Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans can be made to operating companies, organized for profit, located in the United Sates and considered to be small under SBA size requirements. SBA 7(a) Loan proceeds may be used for a variety of purposes, such as working capital, expanding or purchasing a business, equipment purchases, purchase real estate used in operating the company, improving existing real estate or leasehold improvement or operating capital to support current business efforts.

To qualify for an SBA loan, a business generally must be for‑profit, operate in the United States, meet the SBA’s size standards, demonstrate an ability to repay the loan, and have a solid credit history. SBA eligibility also typically requires showing that conventional financing was not available on reasonable terms.

Beyond these baseline requirements, the lender you work with can make a meaningful difference. At First Internet Bank, experienced SBA Business Development Officers take the time to understand your business, industry, and financial profile, then help structure a loan solution aligned with your goals. With deep experience across a wide range of industries, our team can often identify viable options that may not be immediately apparent, helping qualified businesses move forward with confidence.

An SBA 7(a) loan is the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) most common loan program. It’s a government‑backed business loan offered through SBA‑approved lenders, with a portion of the loan guaranteed by the federal government. That guarantee helps lenders provide more flexible terms than many conventional loans. SBA 7(a) loans can be used for a wide range of business needs, including business acquisitions, working capital, inventory, equipment purchases, tenant improvements, debt refinancing, and partner buyouts. At First Internet Bank, SBA 7(a) loans are available in amounts up to $5 million, with repayment terms of up to 10 years for most business purposes and up to 25 years for owner‑occupied commercial real estate.

An SBA Preferred Lender is a bank that has earned delegated authority from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to approve and manage SBA loans in‑house, without SBA review at every step of the process. This designation is awarded to lenders with a proven track record of SBA lending experience, loan quality, and servicing expertise.

For small business owners, this typically means a faster, more streamlined loan process and fewer delays. First Internet Bank holds Preferred Lender status and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading SBA 7(a) lenders.

First Internet Bank is an SBA Preferred Lender, which means we’re authorized to approve and manage SBA loans in‑house. For business owners, that often results in a more efficient loan process, fewer handoffs, and clearer communication from start to finish.

As a digital‑first bank, First Internet Bank combines a streamlined online application experience with the dedicated support complex lending requires. You work directly with experienced SBA Business Development Officers who take time to understand your business and goals in order to structure financing accordingly.  Whether you’re acquiring a business, purchasing owner‑occupied real estate, refinancing debt, or funding equipment, First Internet Bank brings deep SBA experience and a practical, consultative approach to help move your loan forward with confidence.

A Small Business Administration (SBA) Express loan is a streamlined version of the SBA 7(a) loan program designed for smaller financing needs and faster decisioning. Loan amounts are available up to $350,000, with a more efficient approval process and reduced documentation compared to standard SBA 7(a) loans. At First Internet Bank, SBA Express loans can be structured as term loans or lines of credit, offering flexibility for both short‑ and long‑term working capital needs. Common uses include equipment and furniture purchases, smaller renovation or construction projects, refinancing, and general operating expenses.