Where do you apply for an SBA microloan?
Short answer
You apply to an SBA-approved intermediary in your area, not to SBA. SBA publishes a list of microlenders on its website. An intermediary generally may operate in only one state, so start with those in yours (13 CFR § 120.702(b)).
You apply to an intermediary. SBA provides funds to these lenders, and they work with borrowers directly (sba.gov/loans/microloans, read November 8, 2026). SBA's microloan page links to a list of authorized intermediaries.
What an intermediary must have
To join the program, an organization needs at least one year of making and servicing loans of up to $50,000. It also needs one year of providing technical assistance (13 CFR § 120.702(a)). State, county and municipal governments and their agencies cannot serve (13 CFR § 120.701).
Geography
An intermediary may not operate in more than one state, unless SBA finds that serves the small business community (13 CFR § 120.702(b)).
What to expect
The regulation does not prescribe a borrower application form. Each intermediary sets its own process.
Intermediaries must provide marketing, management and technical assistance to borrowers (13 CFR § 120.701). Ask what help comes with the loan.
Which one to call
SBA gives priority to organizations whose loans average $10,000 or less (13 CFR § 120.704). If you need a larger amount, ask early whether the intermediary makes loans above $20,000.
Ask lending partners about your loan
Tell us the amount you need and what it is for. We refer you to lenders that may fund businesses like yours, and it costs you nothing.
Janover Capital LLC is not a lender and is not the SBA. The lender makes the credit decision. A lender or marketplace may pay us a referral fee if we connect you, at no cost to you. Advertiser disclosure.