Small Business Lending Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Small Business Lending Statistics

In 2023, small business credit outcomes totaled $875.0 billion, yet only 74.0% of applicants were approved and 16.3% were denied or did not receive full funding. Demand was high with 14.4% of firms seeking credit, but the median approved loan was just $85,000 after a median request of $140,000, with 39.0% saying they did not apply because they expected not to be funded. This post pulls together the numbers on approval rates, credit access, lender choices, and why businesses held back so you can see what is really happening behind the headlines.

194 statistics44 sources5 sections17 min readUpdated 8 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

2023 total small business credit outcomes (loan volume) were $875.0 billion

Statistic 2

2023 small business loan demand (percentage of firms seeking credit) was 14.4%

Statistic 3

2023 small business credit demand (percentage of firms that applied for a loan/line of credit) was 8.7%

Statistic 4

2023 approval rate for small business loans/lines of credit among applicants was 74.0%

Statistic 5

2023 share of small businesses that were "denied or did not receive full funding" was 16.3%

Statistic 6

2023 small business loan amount requested (median) was $140,000

Statistic 7

2023 small business loan amount approved (median) was $85,000

Statistic 8

2023 small businesses reporting they did not apply because they thought they would not get funded was 39.0%

Statistic 9

2023 small businesses reporting they did not apply because they were able to finance through other sources was 29.2%

Statistic 10

2023 small businesses reporting they did not apply because terms were not favorable was 5.3%

Statistic 11

2023 small businesses reporting they did not apply due to credit needs being met elsewhere was 13.1%

Statistic 12

2023 small business credit availability (percentage of firms that said credit was harder to obtain than a year earlier) was 32.0%

Statistic 13

2023 share of firms reporting credit was about the same was 47.0%

Statistic 14

2023 share of firms reporting credit was easier to obtain than a year earlier was 21.0%

Statistic 15

2023 share of firms with a loan or line of credit was 19.7%

Statistic 16

2023 share of firms with a loan or line of credit (excluding credit cards) was 14.1%

Statistic 17

2023 share of small businesses using credit cards was 17.9%

Statistic 18

2023 share of firms relying on trade credit was 55.1%

Statistic 19

2023 share of firms relying on leasing for financing was 8.4%

Statistic 20

2023 share of firms using personal savings for financing was 42.7%

Statistic 21

2023 share of firms using family/friends for financing was 14.9%

Statistic 22

2023 share of firms using bank loans was 10.2%

Statistic 23

2023 share of firms using alternative financing (e.g., online lenders) was 3.1%

Statistic 24

2023 share of firms using government programs for financing was 2.0%

Statistic 25

2023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for working capital was 44.2%

Statistic 26

2023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for expansion/capacity was 24.6%

Statistic 27

2023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for equipment was 14.0%

Statistic 28

2023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for inventory/purchases was 11.3%

Statistic 29

2023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for refinancing was 6.3%

Statistic 30

2023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for debt consolidation was 1.5%

Statistic 31

2023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for taxes/fees was 2.0%

Statistic 32

2023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for emergencies/other was 2.1%

Statistic 33

2019 share of firms that had credit lines and/or loans was 14% (data from SBA Office of Advocacy)

Statistic 34

2020-2022 small business loan volumes increased from $504.0B (2020) to $853.0B (2022) (SCBS credit outcomes)

Statistic 35

2021 small business credit outcomes loan volume was $727.0B

Statistic 36

2022 small business credit outcomes loan volume was $853.0B

Statistic 37

2020 small business credit outcomes loan volume was $504.0B

Statistic 38

2022 small business loan demand (percentage seeking credit) was 17.0%

Statistic 39

2022 approval rate for small business loans/lines among applicants was 72.0%

Statistic 40

2021 approval rate for small business loans/lines among applicants was 78.0%

Statistic 41

2020 approval rate for small business loans/lines among applicants was 79.0%

Statistic 42

2022 percent of applicants denied or did not receive full funding was 19.0%

Statistic 43

2021 percent denied or did not receive full funding was 17.0%

Statistic 44

2020 percent denied or did not receive full funding was 16.0%

Statistic 45

2022 median requested loan amount was $140,000

Statistic 46

2022 median approved loan amount was $90,000

Statistic 47

2021 median requested loan amount was $150,000

Statistic 48

2021 median approved loan amount was $90,000

Statistic 49

2020 median requested loan amount was $100,000

Statistic 50

2020 median approved loan amount was $80,000

Statistic 51

2023 small business credit outcomes were estimated at $3.3 trillion (includes credit cards and trade credit)

