SBA Loan Eligibility Screener

How this works. The SBA has specific rules about business size, use of proceeds, and business type that apply regardless of which lender you approach. This screener checks your answers against those actual program rules — not a specific bank's overlay criteria. It does not check your credit or run any inquiry, and it is not a substitute for applying. Everyone has the right to apply for SBA financing regardless of this tool's result.

Question 1 of 6

What would the loan primarily be used for?

Working capital, equipment, business real estate, business acquisition, or refinancing eligible business debt Paying delinquent taxes, personal (non-business) expenses, buying real estate for pure investment/speculation, or re-lending the money to others Not sure yet

Question 2 of 6

Is your business a for-profit business operating primarily in the United States (or its territories)?

Yes No — nonprofit, or operates primarily outside the U.S.

Question 3 of 6

Does your business fall into any of these categories? (Check all that apply)

These are the SBA's own program exclusions — they apply to every lender, not just a bank-specific overlay.

A passive holding company or pure real estate rental business with no active operations A bank, finance company, or business primarily engaged in lending money Derives more than one-third of gross revenue from legal gambling activities Engaged in an activity illegal under federal law (including state-legal cannabis businesses — still federally restricted) None of the above

Question 4 of 6

Size standard check

The SBA's "alternative size standard" (applies across most industries): tangible net worth of $20 million or less, and average net income after federal taxes over the last two years of $6.5 million or less. Your specific industry (NAICS code) may have a more generous size standard — this is just the broad fallback check.

Tangible Net Worth (business)

Avg. Net Income After Tax (last 2 yrs)

Question 5 of 6

Do any of these currently apply to any owner with 20%+ ownership?

These are specific, narrow SBA program rules — not a general character judgment. Framed as SBA asks them on the loan application (Form 1919).

Currently delinquent or in default on a federal loan or federally guaranteed debt (including student loans) Currently under indictment for a felony, or currently incarcerated, on probation, or on parole None of the above

Question 6 of 6

Roughly how much of the total project cost can you personally contribute in cash equity?

Not a hard eligibility rule — but SBA lenders generally want to see 10%+ owner equity, more for startups or special-use properties.

20% or more 10–19% Less than 10% Not sure yet

Recommended Next Step

Read how SBA 7(a) loans actually work and the SBA 504 program
Run your free Ratio Snapshot to see how your financials would look to an underwriter
Get a full personalized plan with the Bankability Blueprint™

For educational purposes only. This screener uses general SBA program rules current as of early 2026 and does not check your credit, run any inquiry, or constitute pre-qualification. Actual eligibility is determined by an SBA-approved lender based on your complete application. Industry-specific size standards vary — verify at sba.gov. BankLiterate.com is not affiliated with the SBA. Nothing here constitutes financial advice or a discouragement from applying for credit. Every person has the right to apply for credit from any lender.