SBA Loans for Small Businesses
Government-guaranteed loans from $50,000 to $5 million with terms up to 25 years — for working capital, equipment, commercial real estate and business acquisitions. Northwood guides you through the full SBA process.
- ✓$50K–$5M loans
- ✓Terms up to 25 yrs
- ✓7(a) and 504 programs
- ✓Guided start to funding
SBA 7(a) — flexible business financing
The SBA 7(a) program is the most widely used SBA loan and the most versatile. Borrowers use 7(a) loans for working capital, equipment purchases, business acquisitions, partner buyouts, debt refinancing and owner-occupied real estate. Loan amounts go up to $5 million with terms up to 10 years for working capital and 25 years for real estate.
SBA 504 — real estate and large equipment
The SBA 504 program is purpose-built for long-term fixed assets — commercial real estate, large machinery and major facility improvements. Loans are structured as a partnership between a conventional lender, a Certified Development Company and the borrower, with low down payments and long fixed-rate terms.
Program highlights
- Loan amounts from $50,000 to $5,000,000
- Terms up to 25 years
- Working capital, equipment, real estate, acquisitions
- All industries and credit-qualified borrowers considered
- Northwood guides the application start to finish
Frequently asked questions
- What is an SBA loan?
- An SBA loan is a small business loan partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Because the SBA reduces lender risk, borrowers get access to larger amounts, longer terms and more favorable structures than most conventional loans. SBA loans can be used for working capital, equipment, real estate, refinancing existing debt and acquiring a business.
- What is the difference between SBA 7(a) and SBA 504?
- SBA 7(a) is the most flexible SBA program — used for working capital, equipment, business acquisition, partner buyouts and owner-occupied real estate, with loans up to $5 million. SBA 504 is designed specifically for long-term fixed assets like commercial real estate and heavy machinery, structured as a partnership between a bank, a Certified Development Company and the borrower.
- How long does SBA loan approval take?
- A typical SBA loan takes 30 to 90 days from application to funding, depending on loan size, documentation completeness and whether real estate is involved. Northwood preps your file to move as quickly as possible and keeps you informed at every step.
- What credit score do I need for an SBA loan?
- Most SBA lenders look for a personal FICO of at least 650, two years of business history, and demonstrated cash flow to service the debt. Stronger credit and longer tenure unlock the best structures and pricing.
- Can I use an SBA loan for working capital?
- Yes. SBA 7(a) loans are commonly used for working capital — to fund payroll during growth, build inventory, expand into new markets or refinance higher-cost short-term debt into a long-term amortizing loan.
Explore SBA financing options.
Talk to a Northwood SBA specialist. We'll prep your file and submit fast.
- ✓ $25K–$5M available
- ✓ Funded in 2–5 business days
- ✓ All credit profiles considered
- ✓ No upfront fees, no prepayment penalties