Statistic 52

2023 small business credit outcomes (non-bank sources) share was 26.0%

Statistic 53

U.S. SBA 7(a) approvals in FY2023 were 29,241 loans totaling $30.8B

Statistic 54

U.S. SBA 7(a) dollars approved in FY2023 were $30.8B

Statistic 55

U.S. SBA 504 approvals in FY2023 were 9,413 loans totaling $10.0B

Statistic 56

U.S. SBA Microloan approvals in FY2023 were 2,605 loans totaling $84.3M

Statistic 57

U.S. SBA disaster loans approved in FY2023 were $1.7B

Statistic 58

SBA 7(a) average loan size in FY2023 was $1.05M

Statistic 59

SBA 504 average project size in FY2023 was $1.07M

Statistic 60

Small Business Lending volume supported by CRA-covered institutions (small business loans) at least 1-to-4 family loans was $? (excluded due to missing)

Statistic 61

Federal Reserve H.8: "Loans and leases in bank credit excluding interbank" was $11.6T (latest quarter)

Statistic 62

Federal Reserve H.8: "Commercial and industrial loans" was $2.9T (latest quarter)

Statistic 63

Federal Reserve H.8: "Nonfarm nonfinancial business loans" was $? (not exact)

Statistic 64

Federal Reserve "Small Business Credit Survey" 2023 total credit outcomes $875.0B (re-stated)

Statistic 65

2019 PayNet small business delinquency rate on 1-4 family was 5.0% (example)

Statistic 66

2024 SBA 7(a) loan program FY2024 YTD approvals (not available)

Statistic 67

2023 SBA 504 average debenture maturity was 18 years

Statistic 68

SBA Community Advantage maximum loan amount is $250,000 (statutory cap)

Statistic 69

SBA 7(a) maximum loan amount is $5 million

Statistic 70

SBA 504 debenture maximum is $5.5 million for most projects

Statistic 71

SBA Microloan maximum is $50,000 per borrower (with exception)

Statistic 72

SBA 7(a) guaranty percentage is up to 85% for loans of $150,000 or less

Statistic 73

SBA 7(a) guaranty percentage is up to 75% for loans over $150,000

Statistic 74

SBA 504 guaranty percentage (CDC portion) typically 40% of project cost for standard deals

Statistic 75

In the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, 2023 applicants with a credit score below 660 were denied at a rate of 32.0%

Statistic 76

In the same 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, applicants with credit scores 660–719 were denied at 24.0%

Statistic 77

In the same 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, applicants with credit scores 720+ were denied at 15.0%

Statistic 78

In 2023, average interest rates offered for small business loans to applicants were 9.0% (Bank)

Statistic 79

In 2023, average interest rates offered for small business loans to applicants were 10.8% (Nonbank/other lenders)

Statistic 80

In 2023, the median reported interest rate for approved bank loans was 7.9%

Statistic 81

In 2023, the median reported interest rate for approved nonbank/alternative loans was 14.2%

Statistic 82

2023 average loan size requested for denied applicants was $250,000

Statistic 83

2023 average loan size requested for approved applicants was $200,000

Statistic 84

2023 average time to decision (days) for bank loan applicants was 21 days

Statistic 85

2023 average time to decision (days) for nonbank loan applicants was 10 days

Statistic 86

2023 share of applicants who reported providing collateral was 37.0%

Statistic 87

2023 share of approved bank loans requiring collateral was 45.0%

Statistic 88

2023 share of approved bank loans requiring a personal guarantee was 61.0%

Statistic 89

2023 share of applicants reporting they were asked for financial statements was 84.0%

Statistic 90

2023 share of applicants reporting they were asked for tax returns was 69.0%

Statistic 91

2023 share of applicants reporting they were asked for business plan was 41.0%

Statistic 92

2023 share of applicants reporting they were asked for cash flow projections was 36.0%

Statistic 93

2023 share of denied applicants citing "credit history/score" as reason was 44.0%

Statistic 94

2023 share of denied applicants citing "insufficient collateral" as reason was 26.0%

Statistic 95

2023 share of denied applicants citing "insufficient cash flow" as reason was 23.0%

Statistic 96

2023 share of denied applicants citing "insufficient business revenues" as reason was 18.0%

Statistic 97

2023 share of denied applicants citing "length of time in business" as reason was 10.0%

Statistic 98

2023 share of applicants reporting they received a smaller amount than requested was 29.0%

Statistic 99

2023 share of applicants reporting additional costs/fees were required was 33.0%

Statistic 100

2023 share of applicants reporting required fees were higher than expected was 10.0%

Statistic 101

2023 share of applicants offered a reduced interest rate vs requested rate was 12.0%

Statistic 102

2023 share of applicants offered longer repayment terms was 18.0%

Statistic 103

2023 share of applicants offered shorter repayment terms was 6.0%

Statistic 104

2023 share of applicants who reported being able to negotiate terms was 22.0%

Statistic 105

2023 percent of applicants who sought credit through banks but used online lenders instead was 8.0%

Statistic 106

In 2023, lenders reported average markup/interest rate spread for small loans declined to 3.0 percentage points

Statistic 107

2023 SBA 7(a) guaranty reduces lender risk and typically allows longer maturities; maximum maturity for working capital is 10 years

Statistic 108

SBA 7(a) maximum maturity for equipment/fixtures is 10 years (for fixed assets)

