What's Required For SBA Loan Collateral?


When seeking out a traditional business loan, most business owners prepare to put up a significant amount of collateral, often including business property, equity, and personal assets. However, small business loan collateral requirements are more flexible than the average term loan, providing numerous advantages for many businesses.

Find Out if You Qualify for an SBA Loan—Talk to Our Team Today

SBA Loan Collateral Common Misconceptions

The requirements of SBA loan collateral are the source of many common misconceptions. Business owners often come into the process assuming if they don't have ample assets for a business loan with collateral, they won't be approved for any SBA loan program. This is not entirely accurate when taking the full scope of SBA lending programs into account.

How much collateral is needed for a business loan?  It’s important to note that all SBA loans require some form of collateral from the borrower. Lenders of SBA loans need to meet the administration's minimum requirements, but make final small business loan collateral determinations on a case-by-case basis. Lenders are looking for proof that business borrowers have some "skin in the game." SBA loan collateral may take on many different forms, including:

  • Business assets such as real estate or equipment
  • Accounts receivable or inventory
  • Personal assets of the business owner

The type and total value of collateral required by an SBA lender for a business loan with collateral can also vary depending on the breakdown of equity in the company held by each owner or previous lender.

What To Know About Personal Guarantees

While the details surrounding SBA loan collateral requirements can vary widely depending on the unique situation, there is one requirement that all of the administration's lending programs share. All loans insured by the SBA require a personal guarantee from every owner with a 20 percent or greater equity stake in the business. Personal guarantees may also be requested from key executives or other senior-level managers.

A personal guarantee is a legally binding document acknowledging that the business owners or executives involved are personally responsible for repaying the loan. Without a personal guarantee, lenders feel less confident in extending credit to a business. Personal guarantees involve a level of risk for business owners as their personal assets such as real estate or savings could be on the line if the business cannot meet the loan’s repayment obligations. But that risk comes with a significant reward — access to reliable financing from a trusted lender.

In turn, the lenders themselves can more confidently establish and maintain their relationship with a small business. More specific details on minimum collateral amounts and limits are set by the SBA. Beyond that, individual lending institutions set their own policies for the collateral they need from each business. In the end, SBA loan collateral requirements are just one piece of the puzzle for SBA loans.

Lenders at First Business Bank are involved experts who can help position your business for success as it grows. With a wealth of contacts and industry-specific experience that our clients use as a competitive advantage, First Business Bank partners with you as a trusted lender that your business will never outgrow. First Business Bank can guide you through questions such as “do small business loans require collateral?” and “how do I apply?”.