For more than 40 years, Market Capital Lending has helped business owners navigate and secure SBA financing — part of the $375 million+ we've funded for our clients. We've guided everyone from small businesses right here in metro Atlanta to companies operating nationwide across 46 states through the SBA 7(a) and 504 process. It's a program we know deeply. And as a veteran-owned business, we bring the values that shaped us to every file: straight advice, relentless advocacy for your deal, and treatment that always puts you first. Below, here's everything you need to know about SBA loans — and how we can help you get funded.
What is an SBA loan, in plain terms?
SBA loans are commercial loans that the Small Business Administration partially guarantees. Because the government backs a portion of the loan, the lender takes on less risk — and that lower risk is passed to you as lower down payments, longer repayment periods, and competitive rates compared to conventional bank financing. It's one of the most powerful tools available for buying commercial property, acquiring a business, or funding an expansion without draining your cash.
We work with two primary programs, and part of our job is matching your deal to the right one.
SBA 7(a) vs. SBA 504 — which one fits?
SBA 7(a) is the most common and most flexible SBA loan. It's used for a wide range of purposes: purchasing commercial real estate, buying equipment, funding working capital, or acquiring another business. If your need is broad or blended, 7(a) is usually the starting point.
SBA 504 is built specifically for major fixed assets — long-term, fixed-rate financing to purchase commercial real estate or large equipment. It's the better fit for an established business making a significant, long-term capital investment.
Not sure which applies to your situation? Our SBA 7(a) vs. 504 comparison guide walks through it, or you can just tell us about your deal and we'll point you to the right program. New to the process? See how to apply for an SBA loan and, if you're just starting out, SBA loans for startups and new businesses.
Who SBA financing is for
SBA loans are a strong fit if you're:
- A business owner purchasing owner-occupied commercial real estate
- An established business acquiring another business (see our business acquisition financing)
- An owner looking to buy equipment or fund an expansion — often paired with commercial equipment financing
- A borrower who wants longer terms and a lower down payment than a conventional commercial real estate loan offers
Typical borrowers come to us with credit around 680 or better and a deal of $300,000 or more — but strong collateral or a solid business can open the door even when the profile isn't picture-perfect.
Why business owners choose Market Capital Lending
We built this firm for the borrower who doesn't fit neatly into a big bank's box — the self-employed, the entrepreneur with write-offs that shrink their taxable income, the owner who was told "no" by the branch down the street. As a broker with a network of 40–50 lenders — including SBA-focused partners like Ready Capital — we're not limited to a single bank's rulebook. If one lender passes, we know where else the deal can land.
We're also a veteran-owned small business with 40+ years of combined experience and over $375 million funded — the kind of track record that matters when your financing is on the line. You work directly with people who understand commercial deals, move quickly, and treat a same-day answer as the standard, not the exception. (Rates, approval, and terms vary by credit, collateral, loan amount, and underwriting.)
How the process works
It's straightforward: you tell us about your deal, we match it to the right SBA program and lender, and we guide the file through underwriting to closing. If you're buying or selling a listed business, we also offer a complimentary cash-flow analysis and estimated valuation to see whether it prequalifies for SBA 7(a) financing. When you're ready, start your application — it takes just a few minutes to begin.
SBA loans in your market
While we fund deals in 46 states, most of our business comes from Georgia, Alabama, and Florida — and especially the communities within about an hour of our Loganville office. If you're searching close to home, see our pages for SBA loans in Atlanta, SBA loans in Alpharetta, or SBA and commercial financing across Georgia.
Frequently asked questions
What credit score do I need for an SBA loan?
Most SBA borrowers have a credit score around 680 or higher, but that's a guideline, not a hard cutoff. Strong collateral, healthy business cash flow, or a well-structured deal can support an approval with a lower score. The best way to know is to let us review your specific situation.
How much do I need for a down payment?
SBA loans are known for lower down payments than conventional financing, which is a big part of their appeal — but the exact amount depends on the property type, the program, and the lender. See our SBA loan down payment guide for how it's calculated.
Can I get an SBA loan if a bank already turned me down?
Often, yes. A bank turndown usually reflects that one bank's criteria — not that your deal is unfundable. Because we work with 40–50 lenders, we can take a file a traditional bank passed on and find a lender whose guidelines fit it.
What can an SBA loan be used for?
A 7(a) loan can fund commercial real estate, equipment, working capital, or a business acquisition. A 504 loan is specifically for major fixed assets like real estate or large equipment. If your need is broad, 7(a) is usually the answer; if it's a single large asset, 504 often wins.
How large of a loan can you arrange?
Our sweet spot starts at $300,000, and through our lender network we arrange financing well into the millions. For very large commercial requests, we also have partners that handle deals from $2 million to $100 million and up.
Do you only serve Georgia?
No — we arrange SBA financing in 46 states. Most of our clients are in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, with a concentration in the metro-Atlanta and Loganville-area markets, but we're happy to help wherever your business is.