SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, purchasing new or used equipment is a very common and eligible use of funds for an SBA 7(a) loan. This can include machinery, vehicles, office furniture, or computer systems.
SBA 7(a) loan proceeds can be used to acquire a wide range of tangible assets essential for the operation of a small business. The equipment must be directly related to the business's operations and not for personal use or speculative purposes. The loan term for equipment is usually tied to its useful life.
A trucking company needs to purchase two new semi-trucks costing $200,000 each. An SBA 7(a) loan can be used to finance the acquisition of these vehicles, enabling the company to expand its fleet and take on more delivery contracts.
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
SBA 7(a) Loans Overview
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.
More on what it can be used for
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