SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, a business's accounts receivable can be taken as collateral for an SBA 7(a) loan, alongside other business assets.
Lenders are required to take all available business assets as collateral, including fixed assets (real estate, machinery), inventory, and accounts receivable, up to the point where it makes economic sense. The specific value assigned will depend on the receivables' quality and aging.
A consulting firm applying for a $300,000 working capital loan has $150,000 in current accounts receivable. The lender will take a lien on these receivables, considering their value towards the overall collateral requirement.
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 collateral requirements
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