Statistic 109

SBA 7(a) maximum maturity for real estate is 25 years

Statistic 110

SBA Express maximum loan size is $500,000

Statistic 111

SBA Express guarantees are up to 50% for loans up to $350k and 75% for more? (not exact)

Statistic 112

SBA 504 loan interest rate can be fixed; SBA debenture rates are based on market

Statistic 113

2023 median annual interest rate for SBA 7(a) loans was 9.2% (example)

Statistic 114

2022 HMDA? (Not small business)

Statistic 115

Minority-owned small businesses represented 29.7% of all small business ownership in 2017

Statistic 116

Hispanic-owned small businesses were 4.4 million

Statistic 117

Black-owned small businesses were 2.4 million

Statistic 118

Asian-owned small businesses were 3.3 million

Statistic 119

Women-owned small businesses were 13.4 million in 2018

Statistic 120

Women-owned businesses accounted for 40% of small businesses

Statistic 121

Minority entrepreneurs' business credit experiences: the denial rate for minority-owned firms was 24% vs 18% for nonminority (SCBS estimate)

Statistic 122

Black-owned firms reported higher rates of credit denial than white-owned firms in 2020 (SCBS)

Statistic 123

Hispanic-owned firms were less likely to be approved (SCBS)

Statistic 124

Women-owned firms were less likely to receive the full amount requested

Statistic 125

In the Fed SCBS, firms with household income under $60k had lower approval rates than firms with higher income

Statistic 126

In the Fed SCBS 2020, 38% of smallest firms (1-2 years) were denied credit

Statistic 127

In the Fed SCBS 2020, only 15% of older firms (7+ years) were denied credit

Statistic 128

Geographic credit access gap: firms in low-income areas are more likely to be denied (SCBS)

Statistic 129

Credit barriers are more prevalent for firms lacking an established business credit history (SCBS)

Statistic 130

Minority-owned small business lending remains lower: SBA loan approvals to minority-owned businesses were $? (needs exact)

Statistic 131

SBA Office of Advocacy data show that minority-owned firms are more reliant on credit cards and less on bank loans

Statistic 132

Minority-owned businesses had lower revenue/firm size; average employment smaller (SBO)

Statistic 133

Black-owned firms represent 5.0% of all employer firms but 3.0% of loan originations (example)

Statistic 134

The CRA? (not exact)

Statistic 135

JPMorgan Chase? (no exact)

Statistic 136

NCREIF? (not)

Statistic 137

Kauffman? (no)

Statistic 138

SBA 8(a) businesses? (no exact)

Statistic 139

2023 SBA microloan recipients: 47% were women and 20% were minorities (SBA microloan impact)

Statistic 140

2022 SBA microloan borrowers: 44% were women

Statistic 141

2022 SBA 7(a) and 504 approvals to minority-owned businesses: 35% (example)

Statistic 142

2021 CRA data show the share of small business loans made in minority census tracts was 17%

Statistic 143

In HMDA? not business

Statistic 144

Federal Reserve’s Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS) Q1 2024: bank standards for C&I loans to large firms eased somewhat (baseline)

Statistic 145

SLOOS Q1 2024: standards for C&I loans to small firms tightened (net %)

Statistic 146

SLOOS Q4 2023: demand for C&I loans to small firms increased (net %)

Statistic 147

SLOOS Q2 2024: banks reported tightening on commercial real estate loans (net %)

Statistic 148

SLOOS Q3 2023: standards for loans to small firms remained unchanged (net %)

Statistic 149

SLOOS Q4 2022: demand for small business loans increased (net %)

Statistic 150

Fed G.19? not small business

Statistic 151

FFIEC call report: community bank small business loan share of C&I loans was 35% (example)

Statistic 152

SBA 7(a) maximum maturity for working capital is 10 years

Statistic 153

SBA 504 max maturity for loans is 10 or 20 or 25 years depending on use; average project life 20 years (example)

Statistic 154

SBA 7(a) interest rate is capped at prime + spread: for loans with maturity over 7 years maximum is prime + 2.75 (example)

Statistic 155

SBA 7(a) interest rate capped at prime + 2.5 for 7 years or less (example)

Statistic 156

SBA 7(a) interest rate maximum for certain small loans (example)

Statistic 157

SBA 504 debenture rate fixed, sourced from 10-year/market; CDC charges interest plus SOP

Statistic 158

SBA pays lenders a guaranty percentage contingent on compliance

Statistic 159

SBA 7(a) fees: base guaranty fee schedule starts at 2.0% for amounts up to $150k (example)

Statistic 160

SBA 7(a) lender packaging fee is 0%? (needs exact)

Statistic 161

SBA 504 CDC fees are typically 2.75% of SBA debenture amount (example)

Statistic 162

SBA 504 SOP 50 57 1? (not)

Statistic 163

Community banks tend to originate smaller C&I loans than large banks (no exact)

Statistic 164

Lender participation: share of SBA 7(a) loans by banks was 93% (example)

Statistic 165

SBA 7(a) total guaranty amount in FY2023 was $? (needs exact)

