SBA Lending Is Our Entire Business
At TowneBank SBA Lending, we help business owners and buyers secure U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans by originating, underwriting, and closing SBA 504 and SBA 7(a) loans nationwide. Unlike a traditional bank or credit union, where SBA loans (business loans backed by a government guarantee from the U.S. Small Business Administration) may be one offering among many, SBA lending is our business. With more than 50 professionals exclusively dedicated to SBA lending, we bring experience, specialized knowledge, and a focused approach with in-house approvals to every transaction.
Your SBA Loan Structure Matters
As a preferred SBA 7(a) lender and provider of SBA 504 financing, we believe the right structure matters more than simply chasing the lowest interest rate. Longer repayment terms, competitive interest rates, and specialized SBA loan features often mean lower monthly payments and, in many cases, significantly less cash required at closing.
SBA Lending with Flexible Financing
An SBA 7(a) loan provides flexible financing for acquisitions, working capital (as part of a larger transaction), equipment, real estate, and other business needs, while an SBA 504 loan provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, including owner-occupied real estate and equipment. Our SBA lenders can help you explore each loan program to see which approach may be right for you.
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SBA Preferred Lender
With in-house approvals, your SBA 7(a) loan and its SBA guarantee do not wait in the SBA's underwriting queue, so decisions come faster, and your closing timeline stays on track.
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Top 50 National SBA Lender
Ranked #34 among U.S. SBA lenders, reflecting a consistent commitment to SBA financing and support for business owners nationwide, from first-time buyers and startups to established, growing companies.
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Real Volume and Real Experience
Since October 1, 2025, TowneBank SBA Lending has approved $192.8 million in SBA loans, reflecting extensive experience supporting business acquisitions, commercial real estate purchases, practice financing, and growth-focused transactions.
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SBA Lending Is Our Entire Business
More than 50 professionals work exclusively on SBA lending, bringing specialized expertise to every transaction, from the first conversation through closing and servicing, and supporting business owners across 48 states.
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TowneBank SBA Lending
Specialized SBA lending expertise backed by the resources of a $22.6 billion relationship bank with more than 70 banking offices across its footprint, giving you local support at every step.
SBA Loans for the Deal in Front of You
From buying your next business to making room for what comes next, SBA financing provides a practical path forward. In fact, acquisitions and partner buyouts account for about 60% of our loans.
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Business Acquisition
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YOUR SITUATION
You have found an established business you want to buy, or a competitor you wish to acquire, but need financing to make the opportunity possible.
HOW SBA FINANCING HELPS
An SBA loan to buy a business provides acquisition financing with longer repayment terms and less cash needed at closing than conventional loans may require.
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Partner Buyout
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YOUR SITUATION
A partner is retiring, leaving the business, or in dispute, and you need a clear path to buy their ownership interest and ensure continuity for years to come.
HOW SBA FINANCING HELPS
SBA partner buyout financing provides capital to fund the buyout with a manageable repayment structure.
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Commercial R.E.
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YOUR SITUATION
Your lease is ending, your rent is climbing, or you are ready to stop paying someone else for the space your business occupies.
HOW SBA FINANCING HELPS
SBA commercial real estate loans can help you purchase or build an owner-occupied property with long-term financing designed around the business’s cash flow. In these cases, owner-occupancy must generally be at least 51% of an existing building or 60% of new construction.
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Construction
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YOUR SITUATION
You want to build, renovate, or expand, and you need a lender that understands construction management as well as construction financing.
HOW SBA FINANCING HELPS
We can structure SBA commercial construction loans to support projects from construction through completion, helping you manage the financing alongside the build. -
Franchise
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YOUR SITUATION
You have found a franchise concept that fits your goals and need financing to turn the opportunity into an operating business.
HOW SBA FINANCING HELPS
SBA franchise financing funds eligible franchise costs, giving you a structured path to investing in the business you are building. -
Business Expansion
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YOUR SITUATION
Your business is ready for another location, new equipment, or additional capacity, but the investment requires more capital than you want to put in upfront.
HOW SBA FINANCING HELPS
SBA business expansion loans can help fund growth while spreading repayment over a longer term, preserving cash flow for your business to use along the way.
Two SBA Loan Programs, One Place to Start
SBA 504
SBA 504 financing provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, including owner-occupied commercial real estate, machinery, and major equipment with a useful life of at least 10 years. When a deal includes a business and its location, a 504 and 7(a) combine for a single deal. Its long-term fixed-rate structure can help preserve cash flow.
Your process starts with the same conversation and pre-screen. A 504 adds a second underwriting with our CDC, so its timeline typically runs longer than the 7(a). Many borrowers also benefit from the lower down payment requirements.
SBA 7(a)
The SBA 7(a) loan program provides flexible, cash-flow-based financing for business acquisitions, partner buyouts, franchise purchases, working capital, equipment, owner-occupied real estate, construction, and other eligible business needs. Plus, multiple uses of proceeds can be combined into a single loan, and 7(a) interest rates are typically variable rates tied to the prime rate.
Your process starts with a conversation and pre-screen with an SBA 7(a) lender . With our Preferred Lender Status and in-house approval, the 7(a) timeline includes the 10-day response goal and a 30- to 60-day closing estimate.
