For SBA lenders
Short answer
The maximum aggregate principal amount a single borrower or affiliated group can have outstanding under the 7(a) program is $5,000,000.
The SBA sets a statutory maximum for the total amount of 7(a) loan funds that can be provided to one borrower or their affiliates. This limit applies to the combined outstanding principal balance of all 7(a) loans, ensuring equitable distribution of resources among small businesses.
A business owner currently has a $2,000,000 7(a) loan for their existing business. If they wish to purchase another business, the new 7(a) loan cannot exceed $3,000,000, as their combined principal balance must not exceed the $5,000,000 aggregate cap.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
7(a) Loan Program — Terms, Conditions, and Eligibility
U.S. Small Business Administration · Official SBA source
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
More on eligibility determinations
Terms in this answer
Pre-qualify your SBA 7(a) deal
Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to fund a deal like yours and flag anything that trips up approval.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day