The Gold Standard for Small Businesses
We simplify the notoriously tedious SBA process and connect you with carefully vetted lenders. Led by a Senior VP SBA Banker and NAGGL Board Member who's deployed $300M+ in SBA loans.
1000+ Businesses Served
$300M Deployed
20+ Lending Partners
500+ SMB Resources
gold standard
The Four SBA Loan Types We Offer
We facilitate all major SBA programs through our partner network.
SBA loan types explained
Repayment terms up to 10 years for working capital and equipment, up to 25 years for real estate. Requires a personal guarantee and may require collateral depending on loan size.
Repayment terms up to 7 years for working capital and up to 10 years for equipment. Streamlined application process with faster turnaround. May have slightly higher rates due to expedited processing.
Long-term fixed rates with repayment up to 25 years. Structured with a three-party participation: 50% from a CDC (Certified Development Company), 40% from a lender, and 10% down payment from the borrower.
Repayment terms up to 6 years. Offered through nonprofit community lenders who often provide business training and support alongside the loan. More accessible to businesses with limited credit history.
Common Use Cases
- Working capital and cash flow needs
- Equipment purchases and upgrades
- Business acquisitions
- Real estate purchases (owner-occupied)
- Refinancing existing debt
Why Choose This Loan?
The SBA 7(a) is the most versatile loan program, offering the highest loan amounts and broadest use cases. It's ideal for established businesses looking for substantial financing with competitive rates and flexible terms.
Common Use Cases
- Quick working capital injections
- Inventory purchases
- Short-term financing needs
- Small equipment purchases
- Emergency business expenses
Why Choose This Loan?
Perfect for businesses that need capital quickly without the lengthy approval process. The SBA Express program prioritizes speed while maintaining reasonable rates, making it ideal for time-sensitive opportunities or urgent needs.
Common Use Cases
- Commercial real estate purchases
- Building construction or renovation
- Major equipment and machinery
- Long-term fixed asset financing
- Business expansion projects
Why Choose This Loan?
The SBA 504 loan offers the lowest rates and longest terms, specifically designed for major fixed asset purchases. The fixed rate protects you from market fluctuations, and the low down payment preserves your cash flow for operations.
Common Use Cases
- Startup costs and launch expenses
- Small inventory purchases
- Basic equipment and supplies
- Working capital for micro-businesses
- Furniture, fixtures, and small renovations
Why Choose This Loan?
Ideal for startups, new entrepreneurs, and very small businesses that need modest capital with flexible requirements. Microloans are easier to qualify for and come with valuable business mentorship and technical assistance.
What you need to qualify for SBA loans
General requirements apply across all SBA programs, with some variation by loan type.
General SBA Requirements
- 12+ months in business (microloans more flexible)
- Business purpose only (not personal use)
- For-profit U.S.-based business
- Ability to repay from business cash flow
Credit Requirements
- SBA 7(a) & 504: 680+ preferred
- SBA Express: 680+
- SBA Microloan: 640+ (more flexible)
Financial Requirements
- Strong cash flow
- 10–20% down payment (varies by loan)
- Adequate collateral
- No recent bankruptcies (2+ years since discharge)
Industry Restrictions
- No lending, gambling, illegal activities
- No passive or speculative real estate businesses
- No nonprofit organizations
- Some industries require additional documentation
Documents you'll need
We make the painful SBA process simple and fast.
SBA loans are notorious for long timelines and complex requirements. We cut through that.
Expert preparation
Our team is led by a NAGGL Board Member and Senior VP SBA Banker with 20+ years experience. We know exactly what SBA lenders need and how to package applications for approval.
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Established relationships
$300M+ deployed through our vetted partner network means we get priority processing. Our partners know our submissions are complete and accurate.
Package perfection
We help prepare your SBA package before submission. We avoid the back-and-forth delays from missing documents or incorrect formatting.
