SBA loan basics
Short answer
The maximum amount for an SBA 7(a) loan is $5 million. This limit applies to the SBA's portion of the loan, meaning the total project cost can be higher.
The SBA sets a statutory maximum loan amount for its 7(a) program at $5 million. This is the maximum amount that the SBA will guarantee. Lenders cannot extend more than this amount under the 7(a) program to any single borrower or group of affiliated businesses.
A business needs $6 million to acquire real estate and an existing business. While the total project cost exceeds $5 million, the maximum SBA 7(a) loan it can receive is $5 million. The remaining $1 million would need to come from other sources, such as borrower equity or a non-SBA loan.
Insider move
Lenders must ensure that the total outstanding 7(a) loan exposure for a borrower, including any affiliated businesses, does not exceed the $5 million maximum to maintain the SBA guaranty.
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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