SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, if your project exceeds the maximum SBA 7(a) loan amount, you might explore combining it with an SBA 504 loan for real estate or equipment, or seek conventional financing for the remainder.
The SBA 7(a) program has a maximum loan amount of $5 million. For larger projects, especially those involving significant real estate or heavy equipment, the SBA 504 program can be used in conjunction with a bank loan, or conventional financing may cover the gap.
A borrower needs $8 million for a large manufacturing facility. They could get a $5 million SBA 7(a) loan and use a separate $3 million conventional loan, or explore an SBA 504 loan for the real estate component.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Coordination of 7(a) and 504 for Maximum Loan Limits
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 loan limits
Terms in this answer
Pre-qualify your SBA 7(a) deal
Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to fund a deal like yours and flag anything that trips up approval.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day