SBA loan basics
Short answer
The SBA guarantees up to 85% of loans up to $150,000 and up to 75% for loans greater than $150,000, with a maximum guaranteed amount of $3.75 million.
The SBA's maximum guaranty percentage varies with the loan amount. For loans $150,000 or less, the maximum guaranty is 85%. For loans exceeding $150,000, the maximum guaranty is 75%. Regardless of the percentage, the maximum dollar amount the SBA will guarantee is $3.75 million (75% of the total maximum loan amount of $5 million).
For a $100,000 SBA 7(a) loan, the SBA would guarantee 85%, or $85,000. For a $1,000,000 loan, the SBA would guarantee 75%, or $750,000.
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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