2026-01-21
SBA 7(a) Loans: Faster Financing with Non-Bank Lenders
Speed Wins. Is Your Capital Keeping Up?
Growth doesn’t wait. Opportunities to expand operations, acquire a competitor, or purchase commercial real estate often come with a narrow window to act.
When that moment hits, many business owners instinctively turn to traditional banks for SBA 7(a) financing. And while the SBA 7(a) program remains the gold standard for small business funding, the traditional bank process can feel like running in place. Long underwriting cycles, rigid credit committees, and endless document requests can stall or completely kill a deal.
There’s a faster way. Port 51 Lending’s average close rate in 2025 was 27 days
(non construction/non-multi dispersed loans).
Non-bank lenders are reshaping SBA lending. Unlike traditional banks juggling deposits, credit cards, and consumer loans, non-bank lenders focus on one thing: deploying capital to growing businesses.
Ready to get started? Apply Now
Here’s why savvy owners are choosing non-bank lenders for SBA 7(a) loans:
1. Speed to Closing
Time is your most valuable asset. Many non-bank lenders leverage technology-driven underwriting and hold SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status, allowing them to make credit decisions in-house. What might take a bank 90 days can often close in 30–45 days.
2. Specialized Expertise
Lenders that focus exclusively on government-guaranteed loans understand the SBA SOP inside and out. They know how to structure deals involving projections, limited collateral, or complex ownership—situations that often stall at traditional banks.
3. Reliability
Few things are worse than a “maybe” that turns into a last-minute “no.” Non-bank lenders typically offer clearer paths to approval, without the extra credit overlays and shifting priorities common at large banks.
The SBA 7(a) Advantage
This type of capital is designed to fuel growth:
- Long terms: Up to 10 years for working capital and 25 years for real estate
- Lower down payments: Preserve cash for operations
- Versatility: Ideal for acquisitions, construction, refinancing, or partner buyouts
If expansion is on your radar, don’t let bureaucracy slow you down. The market moves fast; your financing should too.
Planning a major move this year? Let’s talk.
FAQs
