SBA loan basics
Short answer
The repayment period for an SBA 7(a) loan depends on what the money is used for, ranging from 7 to 25 years.
The maximum maturity for a 7(a) loan is determined by the use of proceeds. Working capital or equipment loans generally have a maximum term of 10 years. Loans used to finance real estate can have a maximum term of 25 years, and loans for a combination of uses will typically take the longest term available for the highest percentage use of funds, up to 25 years.
A loan used only for buying new business equipment would have a maximum repayment term of 10 years. If the loan also included purchasing the building, the entire loan could be structured with a 25-year 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
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.
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