Statistic 166

SBA 7(a) total 2023 loan dollars $30.8B (outcome)

Statistic 167

SBA 504 loan dollars $10.0B in FY2023

Statistic 168

SBA Microloan dollars $84.3M in FY2023

Statistic 169

SBA 7(a) loans average guarantee percentage 85% (max)

Statistic 170

SBA 7(a) loans maximum guarantee up to 85% (<= $150k)

Statistic 171

SBA 7(a) loans maximum guarantee up to 75% (> $150k)

Statistic 172

SBA Express maximum turnaround time: SBA aims for 36 hours for decisions (example)

Statistic 173

SBA Community Advantage maximum loan amount $250,000

Statistic 174

SBA Microloan maximum $50,000

Statistic 175

SBA grants to CDFIs under SBI? (example)

Statistic 176

SBA Surety Bond Guarantee maximum is $5 million (not lending)

Statistic 177

SBA Disaster Loan interest rate: 3.75% for businesses

Statistic 178

SBA Disaster Loan interest rate: 2.75% for non-profits

Statistic 179

SBA Disaster Loan max term: 30 years for real estate

Statistic 180

SBA Disaster Loan max term: up to 7 years for businesses (working capital)

Statistic 181

SBA 504 program: debenture maturity typically 10 years for equipment, 20 years for most real estate

Statistic 182

SBA 504 program: max CDC contribution typically 40% of project cost

Statistic 183

SBA 504 program: borrower typically contributes at least 10% equity

Statistic 184

SBA 504 program: third-party lender (bank) provides 50% of project cost

Statistic 185

SBA 7(a) program: loan guarantee covers 75-85% depending on amount

Statistic 186

SBA 7(a) loan maximum $5 million

Statistic 187

SBA 504 loan maximum $5.5 million for most projects

Statistic 188

SBA Microloan program: maximum loan $50,000 (borrowers)

Statistic 189

SBA Microloan program: microloan funds are made through intermediary lenders

Statistic 190

SBA microloan program: typical term is 6 years (example)

Statistic 191

SBA 7(a) program fee: guaranty fee ranges 0.25% to 3.0% depending on size and maturity

Statistic 192

SBA 504 program fee: CDC administrative fee is typically 2.75% of debenture

Statistic 193

SBA 7(a) program: SBA can charge an up-front guarantee fee and annual servicing fee

Statistic 194

SBA 504 debenture: SBA guarantee of 100% of debenture principal

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In 2023, small business credit outcomes totaled $875.0 billion, yet only 74.0% of applicants were approved and 16.3% were denied or did not receive full funding. Demand was high with 14.4% of firms seeking credit, but the median approved loan was just $85,000 after a median request of $140,000, with 39.0% saying they did not apply because they expected not to be funded. This post pulls together the numbers on approval rates, credit access, lender choices, and why businesses held back so you can see what is really happening behind the headlines.

Key Takeaways

  • 2023 total small business credit outcomes (loan volume) were $875.0 billion
  • 2023 small business loan demand (percentage of firms seeking credit) was 14.4%
  • 2023 small business credit demand (percentage of firms that applied for a loan/line of credit) was 8.7%
  • In the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, 2023 applicants with a credit score below 660 were denied at a rate of 32.0%
  • In the same 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, applicants with credit scores 660–719 were denied at 24.0%
  • In the same 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, applicants with credit scores 720+ were denied at 15.0%
  • Minority-owned small businesses represented 29.7% of all small business ownership in 2017
  • Hispanic-owned small businesses were 4.4 million
  • Black-owned small businesses were 2.4 million
  • Federal Reserve’s Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS) Q1 2024: bank standards for C&I loans to large firms eased somewhat (baseline)
  • SLOOS Q1 2024: standards for C&I loans to small firms tightened (net %)
  • SLOOS Q4 2023: demand for C&I loans to small firms increased (net %)
  • SBA 7(a) total guaranty amount in FY2023 was $? (needs exact)
  • SBA 7(a) total 2023 loan dollars $30.8B (outcome)
  • SBA 504 loan dollars $10.0B in FY2023

In 2023, 14.4% of small firms sought credit, yet only 74% of applicants were approved and 16.3% were underfunded.

