Can you get an SBA loan to start a business?
Yes: SBA loans can fund startups, but the bar is higher than for established businesses. The SBA 7(a) program lends up to $5 million, and lenders do approve startup deals when the borrower brings roughly 10% down, strong personal credit, relevant industry experience, and a credible plan. The catch: most 7(a) lenders prefer 2+ years in business, so a startup applying cold to the wrong bank gets a fast no. Months of rejections cost you the window to actually launch. Quordx Capital matches you with lenders in its 50+ lender network that actually have appetite for startup deals, instead of guessing which bank might say yes.
Part of our guide to Business Loans.
Last updated · Reviewed by Cody Dreis
50+ Lenders|Funding in as little as 24 hours
How startup SBA loans actually work
Lenders approving startup 7(a) loans typically want four things. First, a down payment: plan on about 10% of the project cost from your own funds. Second, personal credit: most 7(a) lenders look for scores of 650 or better. Third, experience in the industry you're entering, a chef opening a restaurant reads very differently from a first-timer. Fourth, a business plan with realistic projections, because there's no operating history to underwrite. Current 7(a) variable rates run roughly 10.5%-14% depending on loan size (WSJ Prime is 7.50% as of June 2026). Expect the process to take weeks, not days: SBA loans are thorough by design.
If SBA isn't a fit yet, you still have options
SBA 7(a) loan: Up to $5M for startups with 10% down, 650+ credit, and a strong plan. Best for launches with real capital needs and a prepared owner.
Equipment financing: $5K-$5M+ where the equipment itself is the collateral, which makes lenders more flexible on time in business. Best for startups whose main cost is machinery, vehicles, or gear.
Business credit cards: A practical way to cover early expenses and start building business credit while you work toward loan eligibility.
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How Quordx Capital Works
You fill out one application, about 5 minutes, and upload your documents once. Quordx Capital's matching process then analyzes your profile and identifies 3-7 best-fit lenders from a vetted network of 50+, ranked by your probability of approval. Lender decisions typically come back within 24-48 hours, and funded deals usually wire in 3-7 business days (SBA timelines run longer).
What to Expect
Honesty first: if you're pre-revenue with no down payment, an SBA loan probably isn't realistic yet, and Quordx Capital will tell you that rather than waste your time. If you do have the 10% down and decent credit, matching with a startup-friendly SBA lender dramatically improves your odds versus applying blind. The service is free to you, no application fees, no broker fees, and checking your options creates no obligation.
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No obligation · Initial inquiry doesn't impact credit · Takes about 10 minutes
Written by
Cody Dreis
Founder, Quordx Capital
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Quordx Capital is a business funding broker, not a lender. Lenders make every credit decision and set the rate, fees and terms, and not every business qualifies. Quordx may be paid by a lender when a deal funds. Full disclosures