Inflection
SBA · Direct from Inflection Financing

SBA 7(a) Loans

The flagship SBA program for established U.S. businesses — up to $5M.

$5,000,000
Amount
10 – 25 years
Term
Prime
Rate
21 – 45 days
Funding
What is it
The SBA 7(a) loan program is the federal government's flagship small-business financing facility, partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and originated by approved lenders like Inflection Financing. Because we hold Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status, we underwrite and approve 7(a) loans in-house — without sending files to the SBA for a secondary review — which is why our 7(a) close times are weeks faster than non-preferred lenders.

SBA 7(a) is the right tool when a business needs $50,000 to $5,000,000 in long-term, low-cost capital that fully amortizes over 10 to 25 years. The federal guarantee — typically 75% to 85% of principal — lets lenders offer terms and pricing that would be uneconomic on a conventional facility, which is why mature operators use 7(a) for partner buyouts, real estate acquisitions, and refinancing high-cost merchant cash advances or short-term notes. Inflection Financing, as an institutional commercial lender, is among the largest 7(a) originators in the country.

Best For
  • Established operating businesses with 2+ years of revenue
  • Acquisitions, partner buyouts, and CRE purchases
  • Refinancing high-cost debt into long-term, fixed amortization
  • Major capital expenditure programs
Common Uses
  • Business acquisition or partner buyout
  • Commercial real estate purchase or refinance
  • Equipment and machinery (long useful life)
  • Working capital and inventory expansion
  • Refinancing existing business debt
  • Leasehold improvements and build-out
Eligibility
  • Personal credit score 680+ (most cases)
  • 2+ years operating history
  • Demonstrated cash flow / DSCR of 1.25x or higher
  • U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident ownership
  • No prior SBA defaults or federal delinquencies
Why Inflection Financing
  • Lowest cost of capital for qualifying businesses
  • 10-year terms for working capital, up to 25 years for real estate
  • No balloon payments — fully amortizing
  • Inflection Financing is an SBA Preferred Lender — we bypass external SBA reviews

SBA 7(a) Loans — Frequently Asked

How long does an SBA 7(a) loan take to close?+

With Inflection Financing's Preferred Lender status, most 7(a) facilities close in 21 to 45 days from a complete application. Non-preferred lenders typically take 60 to 120 days because their files must be re-underwritten by the SBA.

What credit score do I need for an SBA 7(a) loan?+

Most approvals require a personal FICO score of 680 or higher, though Inflection Financing will consider scores down to 650 when business cash flow and collateral are strong. SBSS (FICO Small Business Scoring Service) of 155+ is also reviewed.

What is the maximum SBA 7(a) loan amount?+

The SBA caps 7(a) loans at $5,000,000 in principal. Larger transactions can be structured as a 7(a) plus a conventional pari passu piece, or as an SBA 504 for real estate.

Can I use an SBA 7(a) loan to buy a business?+

Yes. Business acquisition is one of the most common 7(a) uses. The SBA permits 7(a) proceeds for change-of-ownership transactions, partner buyouts, and stock or asset purchases, subject to standard underwriting and a minimum 10% equity injection.

Are there prepayment penalties on SBA 7(a) loans?+

Loans with maturities of 15 years or longer carry an SBA-mandated prepayment penalty during the first three years: 5% in year one, 3% in year two, 1% in year three. Shorter-term 7(a) loans have no prepayment penalty.

Other capital facilities

Ready for SBA 7(a) capital?

Apply in under 10 minutes. Decisions in 24 hours. No broker fees. Direct lender.