SBA loans offer the lowest rates and longest terms available for small business financing. Gulfco shops your application across our lender network to find the best approval terms and rates — 9–11% typical, terms up to 25 years on real estate.
The SBA 7(a) loan program is the SBA's primary vehicle for providing financial assistance to small businesses. It is the most flexible program — funds can be used for real estate, equipment, working capital, debt refinancing, business acquisition, and more. The SBA does not lend directly — it guarantees a portion of your loan, reducing lender risk and enabling better terms for you.
For loans up to $350,000, the SBA streamlines the process with reduced documentation requirements. Application-only approval for many deals. FICO SBSS Score of 165+ required for direct approval (below 165 goes through additional screening — not automatically declined).
The SBA 504 program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets — commercial real estate and large equipment purchases. Structured as: 50% from a commercial lender, 40% from a Certified Development Company (CDC) backed by SBA, 10% borrower down payment. Best rates of any SBA program.
Buy the building your business operates from. Owner-occupancy of 51%+ required. Terms up to 25 years.
Build new or renovate existing commercial space. SBA financing covers construction costs and tenant improvements.
New or used equipment, vehicles, machinery, and technology. Terms based on useful life — up to 10 years.
Operating expenses, payroll, inventory, and seasonal cash flow needs. Terms up to 10 years.
Purchase an existing business or franchise. SBA lending for acquisitions often requires 10–30% equity injection.
Consolidate and refinance existing business debt at better rates if it provides a substantial benefit to the business.
| Feature | SBA 7(a) | SBA 504 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Loan Amount | $5 million | $5.5 million CDC portion; total project can exceed $5M |
| Down Payment Required | Varies — typically 10–20% | 10% from borrower (very low for commercial real estate) |
| Rate Type | Fixed or variable (prime-based) | Fixed rate on CDC portion; variable on bank portion |
| Maximum Term | 25 years (real estate); 10 years (other) | 25 years (real estate); 10 years (equipment) |
| Eligible Uses | Real estate, equipment, working capital, acquisition, refinance | Major fixed assets only — real estate and large equipment |
| Best For | Maximum flexibility across multiple uses | Lowest rate financing for real estate or large equipment |
| Speed | Faster — especially under $350K | Longer process — 2 lenders involved |
| Working Capital | Yes | No |
We shop your application across 250+ lender sources to get you the best rate and the fastest approval.