Is an SBA loan from the government?

No. SBA loans are made by participating lenders; the SBA provides a partial guarantee to the lender, not the loan itself.

How long does SBA financing take?

It's typically slower than conventional financing — often several weeks to months — because of eligibility and underwriting steps.

What can SBA funds be used for?

Eligible uses include working capital, equipment, real estate, and acquisition, depending on the program. We'll confirm eligibility for your use.

Do I need collateral for an SBA loan?

Many SBA loans require collateral and an equity injection, though requirements vary by program and amount.

Are SBA loans only for small businesses?

SBA programs have size and eligibility standards. We'll help you check whether your business qualifies.

Are the listed SBA criteria universal SBA requirements?

No. The credit, time-in-business, and revenue figures shown are this partner channel's criteria, not universal SBA requirements. SBA eligibility is set by the SBA and the participating lender.

Business Funding

SBA Financing

Government-backed loan programs for qualifying businesses.

SBA financing refers to loans made by participating lenders and partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The government guarantee reduces lender risk, which can mean longer terms and lower payments than conventional options — but the process is more involved and documentation is more extensive. SBA programs include 7(a) general-purpose loans, 504 loans for owner-occupied real estate and equipment, and others.

Explore SBA Financing Help Me Find the Right Fit Call 877-315-5729

Minimum Requirements & Program Details

These are starting requirements for selected programs. Availability and final terms depend on the funding partner and underwriting. Other options may be available. Meeting a minimum does not guarantee approval.

ROK SBA Channel

ROK partner channel

Minimum credit: 675+ FICO (partner criteria, not universal SBA requirements)
Time in business: 2+ years (partner criteria)
Annual gross sales: $120,000+ (partner criteria)
Financing amount: Program-specific—request a funding review
Term / structure: SBA 7(a), 504, and other programs; longer terms common

Availability and final terms depend on the funding partner and underwriting. If a requirement is unresolved for your situation, we'll note it as program-specific and confirm it during your review. Other options may be available.

Common uses

Owner-occupied real estate purchase
Major equipment acquisition
Business acquisition
Working capital and debt refinancing

When it fits

You can wait for a more involved process
You want longer terms and lower payments
You meet SBA eligibility requirements

Consider instead

How it generally works

1You apply through a participating SBA lender.
2The lender underwrites with SBA eligibility in mind.
3The SBA provides a partial guarantee to the lender.
4Funding follows SBA approval and closing.

Factors funding partners may consider

SBA eligibility (size, industry, use of funds)
Credit profile and character
Collateral and equity injection
Ability to repay from cash flow

Documents to prepare

We provide the exact checklist for your program after reviewing your request — you don't need to order an appraisal or gather everything before reaching out. Initial review items help us assess fit; additional underwriting & closing items are requested only once a partner program is confirmed. Sensitive documents are handled through our invitation-only secure process — never on the public intake.

Initial Review

Signed application
Business bank statements (recent months)

Additional Underwriting & Closing

Personal and business tax returns (multiple years)
Business financial statements
Personal financial statement
Business plan / use of proceeds
Affiliation and ownership documents

Curious whether this fits your situation?

Request a review — we'll confirm fit and suggest alternatives if another product suits you better.

Explore SBA Financing

Illustrative scenario

An established business uses an SBA 7(a) loan to acquire a competitor, benefiting from a longer term than a conventional loan would offer. Actual eligibility, amounts, and terms depend on the lender and SBA underwriting.

How it compares to related products

vs. Conventional Term Loan

SBA loans often have longer terms but a more involved process; conventional loans can fund faster.

Learn more

vs. Business Acquisition Financing

SBA 7(a) is one route to fund an acquisition; non-SBA acquisition financing is another.