# How long can an SBA loan for working capital run?

**Short answer:** Up to 10 years. SOP 50 10 8.1, Appendix 17, Para. A.1 applies that limit to working capital, inventory and intangible assets, including goodwill. Your lender can set a shorter term.

Canonical page: https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/sba-working-capital-loan-term/
Last checked: 2026-11-08

SOP 50 10 8.1, Appendix 17, Para. A.1 (p. 390) says working capital, inventory and intangible assets must not exceed 10 years. 13 CFR § 120.212(b) sets the same general limit for anything other than real estate or equipment with a useful life over 10 years.

## Ten years is a ceiling

The term must be the shortest appropriate term based on the use of proceeds and the borrower's ability to repay. A lender may choose less, and practice varies by lender.

## Revolving working capital has its own limits

- **SBA Express lines:** 10 years, including any term-out period
- **Working Capital, Contract and Seasonal CAPLines:** 10 years
- **7(a) Working Capital Pilot:** up to 60 months, per SBA's lender page, for the pilot period August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2027
- **Export Working Capital Program:** 36 months

## When working capital is part of a bigger loan

A loan with several uses can use a blended maturity. If 51% or more of proceeds are for real estate, it may run up to 25 years (Appendix 17, Para. A.5).

A change of ownership is different. Working capital inside an acquisition loan must be allocated a 10-year term (Appendix 15, Para. B.1, p. 370).

## Sources

- [SOP 50 10 8.1, App. 17, Para. A.1 and A.5 (p. 390)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [13 CFR § 120.212(b), loan maturities](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.212)
- [SOP 50 10 8.1, App. 17, Para. B.3, B.5 and B.7 (begins p. 391)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [SOP 50 10 8.1, App. 15, Para. B.1 (p. 370)](https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-10/SOP%2050%2010%208.1%20Technical%20Policy%20Updates%20effective%20%2010.1.2026.docx)
- [sba.gov/sba-lenders, 7(a) Working Capital Pilot loan terms (read November 8, 2026)](https://www.sba.gov/sba-lenders)
- [89 FR 57353 (July 15, 2024)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-07-15/pdf/2024-15313.pdf)