The programs · decoded from the federal record
The SBA loan types, by the numbers
“SBA loan” is not one thing. The 7(a) program alone runs from half-million-dollar acquisitions to $50,000 express lines, plus specialist programs for exporters and underserved borrowers — each with its own size, terms, guarantee and risk. Here is every type, ranked by how common it is, with who actually lends it.
Every 7(a) type, compared
last five fiscal years| Loan type | Share | Typical size | Typical term | Default | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 7(a) | 62.0% | $350k | 10 yr | 4.8% | most business purposes |
| SBA Express | 36.6% | $50k | 10 yr | 6.2% | small, fast working capital |
| CAPLines | 0.3% | $850k | 5 yr | 2.6% | lines of credit |
| Community Advantage | 0.6% | $150k | 10 yr | 10.7% | underserved borrowers |
| Export Working Capital (EWCP) | 0.1% | $1.32M | 2 yr | 1.4% | financing export orders |
| International Trade | 0.3% | $1.89M | 10 yr | 3.7% | exporters and import-hit firms |
| Export Express | 0.0% | $326k | 7 yr | 8.8% | fast export financing |
Two programs do the overwhelming majority of the work: Standard 7(a) and SBA Express together are 99% of all 7(a) loans. The rest are specialist tools worth knowing exist. (The 504 program for real estate is separate.)
Which one is yours?
Most borrowers end up in Standard 7(a) for a term loan, or SBA Express for something smaller and faster. Once you know the type, the question is which lender — and that depends on your industry, size and state. Match your deal to lenders →