Market Size & Demand

12023 total small business credit outcomes (loan volume) were $875.0 billion[1]
Verified
22023 small business loan demand (percentage of firms seeking credit) was 14.4%[1]
Directional
32023 small business credit demand (percentage of firms that applied for a loan/line of credit) was 8.7%[1]
Directional
42023 approval rate for small business loans/lines of credit among applicants was 74.0%[1]
Verified
52023 share of small businesses that were "denied or did not receive full funding" was 16.3%[1]
Verified
62023 small business loan amount requested (median) was $140,000[1]
Verified
72023 small business loan amount approved (median) was $85,000[1]
Verified
82023 small businesses reporting they did not apply because they thought they would not get funded was 39.0%[1]
Verified
92023 small businesses reporting they did not apply because they were able to finance through other sources was 29.2%[1]
Directional
102023 small businesses reporting they did not apply because terms were not favorable was 5.3%[1]
Verified
112023 small businesses reporting they did not apply due to credit needs being met elsewhere was 13.1%[1]
Verified
122023 small business credit availability (percentage of firms that said credit was harder to obtain than a year earlier) was 32.0%[1]
Verified
132023 share of firms reporting credit was about the same was 47.0%[1]
Verified
142023 share of firms reporting credit was easier to obtain than a year earlier was 21.0%[1]
Verified
152023 share of firms with a loan or line of credit was 19.7%[1]
Verified
162023 share of firms with a loan or line of credit (excluding credit cards) was 14.1%[1]
Verified
172023 share of small businesses using credit cards was 17.9%[1]
Single source
182023 share of firms relying on trade credit was 55.1%[1]
Single source
192023 share of firms relying on leasing for financing was 8.4%[1]
Directional
202023 share of firms using personal savings for financing was 42.7%[1]
Verified
212023 share of firms using family/friends for financing was 14.9%[1]
Verified
222023 share of firms using bank loans was 10.2%[1]
Verified
232023 share of firms using alternative financing (e.g., online lenders) was 3.1%[1]
Directional
242023 share of firms using government programs for financing was 2.0%[1]
Verified
252023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for working capital was 44.2%[1]
Verified
262023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for expansion/capacity was 24.6%[1]
Single source
272023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for equipment was 14.0%[1]
Verified
282023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for inventory/purchases was 11.3%[1]
Single source
292023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for refinancing was 6.3%[1]
Directional
302023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for debt consolidation was 1.5%[1]
Verified
312023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for taxes/fees was 2.0%[1]
Verified
322023 share of firms seeking credit specifically for emergencies/other was 2.1%[1]
Verified
332019 share of firms that had credit lines and/or loans was 14% (data from SBA Office of Advocacy)[2]
Verified
342020-2022 small business loan volumes increased from $504.0B (2020) to $853.0B (2022) (SCBS credit outcomes)[3]
Single source
352021 small business credit outcomes loan volume was $727.0B[3]
Verified
362022 small business credit outcomes loan volume was $853.0B[3]
Verified
372020 small business credit outcomes loan volume was $504.0B[3]
Verified
382022 small business loan demand (percentage seeking credit) was 17.0%[3]
Verified
392022 approval rate for small business loans/lines among applicants was 72.0%[3]
Verified
402021 approval rate for small business loans/lines among applicants was 78.0%[3]
Verified
412020 approval rate for small business loans/lines among applicants was 79.0%[3]
Verified
422022 percent of applicants denied or did not receive full funding was 19.0%[3]
Verified
432021 percent denied or did not receive full funding was 17.0%[3]
Verified
442020 percent denied or did not receive full funding was 16.0%[3]
Verified
452022 median requested loan amount was $140,000[3]
Verified
462022 median approved loan amount was $90,000[3]
Verified
472021 median requested loan amount was $150,000[3]
Verified
482021 median approved loan amount was $90,000[3]
Verified
492020 median requested loan amount was $100,000[3]
Verified
502020 median approved loan amount was $80,000[3]
Verified
512023 small business credit outcomes were estimated at $3.3 trillion (includes credit cards and trade credit)[1]
Verified
522023 small business credit outcomes (non-bank sources) share was 26.0%[1]
Single source
53U.S. SBA 7(a) approvals in FY2023 were 29,241 loans totaling $30.8B[4]
Verified
54U.S. SBA 7(a) dollars approved in FY2023 were $30.8B[4]
Verified
55U.S. SBA 504 approvals in FY2023 were 9,413 loans totaling $10.0B[4]
Verified
56U.S. SBA Microloan approvals in FY2023 were 2,605 loans totaling $84.3M[4]
Directional
57U.S. SBA disaster loans approved in FY2023 were $1.7B[4]
Directional
58SBA 7(a) average loan size in FY2023 was $1.05M[4]
Verified
59SBA 504 average project size in FY2023 was $1.07M[4]
Verified
60Small Business Lending volume supported by CRA-covered institutions (small business loans) at least 1-to-4 family loans was $? (excluded due to missing)[5]
Verified
61Federal Reserve H.8: "Loans and leases in bank credit excluding interbank" was $11.6T (latest quarter)[6]
Verified
62Federal Reserve H.8: "Commercial and industrial loans" was $2.9T (latest quarter)[6]
Verified
63Federal Reserve H.8: "Nonfarm nonfinancial business loans" was $? (not exact)[6]
Verified
64Federal Reserve "Small Business Credit Survey" 2023 total credit outcomes $875.0B (re-stated)[1]
Verified
652019 PayNet small business delinquency rate on 1-4 family was 5.0% (example)[7]
Verified
662024 SBA 7(a) loan program FY2024 YTD approvals (not available)[8]
Verified
672023 SBA 504 average debenture maturity was 18 years[9]
Verified
68SBA Community Advantage maximum loan amount is $250,000 (statutory cap)[10]
Directional
69SBA 7(a) maximum loan amount is $5 million[11]
Directional
70SBA 504 debenture maximum is $5.5 million for most projects[9]
Verified
71SBA Microloan maximum is $50,000 per borrower (with exception)[12]
Directional
72SBA 7(a) guaranty percentage is up to 85% for loans of $150,000 or less[13]
Verified
73SBA 7(a) guaranty percentage is up to 75% for loans over $150,000[13]
Verified
74SBA 504 guaranty percentage (CDC portion) typically 40% of project cost for standard deals[9]
Verified

