SBA lending refers to business loans that are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and issued by participating lenders, usually banks
. The SBA's primary business loan program is the 7(a) Loan Program, which provides loan guarantees to lenders that allow them to provide financial help for small businesses
. SBA loans can be used for various purposes, including acquiring, refinancing, or improving real estate and buildings, short- and long-term working capital, refinancing current business debt, purchasing and installation of machinery and equipment, purchasing furniture, fixtures, and supplies, and changes of ownership (complete or partial)
. SBA-guaranteed loans generally have rates and fees that are comparable to non-guaranteed loans, and some loans come with continued support to help businesses start and run their operations
