Free Tool
SBA loan eligibility checker
Answer four questions to see whether an SBA 504 or 7(a) loan fits — and what to ask a lender.
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SBA 504
- You're a for-profit U.S. business that will occupy the property.
- You'll occupy 51%+ of the building, which meets the SBA owner-occupancy rule.
- You're financing owner-occupied real estate — a fixed asset the SBA 504 program is built for (long-term, fixed-rate financing, structured roughly 50% bank / 40% CDC / 10% down).
- The SBA/CDC 504 portion typically caps around $5.5M, though the total project can be larger. SBA 7(a) is also an option worth comparing.
This is a general guide, not a determination. The SBA and the lender make the final eligibility decision — confirm with an SBA-preferred lender.
SBA 504 vs SBA 7(a)
Both programs are backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and both require a for-profit U.S. business that occupiesthe property — passive or investment real estate doesn't qualify. The difference is what the money is for.
SBA 504
Built for fixed assets — owner-occupied real estate and long-life equipment. Long-term, fixed-rate financing structured roughly 50% bank / 40% CDC / 10% down. The SBA/CDC portion typically caps around $5.5M, though the total project can be larger. It does not cover working capital or inventory.
SBA 7(a)
The broad-use program — working capital, inventory, business acquisition, debt refinance, and real estate all qualify. Loans go up to $5Mwith variable or fixed rates. It's the flexible choice when proceeds go beyond fixed assets.
A general guide, not a determination or financial advice. Eligibility is set by the SBA and the lender.
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