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 7(a) type, ranked by how common it is and who actually lends it — plus how the 504 program fits alongside.
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.)
The other main program: 504
real estate & equipmentEverything above is the 7(a) family. The other big SBA program is 504 — a bank first mortgage paired with a fixed-rate second through a Certified Development Company, built for owner-occupied property and heavy equipment. It works differently enough to have its own section.
How 504 works → Find a CDC → 7(a) vs 504 →
Two further SBA programs are made directly by the SBA rather than through lenders, so they sit outside this comparison: disaster loans and EIDL, and the microloan program (up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediaries).
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 →