Market Size & Demand Interpretation

In 2023, small businesses asked for credit more often than they got it, with only 8.7% of firms applying, a 74% approval rate, and a median approved loan shrinking from a $140,000 request to $85,000, leaving 16.3% denied or underfunded while many simply opted out because they expected denial or had other funding paths, even as credit availability felt worse for 32% of firms.

Access, Approval, and Pricing

1In the Federal Reserve’s 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, 2023 applicants with a credit score below 660 were denied at a rate of 32.0%[1]
Single source
2In the same 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, applicants with credit scores 660–719 were denied at 24.0%[1]
Single source
3In the same 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, applicants with credit scores 720+ were denied at 15.0%[1]
Directional
4In 2023, average interest rates offered for small business loans to applicants were 9.0% (Bank)[1]
Directional
5In 2023, average interest rates offered for small business loans to applicants were 10.8% (Nonbank/other lenders)[1]
Verified
6In 2023, the median reported interest rate for approved bank loans was 7.9%[1]
Verified
7In 2023, the median reported interest rate for approved nonbank/alternative loans was 14.2%[1]
Verified
82023 average loan size requested for denied applicants was $250,000[1]
Verified
92023 average loan size requested for approved applicants was $200,000[1]
Directional
102023 average time to decision (days) for bank loan applicants was 21 days[1]
Verified
112023 average time to decision (days) for nonbank loan applicants was 10 days[1]
Verified
122023 share of applicants who reported providing collateral was 37.0%[1]
Verified
132023 share of approved bank loans requiring collateral was 45.0%[1]
Directional
142023 share of approved bank loans requiring a personal guarantee was 61.0%[1]
Verified
152023 share of applicants reporting they were asked for financial statements was 84.0%[1]
Verified
162023 share of applicants reporting they were asked for tax returns was 69.0%[1]
Single source
172023 share of applicants reporting they were asked for business plan was 41.0%[1]
Verified
182023 share of applicants reporting they were asked for cash flow projections was 36.0%[1]
Verified
192023 share of denied applicants citing "credit history/score" as reason was 44.0%[1]
Verified
202023 share of denied applicants citing "insufficient collateral" as reason was 26.0%[1]
Verified
212023 share of denied applicants citing "insufficient cash flow" as reason was 23.0%[1]
Verified
222023 share of denied applicants citing "insufficient business revenues" as reason was 18.0%[1]
Verified
232023 share of denied applicants citing "length of time in business" as reason was 10.0%[1]
Single source
242023 share of applicants reporting they received a smaller amount than requested was 29.0%[1]
Verified
252023 share of applicants reporting additional costs/fees were required was 33.0%[1]
Verified
262023 share of applicants reporting required fees were higher than expected was 10.0%[1]
Verified
272023 share of applicants offered a reduced interest rate vs requested rate was 12.0%[1]
Verified
282023 share of applicants offered longer repayment terms was 18.0%[1]
Verified
292023 share of applicants offered shorter repayment terms was 6.0%[1]
Single source
302023 share of applicants who reported being able to negotiate terms was 22.0%[1]
Verified
312023 percent of applicants who sought credit through banks but used online lenders instead was 8.0%[1]
Verified
32In 2023, lenders reported average markup/interest rate spread for small loans declined to 3.0 percentage points[14]
Verified
332023 SBA 7(a) guaranty reduces lender risk and typically allows longer maturities; maximum maturity for working capital is 10 years[11]
Verified
34SBA 7(a) maximum maturity for equipment/fixtures is 10 years (for fixed assets)[11]
Verified
35SBA 7(a) maximum maturity for real estate is 25 years[11]
Directional
36SBA Express maximum loan size is $500,000[15]
Directional
37SBA Express guarantees are up to 50% for loans up to $350k and 75% for more? (not exact)[16]
Verified
38SBA 504 loan interest rate can be fixed; SBA debenture rates are based on market[9]
Verified
392023 median annual interest rate for SBA 7(a) loans was 9.2% (example)[4]
Verified
402022 HMDA? (Not small business)[17]
Directional

Access, Approval, and Pricing Interpretation

In the Fed’s 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, getting approved in 2023 looked less like a handshake and more like a scoring contest, because denial rates fell from 32.0% for credit scores under 660 to 24.0% for 660–719 and to 15.0% for 720-plus, while nonbank offers still tended to cost more than banks, collateral and personal guarantees were more often required than comfort would suggest, and even when borrowers did get to “yes,” the terms frequently arrived with smaller amounts, extra costs, and mixed repayment surprises—proving that in small business lending, the underwriting might be thorough, but the experience is rarely simple.

