SBA 7(a) and 504 loans
for business growth.
Buy a business, buy your building, or fund expansion - Stonehaven arranges government-backed SBA financing through third-party capital providers, nationwide.
Buy a business
SBA 7(a) can finance a business acquisition - goodwill included - on terms a conventional loan rarely matches.
Buy your building
Own the property your business runs from - 504 and 7(a) structures from 10% down for qualifying projects.
Grow or refinance
Expansion, equipment, partner buyouts, or refinancing debt that no longer fits the business.
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans are U.S. Small Business Administration-backed programs that help owner-operators buy, build or refinance owner-occupied real estate and finance business acquisitions - typically with longer terms and lower down payments than conventional loans allow. Stonehaven arranges SBA financing through participating lenders; every transaction must qualify independently under current SBA and lender rules, and passive investment real estate is generally not eligible.
SBA financing lets business owners buy or build the property they operate from with less capital up front and terms that conventional loans rarely match.
Built for the operating business.
The SBA 7(a) and 504 programs are designed for businesses that occupy most of their real estate. They allow lower down payments - as little as 10% - longer amortization, and competitive terms, which preserves working capital for the business itself. The 7(a) program is flexible, covering owner-occupied real estate, business acquisition, equipment, and working capital up to $5M. The 504 program pairs a bank loan with a CDC debenture to finance larger owner-occupied real estate and heavy equipment.
Stonehaven guides owners through eligibility, structure, and the documentation these programs require, and arranges SBA financing nationwide through participating lenders under the SBA’s national framework. If your business will occupy less than half the property, a conventional commercial loan is usually the better route.
SBA loan parameters.
How SBA eligibility works.
SBA loans are made by lenders under U.S. Small Business Administration guidelines. To qualify, the business generally must be for-profit, operate in the U.S., meet SBA size standards, and - for real estate - occupy at least 51% of an existing building (or 60% of new construction). Underwriting looks at the business’s cash flow and ability to repay, the owners’ credit and experience, and the collateral. A strong plan and clean financials move the file faster.
Because SBA structures reduce the lender’s risk, they can offer lower down payments and longer terms than conventional financing - a meaningful advantage for an owner buying their location for the first time.
When SBA financing fits.
Owner-occupied real estate
Buy or build the property your business operates from.
Business acquisition
Finance the purchase of an existing business.
Expansion
Fund equipment, renovation, or a second location.
Partner buyout
Acquire the stake of an exiting owner.
From inquiry to closing.
Inquiry
Tell us about the business and the property. We respond within one business day.
Structure
We confirm the right program - 7(a) or 504 - and outline terms.
Underwriting
We assemble the SBA package; the selected lender verifies eligibility and clears conditions while we manage the file.
Closing
The loan documents and funds - with the low down payment SBA allows.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an SBA 7(a) and a 504 loan?
The 7(a) program is flexible and can fund owner-occupied real estate, business acquisition, equipment, and working capital up to $5M. The 504 program is purpose-built for larger owner-occupied real estate and heavy equipment, pairing a conventional bank loan with a fixed-rate CDC debenture. 7(a) is often simpler; 504 can finance larger real estate projects with strong long-term rates.
How much down payment does an SBA loan require?
SBA financing can require as little as 10% down for owner-occupied real estate - considerably less than a conventional commercial loan. The exact figure depends on the property, the business, and the program. That low down payment is one of the main reasons owner-occupants choose SBA.
What credit score do I need for an SBA loan?
There is no single published minimum, and SBA underwriting weighs the whole picture - business cash flow, the owners’ credit history and experience, and collateral - not just a score. Clean personal and business finances and a solid repayment case matter most. We review your situation and tell you candidly where you stand.
What can an SBA loan be used for?
SBA 7(a) funds can be used for owner-occupied commercial real estate, buying a business, equipment, working capital, and certain refinances. SBA 504 is focused on owner-occupied real estate and major fixed assets. To use SBA for real estate, your business generally must occupy at least 51% of an existing building.
Can I use an SBA loan to buy a building for my business?
Yes - financing owner-occupied real estate is one of the most common uses. If your business will occupy at least 51% of an existing property (or 60% of new construction), you can typically use SBA 7(a) or 504 to buy or build it, often with a lower down payment than conventional financing.
How long are SBA loan terms?
SBA real estate loans can run up to 25 years, with shorter terms for equipment and working capital. Longer amortization keeps payments manageable and preserves cash for running the business.
Discuss your financing.
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