SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
Yes, businesses located in U.S. territories and possessions, including Puerto Rico, are generally eligible for SBA 7(a) loans.
SBA loan programs are available to eligible small businesses located within the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories and possessions.
If you are acquiring a retail business in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for $750,000, it would be eligible for an SBA 7(a) loan, provided it meets all other standard eligibility criteria, such as size and business type.
Lenders verify the business's physical location to ensure it is within eligible U.S. jurisdictions. They also assess any unique operational risks associated with specific territories.
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 2026-06-14. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-14. 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 & location
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