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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION LOANS
SBA LOANS
Growing a small business takes more than access to capital—it takes the right financial partner. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans1 are designed to support growth with longer terms, higher leverage and structured financing. At FirstBank, we help you understand those options clearly, so financing fits into the bigger picture of your business, not just the moment you’re in.
Why consider an SBA Loan with FirstBank
Our SBA lending approach is built around conversation, not transactions. We combine local decision making with deep SBA expertise to provide clear guidance from application through closing.
What that means for you:
- Longer repayment terms to support cash flow stability
- Higher leverage with lower upfront equity requirements
- Financing structured around business goals, not just collateral
- Dedicated SBA specialists who know your business, not just your loan
- Clear communication around documentation, timelines and costs
- Responsible lending focused on long-term success
Ready to explore SBA financing?
Start a conversation with a FirstBank SBA specialist about your next steps and learn how SBA financing may support your business goals.
SBA 7(a) Loan
Best for: Business acquisitions, partner buyouts, owner-occupied commercial real estate, business expansion and strategic growth.
The SBA 7(a) loan is the SBA’s most flexible financing program, designed to help established businesses acquire companies, purchase or expand facilities, finance equipment and execute ownership transitions while preserving liquidity and minimizing upfront equity requirements.
Key benefits include:
- Up to 90% financing or more in certain eligible structures
- Loan amounts up to $5 million
- Higher leverage than many conventional financing options
- Finance business acquisitions, partner buyouts and ownership transitions
- Purchase, construct or renovate owner-occupied commercial real estate
- Finance equipment and other long-term business assets
- Refinance eligible business debt in qualifying situations
- Fully amortizing loans with no balloon payments
- Repayment terms of up to 10 years for acquisitions and equipment and up to 25 years for owner-occupied commercial real estate
- Dedicated SBA specialists providing guidance from application through closing
Primary uses include:
- Business acquisitions
- Partner buyouts and ownership transitions
- Owner-occupied commercial real estate purchases
- Commercial real estate construction and renovations
- Equipment purchases
- Business expansion
- Eligible business debt refinance
- Limited working capital when included as part of a larger SBA financing transaction
SBA 504 Loan
Best for: Businesses investing in owner‑occupied commercial real estate or large equipment.
The SBA 504 Loan Program is designed to help growing businesses finance the acquisition, construction, expansion, or renovation of owner-occupied commercial real estate and the purchase of major fixed equipment.
Key benefits include:
- Low down payment, typically around 10%
- Long-term fixed-rate financing
- Combined project financing up to $15 million
- Eligible uses include owner‑occupied commercial real estate, ground‑up construction or facility expansion and large equipment purchases
- Long repayment terms, often 10–25 years
- Predictable payments on long‑term portions of the loan
- Supports job creation, expansion and long‑term community investment
Primary uses include:
- Owner-occupied real estate purchase or construction
- Expansion projects
- Large equipment financing
- Long-term payment stability
SBA Loan FAQs
An SBA 7(a) loan provides flexible, multi purpose financing for acquisitions, working capital and refinancing. An SBA 504 loan is designed for owner-occupied real estate and major equipment with long-term repayment structures.
SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, but approval is not guaranteed. All loans are subject to SBA eligibility requirements and lender underwriting.
Eligibility depends on business size, financial performance, credit profile and how funds will be used. SBA loans are designed for qualified small businesses that may not meet conventional financing requirements alone.
Conventional loans don’t always offer the flexibility or repayment structure required for small businesses to grow, acquire property, transition ownership or invest in long-term assets. SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, which allows SBA lenders like FirstBank to provide financing with longer terms and higher leverage for qualified borrowers.
At FirstBank, we prioritize local relationships and local decision-making. Our experienced bankers live and work in the communities we serve, bringing firsthand market knowledge to every loan decision. Our SBA specialists simplify the lending process and guide borrowers through complex requirements. We focus on helping established businesses grow through acquisitions, expansions, partner transitions and real estate purchases—building long-term relationships every step of the way.
Let’s Talk About What’s Next
Every business has a different story. We’d love to learn yours.
Connect with FirstBank’s SBA Lending Team to discuss your goals and explore financing solutions designed to help your business grow. Contact us today!
1SBA loans are subject to SBA eligibility, credit approval, and program guidelines
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