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SBA loan maximums are the highest loan amounts allowed under each U.S. Small Business Administration loan program. These limits are set by the SBA and vary by program type, loan purpose, and structure, helping ensure borrowers are not over-leveraged while providing access to affordable financing.
Current as of January 2026
SBA loan maximum amounts are established by the U.S. Small Business Administration and do not change on a regular schedule. As of this update, there have been no changes to SBA loan maximum limits for the 7(a), 504, or Microloan programs.
Quick summary: SBA loan limits at a glance.
- The maximum SBA 7(a) loan amount is $5 million.
- SBA 504 loans support projects with SBA-backed portions up to $5.5 million.
- SBA Microloans are capped at $50,000.
- Actual loan size depends on program structure and use of proceeds.
- Most businesses qualify for less than the maximum allowed amount.
SBA loan maximums by program.
SBA 7(a) loan program maximum loan amounts by loan type.
The SBA 7(a) loan program has a maximum loan amount of $5,000,000. This cap applies to the total loan amount, regardless of how funds are used, and represents the highest amount the SBA will support under the 7(a) program.
Within the SBA 7(a) program, the SBA offers several loan types designed for different financing needs. These types don’t change the overall program maximum, but some have lower loan size limits, or different SBA guarantee levels.
SBA 504 loan program maximum loan amounts by project type.
The SBA 504 loan program has a maximum loan amount of $5,500,000. This cap applies to the highest amount the SBA will support under the 504 program.
The nature of the specific 504 project influences what the loan limit will be for the SBA’s portion.
SBA Microloan program maximum loan amount.
The SBA offers a microloan program designed specifically to aid small businesses and non-profit childcare centers in need of small-scale financing. This program caters to businesses that require smaller amounts of funding than offered under the larger SBA loan programs.
Microloans are distributed to borrowers through intermediary lenders, and the SBA microloan loan limit is $50,000. The average loan awarded tends to be around $13,000.
How SBA loan maximums are set.
SBA loan maximums are established by the U.S. Small Business Administration and are designed to balance access to capital for small businesses with responsible risk management. These limits are not based on individual borrower qualifications, but on program-level policy decisions set at the federal level. The limits are defined in official SBA program guidance and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs.) These limits apply nationwide and are not adjusted based on industry, location, or lender preference.
The maximums represent the upper limits allowed under each program, not the amount a business will qualify for. Actual loan size depends on factors such as cash flow, credit profile, use of proceeds, and lender underwriting standards.
Sources
The information in this article is based on official guidance and program rules published by the U.S. Small Business Administration and is intended to explain general SBA loan term limits and structural requirements.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 50 10 8 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs. Last updated June 2025.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 52 00 B - Microloan Program. Last updated June 2018.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).SBA Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 50 10, Appendix 13 - 7(a) Manufacturers' Access to Revolving Credit (MARC). Last updated October 2025.
