SBA 7(a) for Restaurants
General purpose up to $5M. Equipment, working capital, tenant improvements, 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 RESTAURANTS
SBA Loans for Restaurants.
7(a), 504, Express, Microloan — equipment, real estate, tenant improvements, working capital. Restaurant-specialized SBA lenders who understand your business.
No obligation to explore your options. Financing is subject to provider approval and program requirements.
WESTVALVE FINANCIALRESTAURANT SBA LOANS
RATES AS LOW AS PRIME + 2.25%
Government-backed capital for restaurants.
Lowest rates. Longest terms. Highest amounts. We match you with SBA-approved providers who specialize in restaurants.
SBA LOANS FOR RESTAURANTS
Four programs. Built for restaurants.
Restaurants have unique financing needs — kitchen equipment, real estate, tenant improvements, working capital, franchise fees. We match you with SBA-approved providers who specialize in restaurants.
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
Restaurant real estate & heavy kitchen 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
RESTAURANT-SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES
Why SBA works for restaurants.
01
Kitchen Equipment as Collateral
504 loan uses kitchen equipment as collateral — 10% down, 25-year fixed rate on ovens, walk-ins, hoods.
02
Tenant Improvements
7(a) finances leasehold improvements for leased spaces. 504 for owner-occupied build-outs.
03
Franchise Financing
7(a) finances franchise fees, equipment, leasehold improvements, working capital in one loan.
04
Seasonal Working Capital
7(a) & Express provide working capital lines for seasonal cash flow gaps.
PROGRAM MATCH
Pick the right program for your restaurant.
| Need | Best Program | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen equipment (ovens, walk-ins, hoods) | SBA 504 | Equipment = collateral, 10% down, 25-yr fixed |
| Restaurant real estate purchase | SBA 504 | Owner-occupied RE, 10% down, 25-yr fixed |
| Tenant improvements / build-out | 7(a) Standard | Leasehold improvements, up to $5M |
| Working capital / payroll / inventory | 7(a) or Express | General purpose, revolving line option |
| Franchise fees + build-out + equipment | 7(a) Standard | All-in-one, up to $5M |
| Startup / food truck / ghost kitchen | Microloan | Up to $50K, startup-friendly |
| Speed needed (< 2 weeks) | SBA Express | 36-hour decision, up to $500K |
REQUIREMENTS
What restaurants 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
Restaurant-Specific
- Food service license
- Health department permits
- POS daily sales data
- Franchise agreement (if applicable)
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
Restaurant-Specific
- Food service license
- Health department permits
- POS daily sales data
- Franchise agreement (if applicable)
Project-Specific
- Equipment: Vendor quote
- RE: Contract, appraisal, Phase I
- TI: Contractor estimates
- Franchise: Franchise agreement
GET STARTED
Let's find your restaurant SBA loan.
Tell us about your project — equipment, real estate, tenant improvements, or all three. We'll match you with SBA-approved providers who specialize in restaurants.
FAQ
Questions about SBA for restaurants.
Can restaurants get SBA loans?
Yes. Restaurants are an eligible industry for all SBA programs. Independent restaurants, franchises, food trucks, and catering companies 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 restaurant equipment?
SBA 504 is ideal for expensive kitchen equipment (ovens, walk-ins, hoods) — the equipment is the collateral, 10% down, 25-year fixed rate. SBA 7(a) also works for restaurant equipment up to $5M with 10-year terms. Equipment financing through SBA often beats conventional restaurant equipment loans.
Can SBA loans finance tenant improvements?
Yes. SBA 504 can finance leasehold improvements for owner-occupied spaces (51%+ occupancy). For leased spaces, SBA 7(a) can finance tenant improvements up to $5M with 10-year terms. We work with providers who understand restaurant build-out costs.
Can SBA loans finance restaurant real estate?
Yes. SBA 504 is purpose-built for owner-occupied restaurant real estate — up to $5.5M, 10-25 year fixed rates, 10% down (15% for special use). 7(a) also finances restaurant real estate up to $5M with 25-year terms. Owner must occupy 51%+ for 504, 60%+ for 7(a).
What credit score do restaurants need for SBA loans?
Standard 7(a)/504: 680+ personal credit. SBA Express: 650-680+. Microloan: 620+. Strong cash flow, consistent daily sales (POS data), and industry experience can offset 650-679 scores. We've seen 650-679 approved with strong daily sales volume and 3+ years experience.
Can SBA loans finance restaurant franchise fees?
Yes. SBA 7(a) can finance franchise fees as part of the total project cost (franchise fee, equipment, leasehold improvements, working capital). The franchise must be on the SBA Franchise Directory or meet SBA franchise criteria. We work with providers experienced in franchise financing.