Timeline acceleration
Standard SBA process: 8-12 weeks
With ChatBiz: 3-6 weeks for 7(a), 2-4 weeks for Express
Higher approval rates:
Our expertise means we only submit applications that meet SBA standards. We identify issues before submission and help you address them.
What we handle
- Complete application preparation
- Financial statement organization and presentation
- Business plan review and optimization
- Lender matching based on your industry and specific needs
- Submission coordination with SBA Preferred Lenders
- Follow-up management and status updates throughout process
- Closing coordination
Timeline Breakdown
From application to funding
Here's what the process looks like with our help versus going it alone.
With ChatBiz - 3-6 weeks for 7(a):
- Week 1: Complete application and gather all required documents.
- Week 2: We prepare your package and match you with the right SBA lender from our partner network.
- Weeks 3-4: Lender reviews and underwrites your complete package.
- Weeks 5-6: SBA approval, final documentation, and funding.
Without expert help (8-12 weeks or longer):
- Weeks 1-3: Researching requirements, gathering documents, often missing key items.
- Weeks 4-6: Multiple rounds of back-and-forth with lender requesting missing or incorrect documents.
- Weeks 7-10: Underwriting delays from incomplete packages and misunderstandings.
- Weeks 11-12: Final approval and closing (if approved)
Why the difference:
Lenders prioritize complete, properly formatted applications from experienced brokers. Incomplete applications sit at the bottom of the queue or get rejected, forcing you to start over.
Which SBA loan should you choose?
Quick Decision Guide
SBA 7(a) - Use for working capital, equipment, real estate, refinancing, or any combination. Most versatile option.
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SBA 504 - Lowest fixed rates, longest terms, specifically designed for fixed asset purchases.
SBA Express - Streamlined process, same flexibility as 7(a), just smaller amounts and slightly higher rates.
SBA Microloan - More flexible credit requirements, faster process, good for newer businesses building toward larger loans.
Check your eligibility and talk to our SBA experts. We'll recommend the right program based on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
7(a) is flexible - use for almost any business purpose including working capital. 504 is only for real estate or major equipment purchases, no working capital. 504 offers fixed rates and requires working with a Certified Development Company (CDC). 7(a) goes through standard lenders. If you're buying property or major equipment and want a fixed rate, 504 is better. For everything else, 7(a).
We make money from origination fees on our private loan and from loan referral fees with our partner banks. We do not sell your data to brokers and data aggregators.
Your documents stay in your vault. We don't sell denied applications. Request deletion anytime.
Yes, our private loans have no prepayment penalties. In fact, our goal is to refinance your into better terms as soon as you're eligible. Partner terms vary, we'll tell you upfront.
Reach out. On-time payments and business growth can qualify you for additional funding or better refinancing terms.
Not for traditional loans, we require 12 months in business. But our resource database includes grants and specialty financing for startups.
Most industries are eligible. We can't fund primarily-cash businesses, speculative investments, or adult entertainment.
Most industries are eligible. We can't fund primarily-cash businesses, speculative investments, or adult entertainment.
Most industries are eligible. We can't fund primarily-cash businesses, speculative investments, or adult entertainment.
Led by SBA Experts
- We know what gets approved and what doesn't before submission
- Our partners prioritize our applications because they trust our preparation
- We've seen every scenario and can navigate complications
- We speak the language of SBA underwriters and can position your application for success
- Higher approval rates because we only submit strong applications
$300M+
NAGGL Board
Preferred Lenders
20+ Years
What business owners are saying
Real feedback from real founders
They turned complex financial challenges into smooth solutions — and made the process enjoyable.
The team at ChatBiz Finance are knowledgeable and seasoned professionals, further strengthened by an entrepreneurial spirit. I highly recommend them.
ChatBiz made it easy from day one. They advised me on my bookkeeping and helped me get approved when I really needed clarity and support. They’re true experts who got me the best structure for my financial goals.
Get the lowest rates available for small business
Check your eligibility for SBA loans through our partner network. No credit pull. No commitment.
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