Select your industry below to see NAICS size standards, average loan sizes, down payment rules, and specific underwriting tips.
Common uses: inventory, marketing, fulfillment infrastructure, working capital.
Common uses: practice acquisition, medical equipment, facility expansion.
Common uses: equipment, leasehold improvements, working capital.
Common uses: book acquisition, partner buyout, software infrastructure, working capital.
Common uses: facility acquisition, expansion, specialized medical equipment, working capital.
Common uses: shop equipment, lifts, diagnostic tools, real estate.
Common uses: laser/aesthetic equipment, salon station build-out, acquisition.
Common uses: real estate purchase, tunnel equipment, recurring membership software.
Common uses: commercial espresso machines, ovens, leasehold improvements, seating.
Common uses: facility build-out, playground equipment, working working, licensing costs.
Common uses: practice acquisition, dental equipment, office build-out.
Common uses: inventory, marketing, fulfillment infrastructure, working capital.
Common uses: franchise acquisition, build-out, drive-thru equipment, multi-unit expansion.
Common uses: property purchase, C-store expansion, fuel dispenser upgrades.
Common uses: exercise equipment leasing, facility build-out, franchise fee financing.
Common uses: commercial real estate acquisition, PIP renovations, refinancing.
Common uses: fleet vehicles, equipment, working capital, acquisition.
Common uses: mowers, commercial equipment, work trucks, business acquisition.
Common uses: business acquisition, commercial washer/dryer replacement, retooling.
Common uses: store acquisition, initial inventory purchases, real estate buy.
Common uses: practice acquisition, medical equipment, facility expansion.
Common uses: vehicles, specialized equipment, business acquisition.
Common uses: equipment, leasehold improvements, working capital.
Common uses: working capital, inventory materials, fleet vehicles, equipment.
Common uses: facility construction, expansion, land acquisition, climate control retrofits.
Common uses: working capital, talent acquisition, product development.
Common uses: truck purchases, fleet expansion, fuel costs, trailer acquisition.
Common uses: practice buy-in, medical imaging equipment, building purchase.
When underwriting an SBA 7(a) or 504 loan, commercial lenders heavily scrutinize your business's NAICS code to determine both size standard eligibility and historical default probability.
Historically stable sectors with low default rates and tangible assets. These businesses often qualify for minimum down payments (10%) and longer repayment terms.
Businesses subject to normal economic cycles. Approvals depend heavily on the individual borrower's credit, cash flow, and management experience.
Sectors with thin margins, high failure rates, or lack of collateral. Lenders may require 20%+ equity injections or substantial outside collateral to mitigate risk.
If you are opening a franchise (like a fast-food restaurant, gym, or hotel), your brand must be listed on the SBA Franchise Directory. This ensures the franchise agreement does not exert "excessive control" over the franchisee. If your franchise is not on the directory, your loan cannot be approved by an SBA lender until an FTC addendum is filed and approved.
Yes. Lenders view industries with high failure rates, thin profit margins, or lack of collateral (like restaurants or e-commerce) as higher risk. Conversely, industries like healthcare and accounting are often preferred and can secure loans with lower down payments.
Almost all for-profit small businesses in the US are eligible for SBA funding, provided they meet the SBA size standards. You can use our general Readiness Score tool to evaluate your eligibility, regardless of whether your specific industry is listed here.
Typically, yes. SBA lenders strongly prefer borrowers with direct management or ownership experience in the industry they are seeking funding for. First-time operators are considered extremely high-risk.
Use our free Readiness Score tool to evaluate your business eligibility in 2 minutes.
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