The Big 4 SBA Loan Programs
Unlocked — Choose the right funding weapon for your specific business goal.
Choosing Your Funding Weapon
The government built four distinct funding paths. Pick the wrong one and a bank rejects you before reading your credit. Pick the right one and you slide straight through processing.
"Think of this chapter as your matching game. Pick the wrong program, and a bank will reject you before even looking at your credit. Pick the right one, and you slide right through processing!"
🍽️ The Capital Café Menu
Four distinct items. One is perfect for your situation.
🔧 Deep Dive: The 7(a) — The Swiss Army Knife
If you aren't sure which loan you need, you will most likely end up here.
What Can You Buy With a 7(a)?
Marcus's Real 7(a) Case Study
"Before this loan, I checked our bank balance three times a day just to make sure payroll cleared. Now I have a 10-year cushion and can bid on massive contracts safely."
🏢 Deep Dive: The 504 — The Real Estate Monarch
Tired of paying rent? The 504 is your ticket to property ownership.
The 50-40-10 Magic Split
The 504 uses a brilliant 3-party structure so you need less cash down than a traditional commercial mortgage:
The Kim Family's Story
Quick Program Comparison
| Program | Max Amount | Best Use | Min Credit | Max Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔧 7(a) | $5,000,000 | Working capital, acquisitions, refi | 650+ | 25 years |
| 🏢 504 | $5.5M – $16.5M | Commercial real estate, heavy equipment | 680+ | 20–25 years |
| ⚡ Express | $500,000 | Fast lines of credit, quick equipment | 650+ | 7–10 years |
| 🌱 Microloan | $50,000 | Startups, micro-businesses | 575+ | 6 years |