The Quick Answer
If you're looking for a number: most SBA loans take 60 to 90 days from application to funding. But that range hides a lot of detail.
Some SBA programs close in 30 days. Others can stretch past 90 days if your file hits snags. The difference almost always comes down to three things: which program you're using, how prepared you are, and whether the person packaging your deal knows what they're doing.
Why the range is so wide: SBA loans involve three parties - you, the lender, and the SBA itself. Each has their own review and approval process. A clean, well-packaged file moves fast. A messy one gets bounced back and forth for weeks.
Let's break down exactly what to expect for each SBA program, what happens at every stage, and how to get to funding day as fast as possible.
Timeline by SBA Program
Not all SBA loans move at the same speed. The program you choose has a huge impact on how long you'll wait. Here's how the four main programs compare.
| Program | SBA Approval | Total Timeline | Max Amount | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | 5-10 business days | 60-90 days | $5,000,000 | Working capital, expansion, equipment, refinancing |
| SBA 504 | 30-45 days | 75-120 days | $5,500,000 | Real estate, heavy equipment, major fixed assets |
| SBA Express | Within 36 hours | 3-6 weeks | $350,000 | Fast working capital, smaller deals |
| SBA Bolt | 24-48 hours | 3-6 weeks | $150,000 | Small loans, simpler deals |
Key Takeaway
Speed and loan amount work in opposite directions. The fastest programs (Express, Bolt) have lower limits. The highest amounts (7(a), 504) take longer. Match the program to what matters most for your situation.
- Need speed? SBA Express - 36-hour SBA approval, up to $350K
- Need the most money? SBA 7(a) - up to $5M, 60-90 days
- Buying real estate? SBA 504 - lowest rates on property, 60-90 days
- Small, simple deal? SBA Bolt - fastest path for loans under $150K
Not sure which program is right? Read our full comparison of SBA 7(a) vs 504 vs Express vs Bolt for a deeper dive.
The SBA Loan Process, Step by Step
Every SBA loan follows roughly the same six stages. Here's what happens at each one, how long it takes, and what you need to do.
Pre-Qualification & Document Gathering
This is where most of the speed is won or lost. You'll discuss your needs with a broker or lender, determine which SBA program fits, and start pulling together your documents. If you come prepared, this stage can be done in days. If not, it can add weeks.
Application & Loan Packaging
Your broker or lender assembles the full loan package: financial statements, tax returns, business plan (if needed), personal financial statement, and the SBA application forms. A well-packaged file that anticipates lender questions moves to underwriting faster.
Lender Underwriting
The lender reviews everything: your credit, financials, collateral, business plan, and cash flow projections. They verify your numbers and assess risk. This is where incomplete files get stalled - every time the lender requests something you haven't provided, the clock resets on their review queue.
SBA Review & Guarantee Approval
Once the lender approves, they submit to the SBA for the government guarantee. Express loans get a response within 36 hours. Standard 7(a) loans take 5-10 business days. 504 loans go through a Certified Development Company (CDC), which adds time. This step is largely out of your hands.
Closing & Legal Documentation
After SBA approval, the lender's legal team drafts loan documents. You'll sign the note, guarantee, and any collateral agreements. For real estate deals (504 loans), this includes title work, appraisals, and environmental reviews - which can add time.
Funding & Disbursement
Money hits your account. For working capital loans, this is usually a lump sum. For real estate or equipment, funds may go directly to the seller or vendor. Some lenders can wire same-day after signing; others take a few business days.
Pro Tip: The biggest time savings happen in stages 1 and 2. Have your documents ready before you apply and work with someone who packages SBA files professionally. A clean package that answers every underwriting question upfront can shave 2-4 weeks off the total timeline.
What Slows Down Your SBA Loan
When SBA loans take 4, 5, or 6 months instead of 60-90 days, there's always a reason. Here are the most common delays and how to avoid them.
Missing or Incomplete Documents
This is the #1 delay. Every time the lender requests a document you don't have, your file goes to the back of the queue. They don't wait - they move on to the next complete file and come back to yours later.
Unorganized Financials
If your tax returns don't match your bank statements, or your P&L doesn't reconcile with your balance sheet, underwriters flag it. Cleaning up accounting issues during the process can add weeks.
Complex Business Structures
Multiple entities, partnerships, trusts as owners, or recent ownership changes create extra layers of review. Each entity may need separate financial documentation. This isn't a disqualifier - it just takes longer.
Working with the Wrong Lender
Not all banks are SBA specialists. A lender who does a few SBA loans a year processes files slower than one who does hundreds. Their staff may be less familiar with SBA requirements, leading to more back-and-forth with the SBA.
Collateral and Appraisal Issues
For loans over $50,000 with real estate collateral, the SBA requires an appraisal. If the appraisal comes in low or takes weeks to schedule, it stalls the whole process. Environmental assessments for 504 loans can add even more time.
The honest truth about SBA timelines: The SBA part of the process is actually pretty fast - Express decisions come in 36 hours, standard 7(a) in 5-10 days. The delays almost always happen on the lender side or the borrower side. That's why who you work with matters more than which bank you choose.
Pro Tip: Before you apply, pull your last 3 years of tax returns and check them against your bank statements. If something doesn't match - like a big deposit that's not on your returns - get your CPA to explain it in advance. Lenders will ask about it, and being ready saves weeks.
How to Speed Up the Process
You can't control how fast the SBA reviews your file. But you can control everything that happens before and after. Here's what actually moves the needle.
1. Have Your Documents Ready Before You Apply
This one move can cut 2-4 weeks off your timeline. Here's the standard SBA document checklist:
- 3 years of personal and business tax returns
- Year-to-date profit & loss statement
- Balance sheet
- Business debt schedule (all existing loans and payments)
- Personal financial statement (SBA Form 413)
- 3-6 months of business bank statements
- Business plan with projections (for startups or acquisitions)
- Copy of business licenses, leases, and articles of incorporation
2. Work with an SBA-Specialized Broker
A broker who packages SBA files regularly knows exactly what underwriters want to see. They format your file to answer questions before they're asked. They know which lenders are fastest for your deal size and type. And if something goes sideways, they know how to fix it without starting over.
3. Choose the Right Program for Your Timeline
If you need funding in 30-45 days and the loan amount works, SBA Express is the clear choice. If you need $2M for real estate and can wait 90 days for the best rate, 504 is the right call. Don't force a 7(a) when Express would be faster, and don't settle for Express when 7(a) gives you better terms.
4. Respond to Lender Requests Within 24 Hours
Every day you wait to respond to a document request is a day your file sits idle. Set up a system: dedicated email folder, a shared drive with your CPA, phone alerts on. When the lender asks for something, send it that day.
5. Get Your CPA Involved Early
Your accountant will need to provide letters, verify financials, and possibly prepare interim statements. Give them a heads-up before you apply. Nothing stalls an SBA loan faster than a CPA who's too busy to respond for two weeks.
Key Takeaway
The fastest SBA loans aren't just about picking the right program - they're about removing every possible delay before it happens.
- Documents ready = 2-4 weeks saved
- SBA-specialized packaging = cleaner file, fewer bouncebacks
- Right program for your timeline = no wasted time on the wrong track
- 24-hour response time = your file stays at the top of the pile
The Cost of Waiting (and Why It's Usually Worth It)
Here's the question most business owners really want answered: is it worth waiting 60-90 days for an SBA loan when I could get funded in a week with something else?
Let's look at the numbers on a $250,000 loan.
| Factor | SBA 7(a) | Term Loan | MCA |
|---|---|---|---|
| APR | 10.5-13.5% | 15-30% | 40-150%+ |
| Monthly Payment | ~$2,700-$3,200 | ~$5,800-$8,300 | ~$12,000-$17,000 |
| Term Length | 10-25 years | 1-5 years | 4-18 months |
| Time to Funding | 60-90 days | 7-21 days | 1-5 days |
| Total Interest Paid | ~$74,000 (10yr) | ~$96,000 (3yr) | ~$75,000-$125,000 (12mo) |
On the same $250,000, the monthly payment difference between SBA and a merchant cash advance can be $9,000 to $14,000 per month. That's money that stays in your business instead of going to debt service.
The 60-90 day wait pays for itself in the first month of lower payments. Over the life of the loan, you could save $100,000 or more compared to alternative financing.
When SBA is NOT worth the wait: If you need capital in the next 1-2 weeks to capture a revenue opportunity that will disappear, waiting 60-90 days doesn't make sense. In those cases, a merchant cash advance or line of credit gives you speed - and you can always refinance into an SBA loan later when the urgency passes.
What to Do While You Wait
Smart business owners don't just sit idle for 60-90 days. Here are two strategies to keep things moving while your SBA loan is in process.
Bridge Financing Strategy
If you need some capital now, you can get a smaller line of credit or short-term loan to cover immediate needs while the SBA loan closes. Once the SBA funds, you pay off the bridge. Yes, the bridge costs more - but you get both speed and long-term savings.
Use the Time to Prepare
The SBA process gives you 60-90 days to plan exactly how you'll use the money. Use that time to:
- Negotiate better deals with vendors or suppliers (you'll have the cash soon)
- Hire key staff so they're trained and ready when funds arrive
- Finalize real estate or equipment purchase details
- Set up the systems you need for growth
The businesses that get the most out of SBA loans aren't the ones who rush to fund - they're the ones who show up on funding day with a plan to deploy every dollar.
Pro Tip: If you know you'll need SBA funding in the next 3-6 months, start the process now. Get your documents together, talk to a broker, and get pre-qualified. That way, when the need becomes urgent, you're already weeks ahead of the timeline instead of starting from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an SBA loan?
It depends on the program. SBA Express loans can close in 3-6 weeks. SBA 7(a) loans typically take 60-90 days. SBA 504 loans take 75-120 days because they involve a Certified Development Company. The newer SBA Bolt program can deliver decisions in under a week with funding in 3-6 weeks. Your preparation level and the broker or lender you work with are the biggest factors in speed.
What is the fastest SBA loan program?
SBA Bolt is the fastest for straightforward loans up to $150,000, with automated decisions sometimes within 24-48 hours. SBA Express is another fast option for amounts up to $350,000, with SBA approval within 36 hours. Both programs still require lender underwriting before and after SBA approval, so total time is 3-6 weeks.
Why do SBA loans take so long?
SBA loans involve three parties - you, the lender, and the SBA. Each has their own review process. The lender underwrites your file, then submits to the SBA for guarantee approval, then closes and funds. The biggest delays come from incomplete documents, complex business structures, and lenders who aren't SBA specialists.
Can I speed up the SBA loan process?
Yes. The three biggest ways to speed up your SBA loan: (1) Have all documents ready before you apply - tax returns, financials, business plan, and personal financial statement. (2) Work with an SBA-specialized broker who packages your file correctly the first time. (3) Choose the right program for your timeline - Express or Bolt if speed matters, 7(a) or 504 if you need maximum amounts or lowest rates.
What documents do I need for an SBA loan?
Standard SBA document requirements include: 3 years of personal and business tax returns, year-to-date profit and loss statement, balance sheet, business debt schedule, personal financial statement (SBA Form 413), business plan (for startups or new purchases), and 3-6 months of bank statements. Having these ready before you apply can cut weeks off your timeline.
What happens if my SBA loan is taking too long?
If your SBA loan is stalled, first ask your lender or broker exactly where it is in the process and what's needed to move forward. Common fixes include providing missing documents quickly, clarifying business structure questions, or switching to a faster SBA program like Express. If you need funds immediately, a bridge strategy using a line of credit or short-term loan can cover you while the SBA loan closes.
Is it worth waiting for an SBA loan?
For most businesses, yes - if you qualify. On a $250,000 loan, SBA rates could save you $2,000-$3,000 per month compared to alternative financing. Over a 10-year term, that's $240,000-$360,000 in savings. The 60-90 day wait pays for itself many times over. The exception is when you need capital immediately to capture a time-sensitive opportunity.
Do SBA loans take longer for startups?
Generally yes. Startups face additional scrutiny because there's no operating history to evaluate. Lenders rely more heavily on your business plan, industry experience, personal credit, and collateral. This extra review can add 2-4 weeks to the timeline. Having a detailed business plan with financial projections and demonstrating relevant industry experience are the best ways to keep the process moving.
Ready to Start the SBA Process?
Let's figure out which SBA program fits your timeline and get your file moving.
See If You Qualify