SBA Loans

SBA 7(a) is the most versatile SBA program — used for working capital, equipment, refinancing, business acquisition, and real estate up to $5 million. SBA 504 is specifically for major fixed assets (commercial real estate and large equipment) and offers a 10/40/50 structure (10% borrower down, 40% CDC second mortgage, 50% bank first mortgage) with longer fixed-rate terms.

Standard SBA 7(a) loans typically take 30–90 days from application to funding. SBA Express loans (up to $500,000) can fund in 30–45 days. SBA 504 loans take 60–90 days due to the two-lender structure. Working with an SBA Preferred Lender like the ones in Brobas's network often shortens timelines significantly because they have delegated authority to approve loans without sending them to the SBA for review.

To qualify, your business must: (1) operate for profit in the US, (2) meet SBA size standards (varies by industry, generally under 500 employees), (3) demonstrate ability to repay, (4) have reasonable owner equity invested, (5) have exhausted other financing options, and (6) have no delinquencies on existing federal debt. Most lenders also require a personal credit score of 650+, 2+ years in business, and personal guarantees from owners with 20%+ stake.

Standard SBA documentation includes: business and personal tax returns (last 3 years), year-to-date profit & loss statement, balance sheet, business debt schedule, personal financial statement (SBA Form 413), business plan (for newer businesses), purchase agreements (if buying a business or equipment), and lease agreements. SBA 504 loans additionally require a real estate appraisal and environmental review.

SBA 7(a) proceeds are highly flexible: working capital, inventory, equipment purchases, real estate (purchase, construction, or improvement), business acquisition, debt refinancing, and partner buyouts. SBA 504 is restricted to fixed assets — typically commercial real estate purchase/construction or major equipment with a 10+ year useful life. Neither program can be used for passive investments, lending, or speculation.

SBA 7(a) rates are pegged to the prime rate plus a spread set by the lender (capped by the SBA). SBA 504 rates are based on 10-year Treasury notes plus a small spread, typically resulting in fixed rates that are competitive vs. conventional commercial loans. We don't quote specific rates publicly — your actual rate depends on credit, collateral, loan size, and lender. We shop your deal across SBA Preferred Lenders to secure the best terms available.

SBA loans typically require a personal credit score of at least 650, though some lenders work with 600+ for strong businesses. If your score is below 650, focus on SBA Microloans (up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediaries with more flexible criteria) or improve your credit before applying. Brobas can also match you with non-SBA equipment financing or working capital products that have more flexible credit requirements.

SBA 7(a) loans go up to $5 million. SBA Express loans cap at $500,000. SBA 504 loans typically fund up to $5.5 million in CDC debenture (with no cap on the bank portion, allowing total project sizes of $20+ million). SBA Microloans go up to $50,000. The actual amount you qualify for depends on cash flow, collateral, owner equity, and business performance.

No — our prequalification process is a soft credit pull only. It doesn't impact your credit score. Hard pulls only happen after you accept a specific lender's offer.

Not for prequalification — you can apply with your personal info. But for funding to close, business formation (LLC, Corp, or sole prop) must be in place, and trucking applicants need active MC + DOT numbers before funds disburse.

If your profile doesn't fit SBA criteria today, we'll explain why and recommend specific steps — credit improvement, business-building, owner equity — so you can come back when ready. We may also be able to match you with conventional equipment financing or working capital products in the meantime.