Borrower guide · Who qualifies
SBA loans for veterans
There is no separate “veteran loan,” but veterans get the same SBA programs plus real, free support built specifically for them — and, on some loans, a break on fees.
Same loans, extra support
A veteran-owned business qualifies for a 7(a) or 504 on the same requirements as any other. What is added is support: VA and SBA resources, and the SBA’s Veterans Business Outreach Centers, which offer free counseling, training and help preparing an SBA application.
Fee relief, when it applies
The SBA has run programs that reduce or waive the guaranty fee for veteran-owned businesses on certain 7(a) loans (historically including SBA Express). These terms change from year to year and program to program, so confirm what is currently in effect with your lender rather than assuming.
Where to start
Begin with a VBOC or your local SBA district office to get your file ready for free, then use the matcher to find lenders active in your state and industry. A microloan through a community intermediary can be a good first step for a small startup.
Common questions
Is there a special SBA loan for veterans?
No separate loan, but veterans use the same 7(a) and 504 programs, have historically gotten reduced or waived guaranty fees on some loans, and get free help from Veterans Business Outreach Centers.
Do veterans get lower SBA fees?
On certain loans, yes — the SBA has offered fee reductions or waivers for veteran-owned businesses, but the terms change yearly. Confirm what is current with your lender.
Where do veterans get help with an SBA loan?
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) and SBA district offices offer free counseling and application help.
Keep going
Rules described here follow SBA SOP 50 10 8 (effective June 1, 2025) and can change; lenders add their own overlays. This is education, not advice — confirm specifics with your lender. Figures cited as “our data” come from the SBA 7(a) & 504 FOIA record, released 2026-06-30.