SBA Microloan Program
Open continuously
No deadline — apply whenever you are ready.
SBA: 'The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand.' SBA also states 'The average microloan is about $13,000.' Maximum term seven years; interest rates generally 8%-13%, set by the intermediary lender.
U.S. Small Business Administration via SBA-approved intermediary lenders
ppp · national
Deadline: rolling — No deadline; apply directly to an SBA-approved intermediary lender.
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Moderate — a form and supporting documents.
Who can apply
- micro enterprises
- Stage: idea, pre_seed, seed
- Locally registered entity required
Each intermediary lender sets its own eligibility requirements; intermediaries are typically mission-driven non-profits/CDFIs targeting underserved borrowers. Proceeds may fund working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment, but 'cannot be used to pay existing debts or to purchase real estate'. No SAM.gov registration or UEI required.
How to apply
- Find an SBA-approved microloan intermediary lender in your area. — link
- Apply directly to the intermediary - 'SBA-approved lenders make all credit decisions and set all terms for your microloan.'
What you will need
- Business plan
- Collateral and personal guarantee from the business owner
Source. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/microloans — checked 2026-08-14
"The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand."