For SBA lenders
Short answer
The maximum loan amount for an affiliated group of businesses is $5,000,000, as SBA regulations aggregate all outstanding 7(a) loan balances for affiliates.
SBA's maximum loan amount applies to the borrower and its affiliates. If a borrower and its affiliates collectively have existing 7(a) loans, any new 7(a) loan must not cause the total outstanding balance for the entire affiliated group to exceed $5,000,000.
A borrower applies for a $3,000,000 7(a) loan. The lender discovers an affiliated business already has an outstanding $2,500,000 7(a) loan. Since the combined total ($5,500,000) exceeds the $5,000,000 maximum, the new loan cannot be approved at that amount.
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
13 CFR Part 121 - Small Business Size Regulations
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.
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