SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
The maximum loan term for an SBA 7(a) loan used solely for business acquisition is 10 years.
SBA loan terms vary based on the use of proceeds. For business acquisition (change of ownership), excluding real estate, the maximum repayment term is 10 years. Loans for equipment can also be up to 10 years, and real estate loans can extend up to 25 years.
A buyer acquiring a service business for $800,000 would secure an SBA 7(a) loan with a maximum 10-year repayment schedule, resulting in lower monthly payments compared to a conventional 5-year loan.
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.
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