Whatever your business goal, we’ve got an option that fits.

Pay for Day-to-Day Business Needs
Starting at: $25,000
Best for: Low-hassle funding for existing businesses with solid credit and tax history. Great for working capital or small upgrades.

Opening or Expanding a Franchise
Starting at: $150,000
Best for: Opening a new franchise location or expanding an existing one. Designed for both new and experienced franchisees.

Buying an Established Business
Starting at: $150,000
Best for: Purchasing a business with cash flow, customers, and staff already in place or for taking over full ownership from a current partner.

Buying the building you're renting
Starting at: $150,000
Best for: Business owners ready to purchase the commercial property they currently occupy. Perfect for building equity and stop renting.
When the usual options don’t apply, we make new ones.
Let’s find the SBA loan that fits your business.
You’ve got the vision. As a top SBA lender, we’ll help you bring it to life.
We know applying for a loan can feel overwhelming. That’s why we walk with you through every step. Offering expert guidance, honest feedback, and constant communication. You’ll never wonder where things stand or what comes next.
-
Step 1: Tell Us Where You're Headed
Open or Close
Start by sharing your business goals and what you're hoping to achieve—whether you're buying, expanding, or just getting started. This short form helps us connect you with the right specialist.
✔ Quick and simple to complete
✔ No credit check
✔ Helps us understand what success looks like for you -
Step 2: Meet Your Loan Specialist
Open or Close
You’ll talk one-on-one with a lending expert who’s here to support you, not sell to you. We’ll listen, ask questions, and start mapping out a path that fits your timeline, your experience, and your vision.
✔ Personal guidance from someone who knows SBA loans inside and out
✔ No pressure, no confusion—just clarity
✔ You’ll leave knowing exactly what to expect -
Step 3: See If You’re Ready to Move Forward
Open or Close
Together, we’ll look at the essentials to make sure you're in a strong position to move ahead. If something’s missing, we’ll help you prepare.
✔ Review your credit, experience, and ownership background
✔ Talk through available cash or capital
✔ Learn what strengths you already have—and what we can help strengthen -
Step 4: Build Your Business Profile
Open or Close
We’ll help you gather the details needed to tell your business’s story. You’ll never have to guess what to send—we’ll walk you through it all.
✔ Business plan and projections (don’t worry—we can help!)
✔ Financials, tax returns, or purchase documents
✔ Clarity around what lenders need and why -
Step 5: Submit with Confidence
Open or Close
Now it’s time to officially apply. But you’re not doing it alone—we’ll help package everything with you, submit it, and keep you updated every step of the way.
✔ We help the heavy lifting
✔ Constant communication—no black holes
✔ You'll always know where things stand

Ready to take the first step?
We’re here when you are—and we’ll be with you the whole way.
Some of the best US small businesses partner with us.
Read their stories and see how First Bank of the Lake turned business goals into reality.
Proven expertise backed by industry-leading results.
Ranked in the
Top 1%
of SBA lenders nationwide*
Funded Over
+$1.1B
In SBA Loans from
2020-2024
Ranked
Top 5
SBA Franchise Lender*
Funded Over
2000
Loans
Ready to Talk? We’re Ready to Help.
Tell us a bit about your business — we’ll help you find the right path.
Do you have questions about SBA Business loans?
Cut through the confusion with our free 35-page guide.

Download your free copy.
All loans are subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations may apply. First Bank of the Lake does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. All decisions concerning these matters should be made in conjunction with your professional advisors.
*Top 1% of SBA 7(a) lenders by approval amount during SBA fiscal year 2023. Top 5 SBA franchise lender by approval count during SBA fiscal years 2024 and 2023.
Approved to offer SBA loan products under SBA's Preferred lenders Program.