REAL ESTATE INVESTOR FINANCING

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    SBA

    SBA Loan Programs Guide

    7(a), 504, Express, and Microloan — uses, timelines, and why SBA is slower than conventional.

    What It Is

    SBA-backed financing for small businesses — four structures: 7(a) (most flexible, up to ~$5M), 504 (owner-occupied CRE and major fixed assets, up to ~$5.5M), Express (faster review, up to ~$500K), and Microloan (startups and very small businesses, up to ~$50K).

    What Problem It Solves

    A business needs larger or longer-term capital than conventional working-capital products provide, and qualifies for SBA-backed financing. SBA programs offer longer terms and higher amounts than short-term business loans, at the cost of a slower timeline.

    When It's Commonly Used

    7(a): business acquisition, working capital, equipment, real estate, expansion, eligible debt refinance. 504: owner-occupied CRE and major fixed assets. Express: faster SBA review for smaller balances. Microloan: startups and very small businesses.

    Who Generally Qualifies

    7(a): 650+ FICO, ~$8K+/month revenue, flexible business use. 504: 680+ FICO, ~$8K+/month, owner-occupied CRE / major fixed assets. Express: 650+ FICO, lower revenue threshold than 7(a) depending on lender. Microloan: 575+ FICO, minimal revenue possible. Not every business qualifies; SBA and lender eligibility apply.

    SBA Is Slower Than Conventional

    SBA 7(a) is more flexible than conventional working capital but slower to close — plan the timeline accordingly. SBA Express offers a faster review path but still subject to SBA and lender underwriting. The Microloan is designed for startups and very small businesses but qualification is not automatic.

    When to Use a Different Product

    If the need is fast (days, not weeks), Working Capital or a Business LOC is faster. If the need is equipment only, Equipment Financing may be simpler than 504. If the core requirement (contract, spread, seller carry, or funded end buyer) is missing, a different product — or a restructured transaction — is usually a better fit than forcing the structure.

    How Green Fire Structures It

    Green Fire reviews the business profile, revenue, credit, use of proceeds, and timeline, then matches the deal to the SBA structure (7(a), 504, Express, or Microloan) that fits the use and the business's eligibility.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    Explore SBA Programs

    Educational content only. Guides describe how financing structures generally work and are not approvals, commitments, or guarantees of terms. Programs, eligibility, leverage, rates, fees, terms, timelines, and availability vary by provider, property, location, borrower qualifications, documentation, and deal structure. All financing is subject to independent provider review, underwriting, and final approval. Green Fire Strategies does not guarantee approval, terms, closing, or funding.

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