SBA loan basics
Short answer
Common business assets used as collateral for an SBA 7(a) loan include real estate, equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and sometimes intangible assets.
The SBA requires lenders to take all available business assets as collateral. This can include commercial real estate (land and buildings), machinery, vehicles, office furniture, existing stock (inventory), and money owed to the business (accounts receivable). For some businesses, intangible assets like intellectual property or goodwill may also be considered, though less commonly as primary collateral.
A manufacturing business would likely pledge its factory building, production machinery, raw materials, and finished goods as collateral. A service business might pledge its office equipment, vehicles, and accounts receivable.
Insider move
Lenders assess the value and liquidity of each asset. They ensure proper liens are perfected on all collateral and evaluate how easily assets could be sold in a liquidation scenario to recover losses.
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.
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