Typical SBA loan timelines by program, what slows approvals, and how to speed up underwriting, SBA review, closing, and funding.
Most SBA loans take 30 to 90 days from first contact with a lender to funding. If your deal is simple and your file is clean, it can close faster. If there is real estate, a business acquisition, an appraisal, an environmental review, or messy financials, it can run longer.
| Phase | Typical Duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Lender fit and pre-qualification | 2 to 10 days | Program fit, eligibility screen, initial numbers review, checklist issued. |
| 2) Document collection and packaging | 1 to 3 weeks | Tax returns, interim financials, personal financial statement, debt schedule, bank statements, entity docs. |
| 3) Underwriting and credit approval | 2 to 6 weeks | Cash flow analysis, conditions, collateral review, valuation (if acquisition), approvals. |
| 4) SBA authorization | Same day to 10 business days | Delegated lenders can move faster. Non-delegated packages may add review time. |
| 5) Closing and funding | 1 to 3 weeks | Legal docs, insurance, UCC filings, landlord consents, title, appraisal, environmental (if applicable). |
SBA is a framework. The timeline is controlled by underwriting reality: repayment capacity, documentation quality, and third-party turnaround time. If you want speed, your goal is to remove surprises.
Your program choice affects the process, but it does not eliminate underwriting or closing steps.
| SBA product | Typical total timeline | Why |
|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) Standard | 45 to 90 days | Most common product. Underwriting and closing conditions drive timing. |
| SBA 7(a) Express | 30 to 60 days | Can move faster, but still requires a clean package and closing work. |
| SBA 504 | 60 to 120 days | Two-party structure plus real estate diligence often adds time. |
| SBA Microloan | 2 to 8 weeks | Depends on the intermediary and borrower readiness. |
If you want to avoid the “we were supposed to close next week” situation, watch these items early.
If you do these five things, you cut weeks, not days.
| Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Deliver a complete package on day one | Incomplete files get parked. Complete files get underwritten. |
| Explain add-backs and anomalies with backup | Underwriting slows when add-backs look like wishful thinking. |
| Show equity injection and source of funds clearly | Lenders will not close without clean traceability. |
| Pick an SBA-active lender early | Experience matters. Some lenders close SBA loans weekly. Some do not. |
| Pre-plan third parties | Appraisals, environmental, insurance, landlord consents are where deals stall. |
This is what a realistic closing calendar looks like when everyone moves promptly.
It is uncommon. It requires an extremely clean file, minimal third parties, and a lender that can move immediately. Most deals need more time for underwriting and closing.
Usually document collection and clearing underwriting conditions. Real estate appraisals and environmental reviews can also dominate timing.
Sometimes, but most delays are borrower-side or third-party. Delegated SBA lenders can reduce back-and-forth and often move faster.
Start 90 days before your target closing date. If real estate is involved, start 120 days before. That gives room for appraisals, environmental review, and legal closing work.
Respond quickly and submit a complete, organized package. The fastest SBA borrowers treat the lender checklist like a closing checklist and clear conditions within 24 to 48 hours.
Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory, investment, or credit advice. SBA programs, lender policies, and timelines vary by lender, borrower profile, transaction complexity, and third-party diligence requirements. Always confirm requirements directly with your selected SBA lender and qualified advisors.
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