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SBA Loan Prequalification

Most first-time buyers finance acquisitions with an SBA 7(a) loan, typically around 10% down on businesses up to $5M. Answer a few questions to see how much you could borrow, what you can afford, and whether you're likely to prequalify. It's free, and nothing here affects your credit.

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SBA 7(a) Prequalification

See how much you could borrow and what you can afford, in about a minute.

Free

SBA lenders typically look for 680+, though some approve lower with strong cash flow.

$100,000
$20K$1M

Liquid cash you can inject. SBA 7(a) acquisitions generally require a ~10% equity injection.

$500,000
$50K$5M

The size of business you're targeting. SBA 7(a) caps at a $5M loan.

You could prequalify to borrow up to
$900,000
with ~10% down, a business up to $1,000,000
Likely prequalifiedYou meet the core criteria SBA lenders look for on an acquisition of this size.
Max business price
$1,000,000
with your down payment
Loan on target
$450,000
~90% of target price
Down payment
$50,000
~10% equity injection
Est. payment
$6,199/mo
~11% · 10-yr term
U.S. citizen or permanent resident, which meets the SBA eligibility basics.
Credit is in the range most SBA lenders look for (680+).
Your cash covers the ~10% equity injection on a $500,000 purchase.
Direct industry experience strengthens your application.
Browse SBA pre-approved listings

Estimate only, not a commitment to lend or a credit decision, and nothing here affects your credit. Final terms come from an SBA Preferred Lender after underwriting.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does this affect my credit?

No. It runs no credit check and sends nothing to lenders. It is a self-assessment built from the numbers you enter.

Is this a loan offer or an application?

No. It is an educational estimate of what you could likely borrow. Only an SBA lender can actually prequalify you; use this to walk into that conversation prepared.

How much do I need to put down?

Under the SBA rules effective June 1, 2025, a business acquisition needs at least a 10 percent equity injection. A seller note can count toward it only if it is on full standby for the life of the loan. Our SBA 7(a) guide walks through the rules.

How big can an SBA 7(a) loan be?

The program maximum is $5 million, and acquisition loans commonly run 10 year terms.