The SBA down payment,
explained
“10% down” is real for the right project. Here are the injection rules.
By Chris De Leeuw · Stonehaven Lending · Updated July 30, 2026
On a 504, an established business in a general-purpose building injects 10% of project cost. Add 5% if special-purpose, 5% if under two years old. On 7(a), the lender sets equity within SBA rules.
The 10 / 15 / 20 matrix
10% baseline; +5% for special-purpose property (hotels, car washes, gas stations); +5% for a business under two years old. Capped at 20%. The bank's ~50% and the CDC portion reshape around your injection.
Where the injection can come from
Cash, equity in project land you own, or documented borrowed funds serviced outside the business. Every source needs a paper trail.
It is 10% of more than the price
It applies to total project cost: purchase, construction, eligible soft costs, fees. Bigger base, but those costs get financed. See the SBA loan calculator.
What can move the number
Lender overlays, collateral, or eligibility can require more. The matrix is the floor, not a promise.
Find your real number
A specialist reads your project against the rules and lender expectations within one business day.