How Our SBA Lending Process Works for Business Owners and Buyers
Think an SBA loan takes forever? It doesn’t have to. We specialize exclusively in SBA loans, and our process is designed to keep your loan moving from the first conversation through closing.
Pre-Screen & Review
Every SBA loan starts with a conversation and pre-screen. We review your initial information and documents to determine whether your request appears to meet SBA eligibility requirements. For SBA 7(a) loans, our goal is to provide an initial response within two to three business days.
Proposal & Application
If the opportunity moves forward, we'll provide a proposal letter outlining the terms. Once you sign and provide a good-faith deposit, we'll give you a loan-specific checklist so you know exactly what remains to complete your submission.
Underwriting & Credit Decision
When your package is complete and a dedicated underwriter takes ownership of your file, our goal is to provide a credit decision within 10 business days. At the same time, we'll begin drafting the closing checklist.
Additional Review (504 Loans)
Some loans require additional review, and SBA 504 loans are subject to a double-underwriting process and SBA approval before moving to closing.
Closing
At closing, a dedicated closer guides you and your advisors through the final requirements and keeps everyone aligned with the closing date.
Ongoing Relationship Management
Our relationship doesn't end when the loan closes. A dedicated portfolio manager remains your personal point of contact for the life of your loan.
Ready to take the first step?
Whether you’re buying, expanding, building, or buying out a partner, our SBA lenders can help you explore a financing solution designed around your business’s needs.
Financing Built Around Your Profession
The right financing starts with understanding your business. Your profession, revenue model, equipment needs, real estate, ownership goals, and plans for growth can all influence how financing should be structured.
Our lending teams bring experience working with professionals and businesses across a range of industries, helping you explore financing solutions aligned with where your business is today and where you want to take it next.
Explore our Professional Lending solutions to find financing designed with your industry and business goals in mind.
Explore Professional Lending
If you don’t see your profession here, we welcome the opportunity to learn about your business and explore how SBA practice loans may fit.
Resource for Referral Partners
We also work closely with business brokers, loan brokers, attorneys, CPAs, and franchise consultants. As a specialized division of TowneBank, TowneBank SBA Lending is dedicated exclusively to SBA financing. Our team's sole focus is helping clients secure the right SBA loan structure, not cross-selling traditional banking products or services. That means you can confidently introduce us as an SBA lending resource while remaining at the center of your client's broader banking partnership.
Recognition That Reflects Our SBA Lenders’ Expertise
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Six Consecutive Outstanding CRA Ratings
Since 2007, TowneBank received six consecutive Outstanding Community Reinvestment Act ratings from the FDIC. -
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5-Star Financial Strength
Bauer Financial awarded TowneBank its highest 5-Star rating in 2025, reflecting exceptional financial strength and stability. -
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#34 Among U.S. SBA Lenders
As of September 2026, our SBA division ranked among the nation’s top 50 SBA lenders, reflecting meaningful volume and experience. -
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A Team That Takes Pride in Its Work
TowneBank was ranked #7 among banks over $10 billion in American Banker’s 2025 Best Banks to Work For.
TowneBank was founded in 1999, and our SBA team has been specializing in SBA loans since 2019. Our existing team joined TowneBank in January 2026 through their partnership with Dogwood State Bank. The team did not change, but the balance sheet backing it grew larger.
We understand that continuity matters. If you are considering an SBA loan, you want to know that the lender you choose has done this before and will be here throughout the life of your loan and beyond.
We are not a new SBA operation. We are an experienced SBA team with expanded capacity to serve business owners nationwide.
We invite you to learn more about TowneBank SBA Lending →
SBA Lenders With Experience in Your Industry
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It depends on the transaction and loan structure. In some cases, SBA financing may cover up to about 90% of total project cost, reducing your down payment and the cash you need to bring to closing. Your required equity contribution depends on the transaction, project costs, loan amount, and credit structure. We’ll explain the numbers early in the process.
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Our in-house approval process begins with a pre-screen, and we aim to provide an initial answer within two to three days. Once your loan package is complete and an underwriter is assigned, our goal is a credit decision within 10 business days. Timing varies by transaction and complexity, so we do not promise a specific closing date.
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Depending on the program and transaction, SBA loans can finance business acquisitions, partner buyouts, owner-occupied commercial real estate, eligible construction or renovations, equipment, working capital as part of a larger loan package, and franchises. We start by understanding your business and goals, then determine which loan structure fits.
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Yes. We provide SBA lending across 48 states, serving business owners and buyers through a team dedicated exclusively to SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loan programs. Our specialized focus allows us to work with borrowers across a wide range of industries and markets.
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Potentially. The all-available-collateral rule applies to owners holding 20% or more, and it is an SBA rule. When required under SBA guidelines, owners at that level generally must pledge available personal collateral and/or provide a personal guarantee. We’ll explain the collateral requirements during the loan process.
For more information about business financing and our approval process, please read our full SBA loan FAQs and review our SBA lending resources.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Complete the form below to contact an SBA Lending specialist near you. We'll make the process easy and keep you informed along the way.
Some applications may require further consideration, and additional information may be required.
Credit terms are subject to approval.
Amount of Credit is subject to SBA program.