to skip full underwriting review. It's calculated automatically from your personal credit, business credit (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business), and financial statements. You can't directly check it, but improving your personal credit and building business credit (Dun & Bradstreet PAYDEX) helps.

How much can I borrow with an SBA loan?

SBA 7(a) loans go up to $5 million. SBA 504 loans go up to $5.5 million (sometimes higher for manufacturers and energy projects). SBA microloans max out at $50,000. The amount you actually qualify for depends on your business's cash flow — lenders require a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of at least 1.25x, meaning your business income must exceed loan payments by 25%.

SBA Loan Eligibility Checker — Do I Qualify? (Free 2026 Tool)

Answer 6 questions. Find out if you qualify for an SBA 7(a), 504, or Microloan. Free — no email required.

No signup No tracking Last updated March 2026 Open Methodology →

SBA loans require a 650+ FICO score (580+ for microloans), a for-profit US business, and revenue below your industry's size standard. The checker below tells you which SBA programs fit your profile and flags any issues before you apply.

Check Your SBA Loan Eligibility

Personal Credit Score (FICO)

Check free at Credit Karma or your bank's app

Years in Business

Enter 0 for a startup, 0.5 for 6 months

Annual Business Revenue ($)

Last 12 months or projected for startups

Number of Employees

Include yourself if you're an owner-operator

Industry

My business is for-profit (not a nonprofit) I am a US citizen or lawful permanent resident

Three SBA Loan Programs

SBA 7(a) Loan

Up to $5 million

Most flexible SBA loan. Covers working capital, equipment, real estate, business acquisition.

Terms

Up to 25 years (real estate), 10 years (equipment/working capital)

Down Payment

10–20%

Min. Credit

650+ FICO

Best For

Most small businesses — startups and established

SBA 504 Loan

Up to $5.5 million

For major fixed assets: commercial real estate and large equipment. Lowest long-term rates.

Terms

10, 20, or 25 years (fixed rate)

Down Payment

10%

Min. Credit

680+ FICO

Best For

Buying or building commercial property, major equipment

SBA Microloan

Up to $50,000

For early-stage and startup businesses. Disbursed through nonprofit intermediaries.

Terms

Up to 6 years

Down Payment

Varies by intermediary

Min. Credit

580+ FICO

Best For

Startups, businesses with limited credit history

Universal SBA Eligibility Requirements

For-profit business

Nonprofits, foundations, and religious organizations are excluded entirely.

Operate in the US

Must be doing business in the US or its territories. Foreign business operations don't qualify.

US citizen or LPR

As of March 2026, majority owner must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Meet SBA size standards

Revenue under $8M–$47M (varies by industry) or under 500–1,500 employees for manufacturers.

Owner equity required

You can't be 100% debt-financed. Lenders need to see owner skin in the game.

Not in excluded industries

Gambling, passive real estate, illegal activities, financial lenders, and life insurance companies are excluded.

Eligibility by Industry

Every industry has a specific SBA size standard. Click yours to see the requirements and typical loan amounts.

Restaurant

$50K–$500K typical

Retail Store

$25K–$350K typical

Technology Company

$100K–$2M typical

Healthcare Practice

$100K–$5M typical

Construction Company

$100K–$2M typical

Manufacturing Company

$200K–$5M typical

Professional Services Firm

$75K–$1M typical

Food Truck

$15K–$150K typical

Bakery

$25K–$350K typical

Hair Salon / Beauty Business

$20K–$200K typical

Gym / Fitness Studio

$50K–$500K typical

E-Commerce Business

$25K–$500K typical

Childcare / Daycare Center

$50K–$750K typical

Auto Repair Shop

$50K–$750K typical

Cleaning Business

$10K–$150K typical

Consulting Firm

$50K–$750K typical

Bar or Brewery

$75K–$1.5M typical

Agricultural Business

$50K–$2M typical

Transportation / Trucking Company

$100K–$2M typical

Real Estate Business

$100K–$2M typical

review

Eligibility by State

Find your state's SBA district office, average loan amounts, and local lender resources.

Tools to Prepare Your SBA Loan Application for Your small business

Lenders ask for organized books and accurate financials. These tools help you show up prepared.

QuickBooks Accounting

SBA lenders want 2–3 years of organized P&L statements and balance sheets. QuickBooks generates them in minutes.

ZenBusiness Formation

Your business must be properly registered before SBA loan closing. LLC formation from $0 + state fees.

Gusto Payroll

Clean payroll records and tax filings are part of SBA due diligence. Gusto makes payroll documentation airtight.

Some links may be affiliate links. CostCrunch may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Get the SBA loan prep checklist

We'll send you a printable document checklist: everything an SBA lender will ask for, organized by loan type.

Estimates only. These results are based on publicly available data and standard formulas. Actual costs may vary based on your specific circumstances. This calculator does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice on your situation.

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