SBA loan basics
Short answer
You can use the SBA's 'Lender Match' online tool, contact local banks and credit unions directly, or seek guidance from SBA resource partners like Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) or SCORE mentors.
The SBA does not lend directly but works with a network of approved private lenders. The SBA's website provides tools to connect borrowers with these lenders. Additionally, local SBA resource partners offer free counseling and can help guide businesses to appropriate financing options and lenders.
A small business owner in Texas can visit the SBA's 'Lender Match' website, input their loan needs, and receive responses from interested lenders. They could also call their local bank to ask if they are an SBA-approved lender or schedule an appointment with their regional SBDC.
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 56 - Lender Participation Requirements
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 application process
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