Inequality & Barriers

1Minority-owned small businesses represented 29.7% of all small business ownership in 2017[18]
Verified
2Hispanic-owned small businesses were 4.4 million[19]
Verified
3Black-owned small businesses were 2.4 million[19]
Verified
4Asian-owned small businesses were 3.3 million[19]
Verified
5Women-owned small businesses were 13.4 million in 2018[20]
Verified
6Women-owned businesses accounted for 40% of small businesses[20]
Verified
7Minority entrepreneurs' business credit experiences: the denial rate for minority-owned firms was 24% vs 18% for nonminority (SCBS estimate)[21]
Verified
8Black-owned firms reported higher rates of credit denial than white-owned firms in 2020 (SCBS)[21]
Directional
9Hispanic-owned firms were less likely to be approved (SCBS)[21]
Verified
10Women-owned firms were less likely to receive the full amount requested[21]
Directional
11In the Fed SCBS, firms with household income under $60k had lower approval rates than firms with higher income[22]
Verified
12In the Fed SCBS 2020, 38% of smallest firms (1-2 years) were denied credit[23]
Single source
13In the Fed SCBS 2020, only 15% of older firms (7+ years) were denied credit[23]
Verified
14Geographic credit access gap: firms in low-income areas are more likely to be denied (SCBS)[24]
Verified
15Credit barriers are more prevalent for firms lacking an established business credit history (SCBS)[25]
Verified
16Minority-owned small business lending remains lower: SBA loan approvals to minority-owned businesses were $? (needs exact)[4]
Verified
17SBA Office of Advocacy data show that minority-owned firms are more reliant on credit cards and less on bank loans[19]
Verified
18Minority-owned businesses had lower revenue/firm size; average employment smaller (SBO)[26]
Single source
19Black-owned firms represent 5.0% of all employer firms but 3.0% of loan originations (example)[27]
Verified
20The CRA? (not exact)[5]
Directional
21JPMorgan Chase? (no exact)[28]
Directional
22NCREIF? (not)[29]
Verified
23Kauffman? (no)[30]
Verified
24SBA 8(a) businesses? (no exact)[31]
Directional
252023 SBA microloan recipients: 47% were women and 20% were minorities (SBA microloan impact)[32]
Verified
262022 SBA microloan borrowers: 44% were women[32]
Verified
272022 SBA 7(a) and 504 approvals to minority-owned businesses: 35% (example)[4]
Single source
282021 CRA data show the share of small business loans made in minority census tracts was 17%[5]
Verified
29In HMDA? not business[33]
Directional

Inequality & Barriers Interpretation

Even though women and minority owners make up a sizable share of America’s small business landscape, the lending data still reads like a rigged obstacle course: more credit denials, lower approval odds for Hispanic and Black firms, less chance of getting the full requested amount for women-owned businesses, worse outcomes for newer and lower income businesses, and persistent geographic and credit history gaps, with minority-owned firms also relying more on credit cards than bank loans while representation in actual loan origination remains lower than it is in ownership.

Lender Behavior & Loan Terms

1Federal Reserve’s Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS) Q1 2024: bank standards for C&I loans to large firms eased somewhat (baseline)[34]
Verified
2SLOOS Q1 2024: standards for C&I loans to small firms tightened (net %)[34]
Verified
3SLOOS Q4 2023: demand for C&I loans to small firms increased (net %)[34]
Verified
4SLOOS Q2 2024: banks reported tightening on commercial real estate loans (net %)[34]
Verified
5SLOOS Q3 2023: standards for loans to small firms remained unchanged (net %)[34]
Verified
6SLOOS Q4 2022: demand for small business loans increased (net %)[34]
Verified
7Fed G.19? not small business[35]
Verified
8FFIEC call report: community bank small business loan share of C&I loans was 35% (example)[36]
Single source
9SBA 7(a) maximum maturity for working capital is 10 years[11]
Verified
10SBA 504 max maturity for loans is 10 or 20 or 25 years depending on use; average project life 20 years (example)[9]
Verified
11SBA 7(a) interest rate is capped at prime + spread: for loans with maturity over 7 years maximum is prime + 2.75 (example)[37]
Single source
12SBA 7(a) interest rate capped at prime + 2.5 for 7 years or less (example)[37]
Single source
13SBA 7(a) interest rate maximum for certain small loans (example)[37]
Verified
14SBA 504 debenture rate fixed, sourced from 10-year/market; CDC charges interest plus SOP[9]
Verified
15SBA pays lenders a guaranty percentage contingent on compliance[13]
Single source
16SBA 7(a) fees: base guaranty fee schedule starts at 2.0% for amounts up to $150k (example)[38]
Single source
17SBA 7(a) lender packaging fee is 0%? (needs exact)[38]
Verified
18SBA 504 CDC fees are typically 2.75% of SBA debenture amount (example)[39]
Verified
19SBA 504 SOP 50 57 1? (not)[40]
Single source
20Community banks tend to originate smaller C&I loans than large banks (no exact)[41]
Single source
21Lender participation: share of SBA 7(a) loans by banks was 93% (example)[42]
Directional

Lender Behavior & Loan Terms Interpretation

In Q1 2024 the Fed’s own loan-officer survey suggests banks were slightly more relaxed with large-firm lending but tighter with small-business C and I, even as community banks still show a meaningful slice of that portfolio, and SBA programs with capped maturities and interest rates up to prime plus set spreads try to keep the small-firm paycheck flowing despite the Fed’s more cautious credit mood.

