Can restaurants get sba loans?

Yes. Many providers work with restaurants. Approval depends on time in business, monthly revenue, credit and existing obligations. Typical ranges: $50k – $5M, 10 – 25 years.

How fast can restaurants get funded?

SBA Loans typically funds in 30 – 90 days once documents are submitted.

What do restaurants need to qualify?

For-profit U.S. business that meets SBA size standards; 2+ years in business (startups possible with strong plan); 680+ credit typical.

How long does an SBA loan take?

Most SBA 7(a) loans take roughly 30–90 days from application to funding. SBA Express can be faster.

What's the difference between SBA 7(a) and 504?

7(a) is a general-purpose loan for working capital, equipment and more. 504 is specifically for major fixed assets such as real estate and is structured with a bank and a Certified Development Company.

Restaurants

SBA Loans for Restaurants

SBA Loans for restaurants provides government-guaranteed loans with low rates and long terms, with typical amounts of $50k – $5M and funding in 30 – 90 days. High card volume makes restaurants a natural fit for holdback-based MCAs, while equipment financing covers ovens, refrigeration and POS systems.

Last updated October 23, 2026

Why restaurants use sba loans

High card volume makes restaurants a natural fit for holdback-based MCAs, while equipment financing covers ovens, refrigeration and POS systems.

Kitchen equipment
Renovations
Seasonal payroll
Inventory and food costs

How it works

The SBA doesn't usually lend directly. It guarantees a portion (typically 50%–85%) of loans made by participating lenders, reducing lender risk.

The 7(a) program is the most flexible and can be used for working capital, equipment, refinancing and acquisitions. The 504 program finances major fixed assets like real estate and heavy equipment through a bank plus a Certified Development Company. SBA Express offers faster decisions on smaller amounts.

Requirements

For-profit U.S. business that meets SBA size standards
2+ years in business (startups possible with strong plan)
680+ credit typical
Business and personal tax returns
Debt schedule, financial statements, business plan for some

Typical ranges

Amount: $50k – $5M
Term: 10 – 25 years
Cost: Prime + spread (capped)
Speed: 30 – 90 days
Credit: 680+

Source: industry estimates compiled by BusinessFundingQuote.com; actual terms are set by each provider.

Other options for restaurants

Comparison of business funding options (industry estimates)
Option	Amount	Term	Typical cost	Speed	Credit
SBA Loans	$50k – $5M	10 – 25 years	Prime + spread (capped)	30 – 90 days	680+
Merchant Cash Advance	$5k – $500k+	3 – 18 months	1.10 – 1.50 factor	24 – 72 hours	500+ often accepted
Equipment Financing	$5k – $5M	2 – 7 years	6% – 30% APR	1 – 10 days	600+
Business Line of Credit	$10k – $500k	Revolving; draws 6–24 mo	10% – 60% APR	1 – 7 days	600 – 680+

Frequently asked questions

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Written by

BusinessFundingQuote Editorial Team

Small business finance writers

Reviewed by

Funding Review Desk

Reviewed for accuracy against current market practices

Rates and ranges on this page are typical market estimates for educational purposes, not offers. How we make money.