SBA Business Loan Guide 2025: Know Your Options

If you’re a small business owner exploring financing options, you’ve probably heard about SBA business loans. These government-backed loans offer favorable terms and flexible eligibility criteria, making them a top choice for entrepreneurs seeking capital. In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular SBA business loan programs available today, highlighting their key benefits, qualifications, and how to choose the right one for your business.

Whether you’re just starting, looking to expand, or need working capital, understanding your SBA loan options can unlock powerful growth potential.

SBA FastTrack® – $1 Profit Program

This unique SBA loan program is designed for businesses that are profitable—even if just by $1. It’s one of the fastest ways to access working capital with fewer documentation requirements and no DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) requirement.

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 675 (Equifax model v9)
• SBSS Score: Minimum 155
• Lumos Prime+ Score: Minimum 80
• Time in Business: 2 years
• Felonies Allowed: No
• Bankruptcy Policy: Allowed only after 10 years; multiple bankruptcies not allowed
• Use of Funds: Working capital
• DSCR Requirement: Not required; must show $1 profit on last tax return
• Tax Compliance: All taxes must be current; no installment agreements
• Loan Amount: $50,000 – $150,000 (up to 33% of gross revenue)
• Interest Rate: Prime + 3.50% (variable)
• Fees: 2% packaging fee; $350 lender closing cost
• Term: 10 years
• Documents Needed: 1 year of business and personal tax returns

SBA FastTrack® – 1.15x DSCR Program

Perfect for businesses with strong cash flow, this SBA loan option requires a Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) of 1.15x, offering more flexibility for slightly larger funding needs.

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 640 (Tri-merge average from all three bureaus)
• SBSS Score: Minimum 155
• Time in Business: 2 years
• Felonies Allowed: No
• Bankruptcy Policy: Same as FastTrack® – $1 Profit
• Use of Funds: Working capital
• DSCR Requirement: Minimum 1.15x
• Loan Amount: Typically $50,000 – $150,000
• Interest Rate: Competitive (based on Prime + margin)
• Fees: 2% packaging fee; $350 lender fee
• Documents Needed: Business tax returns, P&L, and personal tax returns

SBA FastTrack® – Revenue Based Program

This program is ideal for companies with high revenues but inconsistent profitability. It bases eligibility on revenue performance instead of profit margins.

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 680 (Experian model v8)
• SBSS Score: 155 minimum
• Time in Business: 2 years
• Use of Funds: Working capital
• Profit Requirement: None
• DSCR Requirement: Not applicable
• Loan Amount: Up to 33% of last year’s gross revenue
• Interest Rate: Prime + margin (variable)
• Fees: Standard SBA and broker fees
• Documents Needed: 1 year of business tax returns

SBA FastTrack® Plus

An upgraded version of the FastTrack program with broader underwriting flexibility and slightly larger funding range.

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 675 (Equifax v9)
• SBSS Score: 155
• Use of Funds: Expansion, working capital
• Time in Business: 2+ years
• DSCR: More flexible than standard FastTrack options
• Loan Amount: $50,000 to $350,000
• Interest Rate: Prime + margin
• Term: 10 years
• Fees: Slightly higher packaging fees due to enhanced review
• Documents Needed: 2 years tax returns

SBA Boost®

Designed for businesses that need fast access to capital with moderate credit history, the SBA Boost® program has more lenient requirements.

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 640 (Experian v8)
• SBSS Score: 155
• Time in Business: 2 years
• Loan Use: Working capital, debt consolidation
• DSCR Requirement: 1.15x
• Loan Amount: $50,000 to $250,000
• Rate: Prime + 3.50%
• Fees: Standard SBA and broker charges
• Approval Time: 2-3 weeks

SBA Boost® – Quick $200K

For borrowers needing up to $200,000 quickly, this program streamlines the SBA process with higher score requirements but faster closings.

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 660 (Experian v8)
• SBSS Score: 175
• Time in Business: 2+ years
• Loan Use: Working capital, debt consolidation
• Loan Amount: Up to $200,000
• Rate: Prime + 3.25% to 3.50%
• Fees: Typical closing costs and packaging
• Funding Timeline: Less than 2 weeks

SBA 7(a) Refinance Program

This is the go-to solution for refinancing existing SBA 7(a) loans into better terms or rates.

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 660 (Experian v2)
• SBSS Score: 155 (under $500K only)
• Loan Use: Refinance existing SBA debt
• Loan Amount: $100,000 to $500,000+
• Interest Rate: Prime + 2.75% (typical)
• Requirements: Business must show improvement or hardship from current loan
• Documents Needed: SBA loan docs, tax returns, business financials

SBA Business Acquisition Loan

Used to buy an existing business, this SBA 7(a) loan provides generous terms with less upfront equity required.

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 640 (Experian v2)
• SBSS Score: 135
• Use of Funds: Business purchase/acquisition
• Time in Business (Buyer): Not required, but experience preferred
• Down Payment: 10-20% of purchase price
• Loan Amount: Varies based on valuation and cash flow
• Interest Rate: Prime + 2.75%
• Term: Up to 10 years

SBA Startup Loan

Aimed at new businesses or those with under 2 years of operation, the SBA Startup program offers competitive rates and long repayment terms.

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 640 (Experian v2)
• SBSS Score: 155 if loan < $500K
• Time in Business: Under 2 years
• Loan Use: Working capital, inventory, equipment
• Loan Amount: Up to $350,000
• Rate: Prime + 2.75%
• Term: 10 years

SBA 7(a) – Over $500K

For companies looking for larger SBA loans, this traditional 7(a) structure supports more robust expansion and real estate plans.

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 600 (Experian v2)
• SBSS Score: Not applicable
• Loan Use: Growth, working capital, real estate
• Loan Amount: $500,000 to $5 million
• Rate: Prime + 2.75%
• Term: 10-25 years depending on use

SBA 7(a) Real Estate Loan

Tailored for commercial property purchases under the 7(a) umbrella, this option balances flexible underwriting with solid rates.

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 640 (Experian v2)
• SBSS Score: 155 if loan < $500K
• Use of Funds: Commercial property
• Loan Term: Up to 25 years
• Loan Amount: $250,000 to $5 million
• Rate: Prime + 2.75%

SBA 504 Real Estate Loan

For large real estate purchases or refinances, the SBA 504 offers long-term, fixed-rate financing with a secondary lender (CDC).

Key Features:

• FICO Score: 660 (Experian v2)
• SBSS Score: Not required
• Use of Funds: Real estate purchase or refinance
• Loan Amount: $500,000 to $15 million+
• Rate: Fixed (portion from CDC), Prime + margin (bank portion)
• Term: Up to 25 years

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right SBA Business Loan

Choosing the best SBA business loan depends on your credit, business age, use of funds, and financials. Whether you need capital to expand, refinance debt, or start fresh, there’s likely an SBA loan program tailored for you.

We recommend speaking with an experienced SBA lender or advisor to guide you through the process. With the right strategy and preparation, your SBA business loan can unlock the funding your business needs to grow and thrive.

Looking to apply or need help evaluating your options? Reach out today to connect with an SBA loan specialist who can guide you toward the best path forward.