SBA 7(a) for Construction
General purpose up to $5M. Equipment, working capital, refinance, acquisition, real estate.
- Up to $5M
- 10 yrs WC / 25 yrs RE
- Prime + 2.25–4.75%
- 45-90 day timeline
WESTVALVE FINANCIAL • SBA LOANS FOR CONSTRUCTION
SBA Loans for Construction Companies.
7(a), 504, Express, Microloan — equipment, real estate, working capital, bonding support. Construction-specialized SBA lenders who understand your business.
No obligation to explore your options. Financing is subject to provider approval and program requirements.
WESTVALVE FINANCIALCONSTRUCTION SBA LOANS
RATES AS LOW AS PRIME + 2.25%
Government-backed capital for builders.
Lowest rates. Longest terms. Highest amounts. We match you with SBA-approved providers who specialize in construction.
SBA LOANS FOR CONSTRUCTION
Four programs. Built for builders.
Construction has unique financing needs — equipment, real estate, bonding, seasonal cash flow. We match you with SBA-approved providers who specialize in construction.
SBA Express
Same uses as 7(a) but faster. 36-hour SBA decision, funding in 7-14 days.
- Up to $500K
- 7 yr revolving / 10-25 yr term
- Prime + 4.5–6.5%
- 36-hour SBA decision
SBA 504 Loan
Real estate & heavy equipment only. 50% bank / 40% CDC / 10% equity.
- Up to $5.5M
- 10, 20, 25 yr fixed
- Fixed, below market
- 60-90 day timeline
SBA Microloan
Startup-friendly. Up to $50K through nonprofit intermediaries.
- Up to $50K
- Up to 6 years
- 8-13% (intermediary sets)
- 30-90 day timeline
CONSTRUCTION-SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES
Why SBA works for construction.
01
Equipment as Collateral
504 loan uses the equipment itself as collateral — 10% down, 25-year fixed rate on heavy iron.
02
Real Estate for Growth
504 & 7(a) finance owner-occupied yards, shops, offices — 10% down, 25-year fixed.
03
Working Capital for Seasonality
7(a) & Express provide working capital lines for winter slowdowns and mobilization costs.
04
Bonding Support
SBA working capital frees cash for bond premiums; SBA Surety Bond Program helps qualify for bonds.
PROGRAM MATCH
Pick the right program for your project.
| Need | Best Program | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy equipment (excavator, crane, dozer) | SBA 504 | Equipment = collateral, 10% down, 25-yr fixed |
| Shop/yard/office purchase | SBA 504 | Owner-occupied RE, 10% down, 25-yr fixed |
| Working capital / payroll / mobilization | 7(a) or Express | General purpose, revolving line option |
| Acquisition / competitor buyout | 7(a) Standard | Up to $5M, general purpose |
| Startup / new contractor | Microloan | Up to $50K, startup-friendly |
| Speed needed (< 2 weeks) | SBA Express | 36-hour decision, up to $500K |
REQUIREMENTS
What construction companies need to qualify.
Credit Score
- 7(a)/504: 680+
- Express: 650-680+
- Microloan: 620+
Time in Business
- 7(a)/504: 2+ years
- Express: 1-2+ years
- Microloan: Startup OK
Profitability
- 7(a)/504: Profitable
- Express: Profitable preferred
- Microloan: Path to profit
Construction-Specific
- Contractor's license
- Bonding capacity
- Insurance certs
- Backlog documentation
DOCUMENTS
What you need to apply.
SBA Forms
- Form 1919 (Borrower Info)
- Form 413 (Personal FS)
- Form 912 (if applicable)
Financials
- 3 yr business tax returns
- 3 yr personal tax returns
- YTD P&L + Balance Sheet
- Debt schedule
Construction-Specific
- Contractor's license
- Bonding capacity letter
- Insurance certs (GL, WC, Auto)
- Backlog report
Project-Specific
- Equipment: Vendor quote
- RE: Contract, appraisal, Phase I
- Acquisition: Purchase agreement
GET STARTED
Let's find your construction SBA loan.
Tell us about your project — equipment, real estate, working capital, or all three. We'll match you with SBA-approved providers who specialize in construction.
FAQ
Questions about SBA for construction.
Can construction companies get SBA loans?
Yes. Construction is an eligible industry for all SBA programs. Contractors, subcontractors, GCs, and specialty trades all qualify. The key is demonstrating profitability, 2+ years in business, and 680+ credit for standard 7(a)/504 programs.
Which SBA program is best for construction equipment?
SBA 504 is ideal for heavy equipment (excavators, cranes, dozers) — the equipment is the collateral, 10-25 year fixed rates, 10% down. SBA 7(a) also works for equipment up to $5M with 10-year terms. Equipment financing through SBA often beats conventional equipment loans.
Can SBA loans cover bonding requirements?
SBA loans cannot directly fund surety bonds. However, SBA working capital can free up cash for bond premiums, and the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program helps contractors qualify for bonds on federal/state projects. We can connect you with both SBA lending and bonding resources.
What credit score do construction companies need for SBA loans?
Standard 7(a)/504: 680+ personal credit. SBA Express: 650-680+. Microloan: 620+. Strong cash flow, bonded contracts, and industry experience can offset 650-679 scores. We've seen 650-679 approved with bonded backlog and 3+ years experience.
Can SBA loans finance construction real estate?
Yes. SBA 504 is purpose-built for owner-occupied commercial real estate — up to $5.5M, 10-25 year fixed rates, 10% down (15% for special use). 7(a) also finances real estate up to $5M with 25-year terms. Owner must occupy 51%+ for 504, 60%+ for 7(a).
How do seasonal construction cash flows affect SBA eligibility?
Seasonal cash flow is common in construction and doesn't disqualify you. Lenders look at annual cash flow and DSCR (1.15x+). Provide 3 years of tax returns showing annual profitability. Strong bonded backlog and diverse project mix strengthen the case.