SBA Loans from $400,000 to $5 million to Grow or Expand Your Business

Balboa Capital is a top-rated business lender offering SBA loans nationwide.

Get funding to move your business forward.

There are several business growth capital options to consider for your company. These include collateral-free conventional loans from banks and credit unions and small business administration (SBA) loans issued by approved banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. These are highly sought-after because they have high borrowing amounts, low annual percentage rates (APRs), and longer repayment terms.

If you are looking to get funding for your business, you have come to the right place. Balboa Capital, a division of Ameris Bank, is a top-rated business lender that offers SBA 7(a) and 504 loans from $400,000 to $5 million. These are two of the most widely used Small Business Administration funding options.

SBA loans offered nationwide
Longer repayment terms
Lower down payments
Shorter turnaround times
One-on-one application assistance

Loans from a trusted lender.

Choosing a small business lender can be difficult because so many options are available. Some of the main things you want in a lender are experience, lending power, and reputation in the marketplace. You will feel confident knowing Balboa Capital has hundreds of verified five-star customer reviews online.

Our positive reputation results from our commitment to outstanding customer service at every step of the business funding process. When you apply for funding from Balboa Capital, your single point of contact will be a friendly, knowledgeable business development manager. This individual will be available easily by phone or email to answer your questions.

machine factory manager talking to a factor worker

Two SBA loan options to choose from.

Each Small Business Administration loan type has its own terms and conditions and qualification requirements. Therefore, becoming familiar with the options that will best meet your business needs is a good idea. However, if you are unsure which type to apply for, do not worry.

A Balboa Capital business development manager will gladly assist you by answering your questions and explaining the 7(a) and 504 programs in more detail. That way, you can make an informed decision for your business.

sba loans, small business administration loans

7(a) and 504 loans at-a-glance.

SBA 7(a) Loan

This loan is a good option for a small business, as defined by the Small Business Administration, that does business in the United States, operates for profit, and has conveyed a need for a loan that will be used for business purposes.

Loan Amounts

Maximum loan amount of $5 million

Maximum Repayment Terms

10 years for capital equipment
10 years for working capital
25 years for real estate acquisition

Permissible Uses

Starting a business or expanding an existing business
Business acquisitions
Purchase of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), machinery, supplies, or materials
Long-term working capital
Business debt refinancing

Rate Information

Variable and fixed interest rates are available
Variable interest rates can fluctuate based on a base rate, such as the current prime rate, which is publicly available
Fixed interest rates vary based on the loan amount and cannot exceed a specific percentage over the current prime rate

SBA 504 Loan

This loan is a good option for a small business in the United States that operates for profit, has a net worth of $15 million or less, and has an average net income of less than $5 million after taxes over the past two years.

Loan Amounts

Maximum loan amount of $5 million. Certain energy-efficient and manufacturing projects may qualify for up to $5.5 million.

Maximum Repayment Terms

10 and 25-year maturity terms

Permissible Uses

Long-term, fixed assets that “promote business growth and job creation” according to the SBA (e.g., machinery or large equipment)
Purchase of commercial real estate or land
Purchase of new facilities
Expansion of existing operations
Property improvements, including streets, utilities, parking lots, and landscaping

Rate Information

Fixed interest rates are available
Fixed interest rates for the entire loan term are tied to the current 5-year and 10-year United States Treasury rates, which are publicly available

SBA 7(a) Loan

Loan Amounts

Maximum loan amount of $5 million

Maximum Repayment Terms

10 years for capital equipment
10 years for working capital
25 years for real estate acquisition

Permissible Uses

Starting a business or expanding an existing business
Business acquisitions
Purchase of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), machinery, supplies, or materials
Long-term working capital
Business debt refinancing

Rate Information

Variable and fixed interest rates are available
Variable interest rates can fluctuate based on a base rate, such as the current prime rate, which is publicly available
Fixed interest rates vary based on the loan amount and cannot exceed a specific percentage over the current prime rate

SBA 504 Loan

Loan Amounts

Maximum loan amount of $5 million. Certain energy-efficient and manufacturing projects may qualify for up to $5.5 million.

Maximum Repayment Terms

10 and 25-year maturity terms

Permissible Uses

Long-term, fixed assets that “promote business growth and job creation” according to the SBA (e.g., machinery or large equipment)
Purchase of commercial real estate or land
Purchase of new facilities
Expansion of existing operations
Property improvements, including streets, utilities, parking lots, and landscaping

Rate Information

Fixed interest rates are available
Fixed interest rates for the entire loan term are tied to the current 5-year and 10-year United States Treasury rates, which are publicly available

Primary qualification requirements.

For-profit business physically based in the United States

Falls under the SBA definition of a small business

Good personal credit and business credit

Please note that these are just a few of the eligibility requirements. Balboa Capital determines eligibility based on other criteria, including the type of business, years in operation, and financial situation. We will provide you with a complete list of eligibility requirements.

How the process works.

There are quite a few steps involved in the process, and your Balboa Capital business development manager will remain in close communication to keep you up-to-date. If your application is approved and you decide to move forward, Balboa Capital will finalize everything, and your funds will be disbursed.

You will then make payments based on the schedule outlined in your loan agreement. Your payment will depend on the loan type, length, and interest rate applicable when the application is approved and the necessary documentation is finalized.

two restaurant owners smiling in the dining room

Frequently asked questions about Small Business Administration loans.

What is an SBA loan?

This government-backed business loan is designed to help businesses in the United States start, grow, and expand. The Small Business Administration does not provide the funding. Instead, it works with approved banks and financial institutions that issue the funding. Different programs are available based on the company’s particular needs. These are often used to start a new business, expand an existing one, or purchase capital equipment, machinery, and other goods needed for their business operations.

How can I qualify for an SBA loan?

Your business must meet the Small Business Administration and Balboa Capital eligibility requirements to qualify. For example, your business needs to operate for profit in an eligible industry, have strong financials, and be physically located in the United States. In addition, your credit score, time in business, and company size will also play a part in the qualification process. A Balboa Capital business development manager will discuss the complete list of qualifications with you.

How do I apply?

The application process can seem overwhelming because it requires a lot of time and documentation. The good news? We will assist you throughout the process so you can complete your application package promptly and focus on what’s most important: running your business. A Balboa Capital business development manager will provide you with one-on-one application assistance. This individual will provide you with a checklist of necessary documents and forms, ensure that everything is filled out correctly, and answer any questions you have.

Do I need to personally guarantee the loan?

Anyone who owns 20% or more of the business applying must sign a personal guarantee. A signed personal guarantee gives Balboa Capital the authority to seize personal assets if the business defaults on the loan and the business’s assets cannot cover the loan payments.

What is the timeline?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” timeline for SBA loans because some requests are larger and more complicated than others, and every business’s situation is unique. The timeline also depends on how soon you are able to provide the necessary documents for your loan package. That being said, most requests take close to 90 days to complete.

Why should I choose Balboa Capital?

Balboa Capital is a division of Ameris Bank, a financial institution headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that is an SBA Preferred Lender. Balboa Capital has hundreds of verified five-star customer reviews online.

question marks against blue background, faq page

Resources for small business owners.

What is EBITDA?
EBITDA measures your business’s overall financial performance.

What is the Small Business Administration?
History, insights, information, and much more.

Return on assets (ROA) guide
Learn how to calculate ROA, interpret the results, and improve your score.