SBA loans for veterans: questions and answers
Short answer
This page lists 6 answers on SBA loans for veterans. Each gives the rule first and names the SBA source it rests on.
- Answers in this topic
- 6
- Distinct sources
- 10
- Last checked
- Nov 9, 2026
These answers cover the SBA Express fee waiver for veteran-owned businesses and the programs that were aimed at veterans.
All 6 answers on SBA loans for veterans
Each entry gives the short answer. Open it for the full explanation and its sources.
Do veterans pay the SBA guaranty fee on an SBA Express loan?
No. The upfront guaranty fee is $0 on an SBA Express loan to a veteran-owned business. That means a business owned and controlled by a veteran or a veteran's spouse (13 CFR 120.220(a)(3); Information Notice 5000-881797, p. 3).
Who qualifies for the SBA Express veteran fee waiver?
A business owned and controlled by a veteran or a veteran's spouse (13 CFR 120.220(a)(3)). SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 4, Para. C.1 also lists service-disabled veterans, active-duty members in the Transition Assistance Program, their spouses and certain widowed spouses.
Does the veteran fee waiver apply to standard 7(a) or 504 loans?
No. SOP 50 10 8.1, Sec. A, Ch. 4, Para. C.1 writes the waiver "For SBA Express only". The FY2027 7(a) and 504 fee notices list no veteran exception for other programs.
Is the SBA Patriot Express loan still available?
No. The Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative ended December 31, 2013 (80 FR 80872). Veterans can use SBA Express today, where the upfront guaranty fee is $0 for eligible veteran-owned businesses (13 CFR 120.220(a)(3)).
Does SBA give veteran-owned businesses priority on loans?
Yes, on loans SBA processes itself. SOP 50 10 8.1 says SBA will prioritize non-delegated applications from veteran-owned businesses. For delegated loans, including all SBA Express loans, SBA only encourages lenders to give special consideration (Sec. B and Sec. C introductions; 13 CFR 120.105).
What is a Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan?
It is an SBA disaster loan of up to $2 million for a business whose essential employee is called to active duty. It covers ordinary operating expenses (sba.gov/disaster, read November 8, 2026).
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