# 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)).

Canonical page: https://www.sbaexpress.loans/answers/where-to-apply-for-sba-microloan/
Last checked: 2026-11-08

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.

## Sources

- [13 CFR § 120.701](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.701)
- [13 CFR § 120.702](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.702)
- [13 CFR § 120.704](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.704)
- [sba.gov/loans/microloans (read November 8, 2026)](https://www.sba.gov/loans/microloans/)
- [13 CFR § 120.707(b); sba.gov/loans/microloans](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/section-120.707)