SBA loan basics
Short answer
The absolute highest amount you can borrow with an SBA 7(a) loan is $5 million.
The SBA sets a maximum loan amount for the 7(a) program to manage its exposure and ensure the program serves a broad base of small businesses. While the SBA guarantees a portion, the total loan amount from the lender cannot exceed this cap.
A business seeking $6 million for an expansion project would exceed the maximum 7(a) loan limit. They would need to reduce their loan request to $5 million or seek alternative financing to cover the additional $1 million.
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
SBA 7(a) Loans Overview
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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