What kinds of funding and loans does the SBA offer through SBA.gov?

Updated

The SBA offers four main funding paths through SBA.gov: business loans and investments (plus surety bonds and grants) to start or grow a business, low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses recovering from declared disasters, and certifications that open access to federal contracts set aside for certain small businesses. One key condition applies across most programs: the SBA generally does not lend directly. Business loans are provided by SBA lenders, so you apply through a participating lender rather than to the agency itself.

Business funding to start or grow

The homepage groups loans, investments, surety bonds, and grants under a single "Find funding" entry point. This is the path for a business that needs capital to launch, expand, or take on a contract.

  • Loans — funding delivered through SBA lenders.
  • Investments — small business investment channels listed alongside loans.
  • Surety bonds — relevant when a contract requires bonding.
  • Grants — included in the same funding category.

If your goal is ordinary growth capital, start with the loans and investments route. If a contract requires a bond, look at surety bonds instead of a standard loan.

Disaster loans

A separate entry point covers SBA's low-interest disaster loans. These are explicitly for homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes recovering from declared disasters. This is a distinct program from business growth funding: eligibility depends on a declared disaster, and the borrower types include individuals and renters, not just companies.

Certifications for federal contracting

Certifications are not a loan, but they function as a funding-adjacent path: they let a small business grow as a federal contractor and gain access to contracts set aside for certain small businesses. If your constraint is winning revenue rather than borrowing, this is the relevant route.

Choosing the right entry point

Your situation Entry point on SBA.gov
Start or grow a business; need capital Business resources → Find funding (loans, investments, surety bonds, grants)
Recovering from a declared disaster (home, rental, or business) Disaster → Get assistance
Want set-aside federal contracts Certifications → Get certified
Need guidance before applying Counseling → Get assistance

Before you apply

Two practical points shape the process. First, expect to work through an SBA lender for business loans — the site points to "SBA lenders" as the channel, so prepare to compare lenders rather than submit a single application to the agency. Second, use the counseling entry point if you are unsure which program fits; it lists online training, live events, and local SBA Resource Partners. The site also provides a "Report red tape" channel for flagging federal regulations that hinder growth, and a fraud-reporting channel for misconduct involving SBA programs — useful if a lender or intermediary misrepresents a program.

The homepage does not publish rates, fees, or eligibility thresholds for these programs, so confirm current terms with the specific program page or lender before committing.