Reliable Loans for Small Businesses with Big Dreams
Port51 Lending empowers small businesses to finance their biggest ideas with speed, certainty, and flexibility.
Port 51 Lending: Experts in SBA 7(a) Loans
Port 51 is a nationwide direct lender offering SBA 7(a) loans to businesses at every stage – from startups, to ownership transitions. Port 51 provides borrowers with competitive rates, attractive loan terms, and an in-house legal team to reduce costs.
As a top non-bank SBA lender, Port 51 offers small businesses easy access to capital and high-quality services. Port 51 funds small businesses rapidly and reliably, with an average close time of 27 days.
We fund small businesses, such as:
- Gas Stations
- Convenience Stores
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Medical Offices (including veterinary and dentistry)
- Transportation
- Franchises
- Car Washes
- Childcare Facilities
Finance your business initiatives, including:
- Business acquisitions, management buyouts, and partner buyouts
- Owner-occupied commercial real estate
- Working capital to support growth and operations
- Refinancing existing business debt
- Equipment and machinery purchases
- Construction and build-outs
1.5+
Million Average Loan Size
$310+
Million Total Loans in 2025
27
Days to Close
90%
Closing Rate
Why Port 51 Lending for SBA 7(a) loans?
Port 51 Lending differentiates itself from the competition with transparent communication, understanding client needs and goals, while delivering an end result to exceed expectations.
Rapid Financing
We close loans in less than a month on average. Our AI-powered application process minimizes borrower requirements, powering a highly automated experience that supports borrowers every step of the way. Port 51 Lending is a PLP lender (Preferred Lender Program), allowing us to close SBA-guaranteed loans with less documentation and faster approvals, expediting funding for small businesses.
Specialized Loan Programs
We are experts in the SBA 7(a) lending process. Our loan officers work closely with small business owners and assist in all aspects of the funding process. We’ve also developed specialized loan programs for many different types of companies – from gas stations to nail salons – based on best-practices we’ve developed from working with thousands of small businesses.
Flexible Credit Philosophy
Our credit approach evolves with market conditions and is designed to support real-world business needs. We focus on cash flow, structure, and execution rather than rigid lending formulas.
Companion Loans
Access lending solutions of up to $6.5 million, designed for expanding small businesses and middle-market companies. Companion loans allow you to increase funding for owner-occupied commercial real estate while preserving the core benefits of your SBA 7(a) loan.
SBA 7(a) Loan Overview
What is an SBA 7(a) loan?
- Business Loans up to $5 million
- Flexible equity requirements
- Cash flow focused
- Expansive use of proceeds
Eligibility Requirements
- For-profit business in good standing
- Personal guarantee required
- Business must be located in the US
Rates
- Variable, adjusts Calendar Quarterly
- WSJP (Wall Street Journal Prime) + Spread up to 2.75%
Terms
- 10 years
- 25 years
- Blended
Prepayment Penalties
- 10-year loan term: No prepayment penalty
- 15 year or greater loan term(Real Estate): 5%/3%/1% prepayment penalty over a 3-year term
Fully Amortizing Loans
- Loans are paid in full through regular payments that cover the interest and principal.