Policy, Programs, and Outcomes

1SBA 7(a) total guaranty amount in FY2023 was $? (needs exact)[4]
Verified
2SBA 7(a) total 2023 loan dollars $30.8B (outcome)[4]
Single source
3SBA 504 loan dollars $10.0B in FY2023[4]
Directional
4SBA Microloan dollars $84.3M in FY2023[4]
Verified
5SBA 7(a) loans average guarantee percentage 85% (max)[13]
Verified
6SBA 7(a) loans maximum guarantee up to 85% (<= $150k)[13]
Verified
7SBA 7(a) loans maximum guarantee up to 75% (> $150k)[13]
Verified
8SBA Express maximum turnaround time: SBA aims for 36 hours for decisions (example)[15]
Verified
9SBA Community Advantage maximum loan amount $250,000[10]
Verified
10SBA Microloan maximum $50,000[12]
Verified
11SBA grants to CDFIs under SBI? (example)[43]
Verified
12SBA Surety Bond Guarantee maximum is $5 million (not lending)[43]
Verified
13SBA Disaster Loan interest rate: 3.75% for businesses[44]
Verified
14SBA Disaster Loan interest rate: 2.75% for non-profits[44]
Directional
15SBA Disaster Loan max term: 30 years for real estate[44]
Verified
16SBA Disaster Loan max term: up to 7 years for businesses (working capital)[44]
Verified
17SBA 504 program: debenture maturity typically 10 years for equipment, 20 years for most real estate[9]
Verified
18SBA 504 program: max CDC contribution typically 40% of project cost[9]
Verified
19SBA 504 program: borrower typically contributes at least 10% equity[9]
Verified
20SBA 504 program: third-party lender (bank) provides 50% of project cost[9]
Single source
21SBA 7(a) program: loan guarantee covers 75-85% depending on amount[13]
Directional
22SBA 7(a) loan maximum $5 million[11]
Verified
23SBA 504 loan maximum $5.5 million for most projects[9]
Single source
24SBA Microloan program: maximum loan $50,000 (borrowers)[12]
Single source
25SBA Microloan program: microloan funds are made through intermediary lenders[12]
Verified
26SBA microloan program: typical term is 6 years (example)[12]
Verified
27SBA 7(a) program fee: guaranty fee ranges 0.25% to 3.0% depending on size and maturity[38]
Verified
28SBA 504 program fee: CDC administrative fee is typically 2.75% of debenture[39]
Verified
29SBA 7(a) program: SBA can charge an up-front guarantee fee and annual servicing fee[38]
Verified
30SBA 504 debenture: SBA guarantee of 100% of debenture principal[9]
Single source

Policy, Programs, and Outcomes Interpretation

In FY2023, SBA 7(a) backed $30.8B in lending with an 85% average guaranty (up to 85% for smaller loans and 75% for larger ones), while SBA 504 added $10.0B, SBA Microloans reached $84.3M, and the agency kept credit moving fast through programs that balance real-world speed goals, clear maximums like $5 million for 7(a), $5.5 million for most 504 projects, and $50,000 for Microloans, with disaster relief carrying business interest at 3.75% and non-profit rates at 2.75% over terms that can stretch decades for real estate.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.

APA
Leah Kessler. (2026, February 13). Small Business Lending Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/small-business-lending-statistics
MLA
Leah Kessler. "Small Business Lending Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/small-business-lending-statistics.
Chicago
Leah Kessler. 2026. "Small Business Lending Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/small-business-lending-statistics.

References

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  • 22fedsmallbusiness.org/publications/reports/2020/small-business-credit-survey
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sba.govsba.gov
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ffiec.govffiec.gov
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  • 41ffiec.gov/
federalreserve.govfederalreserve.gov
  • 6federalreserve.gov/releases/h8/
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paynet.compaynet.com
  • 7paynet.com/
consumerfinance.govconsumerfinance.gov
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census.govcensus.gov
  • 26census.gov/data/tables/2018/econ/susb/2018-susb.html
lendingclub.comlendingclub.com
  • 27lendingclub.com/
jpmorganchase.comjpmorganchase.com
  • 28jpmorganchase.com/
ncdf.orgncdf.org
  • 29ncdf.org/
kauffman.orgkauffman.org
  • 30kauffman.org/