SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
For a business acquisition without real estate, the maximum repayment period for an SBA 7(a) loan is typically 10 years.
SBA loan terms are generally based on the use of proceeds. Loans primarily for working capital or machinery and equipment have maximum terms of 10 years. For business acquisitions that do not include real estate, the loan is often structured with a 10-year term to align with the useful life of the assets being financed.
A $800,000 loan to acquire a business that leases its space and mainly consists of goodwill and equipment would generally be structured with a 10-year repayment term.
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.
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