SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
The maximum loan amount for an SBA 7(a) loan is $5,000,000, which can be used for various eligible purposes, including business acquisition.
The SBA sets a maximum loan amount of $5,000,000 per borrower or borrower group. This limit applies to the total outstanding balance of all SBA 7(a) loans to any single borrower or its affiliates.
A buyer acquiring a business for $4,500,000 with additional working capital and fees bringing the total project cost to $4,800,000 would be eligible for a $4,800,000 SBA 7(a) loan, assuming they meet equity and other requirements.
Lenders must ensure the proposed loan amount, combined with any existing SBA 7(a) debt for the borrower or affiliates, does not exceed the $5,000,000 statutory maximum. They verify this during the application process.
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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