Put the Power and Flexibility of the SBA 7(a) Loan to Work for Your Business
Get started by answering a few simple questions.
The SBA 7(a) loan is a great fit if you’re:
- Buying a small business
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Expanding your current business or opening new location
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Needing working capital to manage day-to-day expense
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Buying out a partner or taking over a family business
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Financing franchise acquisition or growth
You’ve got a vision. We’ll help you get there, step by step.
We know applying for an SBA 7(a) business 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.
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Step 1: Tell Us Where You're Headed
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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
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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
✔ You’ll leave knowing exactly what to expect -
Step 3: See If You’re Ready to Move Forward
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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
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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
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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
Let’s talk about how an SBA 7(a) loan could work for you.
We’re here when you are, and we’ll be with you the whole way.
What you’ll typically need to qualify for an SBA 7(a) business loan.
Thinking about getting an SBA 7(a) business loan? If you're considering an SBA loan through First Bank of the Lake, here are the common minimum requirements we’ll look at during the application process:
You Must Meet SBA Eligibility
To qualify, you'll need to meet the SBA’s standard requirements. This includes operating a for-profit business located in the U.S., being a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and showing responsible credit and financial history.
Ready to Invest at Least 10%
Most SBA 7(a) loans require an equity injection of 10% or more. This can come from your own funds or, in some cases, include a portion of seller financing if it meets SBA terms.
A Credit Score of 680 or Higher
We typically look for a personal credit score of 680 or above. This helps us assess your overall financial picture and repayment ability.
Strong Historical Financials
The business should have at least three years of financial records or tax returns. We like to see stable or growing revenue and positive cash flow, as this speaks to the health and viability of the business.
Real success stories from real business owners.
Read their stories and see how First Bank of the Lake turned business goals into reality.
Winter Park Ski Rental
In just 35 days, a Colorado entrepreneur closed a $2.2MM SBA 7(a) loan to purchase a long-standing ski rental business from a retiring owner—thanks to our fast and flexible financing.
"First Bank of the Lake was the best banking experience I have ever had."
—Andy, President, Winter Park Ski Rental
Freelite AZ
Tyler Green took over Freelite AZ, a window and door installer in Phoenix, with a $363,000 SBA 7(a) loan. We guided him through the business acquisition process with confidence.
"The bank process was as easy it could be. The biggest thing is how transparent and reliable they were." —Tyler Green, Co-founder, President, Freelite AZ
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Franchise
By securing a $345,000 SBA 7(a) loan, Kasia Anderson was able to open her own Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming franchise. We helped turn her dream of owning a dog grooming business into a reality.
"I got my $345,000 SBA loan approved from First Bank of the Lake in 35 days!" —Kasia Anderson, President, Woof Gang Bakery - Bradenton, FL
Tint World
Dan Billings used a $585,000 SBA 7(a) loan to launch his Tint World franchise—and reached breakeven within his first year. We were proud to help drive his success.
"My First Bank of the Lake rep was great – Easily the finest banker I have dealt with in my life." —Dan Billings, President, Tint World - San Antonio
Reed’s Moving & Storage
Reed’s Moving & Storage secured a $3.3MM SBA 7(a) loan in under 30 days, giving them the stability they needed for their warehouse and the funding to grow their moving business.
"They got my loan done in under 30 days in very, very trying circumstances. Miraculously, First Bank of the Lake was able to push up the closing date and close our loan after another SBA lender went out of business." —Reeds Moving Service
Lifetime Green Coatings Franchise
When Lifetime Green Coatings needed capital for franchise licensing, equipment, and working capital, we made it happen—closing a $400,000 SBA 7(a) loan in less than 30 days.
"If we ever need business capital, my first call would be to First Bank of the Lake. Why would I look elsewhere?" —Barry Norfleet, Co-founder, Lifetime Green Coatings - Kentucky
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
Do you have questions about how the SBA 7(a) business loan program works?
Cut through the confusion with our free 28-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.
