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Top SBA Lenders in Houston
| Rank | SBA Lender | SBA Lender HQs | # Loans | Avg Loan | Avg Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newtek Bank | Miami, FL | 158 | $342,468 | 11.3% |
| 2 | Zions Bank | Salt Lake City, UT | 111 | $249,387 | 10.7% |
| 3 | Huntington Bank | Columbus, OH | 103 | $570,489 | 10.3% |
| 4 | JPMorgan Chase Bank | Columbus, OH | 72 | $325,558 | 11.4% |
| 5 | Readycap Lending, LLC | Berkeley Heights, NJ | 70 | $323,381 | 13.3% |
| 6 | BayFirst National Bank | Saint Petersburg, FL | 56 | $148,554 | 12.7% |
| 7 | Wells Fargo | Sioux Falls, SD | 48 | $430,444 | 11.4% |
| 8 | Fifth Third Bank | Cincinnati, OH | 42 | $873,576 | 9.0% |
| 9 | Northeast Bank | Lewiston, ME | 42 | $132,593 | 11.0% |
| 10 | United Midwest Savings Bank | De Graff, OH | 40 | $284,910 | 10.2% |
| 11 | Live Oak | Wilmington, NC | 39 | $1,191,777 | 9.5% |
| 12 | Wallis Bank | Wallis, TX | 39 | $1,107,159 | 9.7% |
| 13 | Lendistry SBLC | Los Angeles, CA | 34 | $186,432 | 12.3% |
| 14 | Celtic Bank | Salt Lake City, UT | 27 | $314,611 | 10.4% |
| 15 | Texas Capital Bank | Dallas, TX | 23 | $1,583,209 | 7.5% |
| 16 | Bank of America | Charlotte, NC | 23 | $554,157 | 8.6% |
| 17 | Frost Bank | San Antonio, TX | 21 | $1,024,190 | 9.5% |
| 18 | First Bank of the Lake | Osage Beach, MO | 19 | $678,626 | 11.4% |
| 19 | Bank of Hope | Los Angeles, CA | 19 | $606,263 | 9.7% |
| 20 | SouthState Bank | Winter Haven, FL | 19 | $542,568 | 10.1% |
Top Industries for SBA Loans in Houston
| Rank | Industry | # Loans | Avg Loan | Avg Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services | 27 | $119,019 | 11.3% |
| 9 | Advertising Agencies | 3 | $55,000 | 12.9% |
| 12 | All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 12 | $988,258 | 10.3% |
| 5 | All Other Consumer Goods Rental | 2 | $379,750 | 9.5% |
| 7 | All Other General Merchandise Retailers | 8 | $1,900,000 | 10.5% |
| 3 | All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 2 | $87,500 | 10.5% |
| 5 | All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing | 4 | $957,500 | 9.8% |
| 9 | All Other Miscellaneous Retailers | 6 | $216,333 | 9.7% |
| 13 | All Other Personal Services | 8 | $555,738 | 10.8% |
| 9 | All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 13 | $174,685 | 11.0% |
| 14 | All Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 8 | $848,588 | 10.1% |
| 1 | All Other Traveler Accommodation | 3 | $68,333 | 10.4% |
| 11 | Architectural Services | 4 | $370,125 | 11.8% |
| 1 | Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly | 3 | $2,008,200 | 9.7% |
| 2 | Automobile Driving Schools | 2 | $772,750 | 10.1% |
| 12 | Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance | 14 | $643,286 | 10.9% |
| 5 | Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers | 10 | $313,330 | 10.2% |
| 4 | Baked Goods Retailers | 2 | $585,000 | 7.1% |
| 6 | Barber Shops | 3 | $82,667 | 11.9% |
| 18 | Beauty Salons | 17 | $225,412 | 10.6% |
| 13 | Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers | 6 | $752,500 | 10.3% |
| 2 | Cafeterias, Grill Buffets, and Buffets | 2 | $372,250 | 10.9% |
| 6 | Car Washes | 5 | $233,500 | 9.9% |
| 7 | Caterers | 4 | $175,000 | 9.8% |
| 15 | Child Care Services | 23 | $305,604 | 10.3% |
| 16 | Clothing and Clothing Accessories Retailers | 10 | $139,620 | 10.3% |
| 5 | Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners | 6 | $591,650 | 9.7% |
| 5 | Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance | 3 | $150,000 | 11.9% |
| 8 | Commercial and Institutional Building Construction | 12 | $139,167 | 11.5% |
| 3 | Commercial Bakeries | 3 | $723,700 | 8.3% |
| 8 | Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books) | 2 | $675,400 | 9.9% |
| 9 | Computer Systems Design Services | 6 | $238,333 | 10.9% |
| 1 | Construction and Mining (except Oil Well) Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers | 2 | $125,000 | 10.9% |
| 7 | Convenience Retailers | 2 | $871,300 | 11.3% |
| 7 | Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers | 8 | $598,750 | 10.2% |
| 2 | Cosmetology and Barber Schools | 2 | $192,500 | 11.1% |
| 5 | Couriers and Express Delivery Services | 2 | $1,128,000 | 9.4% |
| 10 | Custom Computer Programming Services | 5 | $1,018,800 | 11.7% |
| 1 | Diagnostic Imaging Centers | 2 | $250,000 | 9.6% |
| 2 | Diet and Weight Reducing Centers | 5 | $212,000 | 10.9% |
| 11 | Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) | 4 | $15,000 | 13.3% |
| 7 | Drycleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated) | 3 | $167,467 | 10.9% |
| 7 | Drywall and Insulation Contractors | 3 | $2,408,000 | 8.8% |
| 6 | Educational Support Services | 3 | $146,667 | 10.6% |
| 16 | Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors | 6 | $700,833 | 12.5% |
| 4 | Electronics and Appliance Retailers | 6 | $207,567 | 10.3% |
| 2 | Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring | 2 | $1,505,000 | 9.0% |
| 4 | Elementary and Secondary Schools | 2 | $975,000 | 9.5% |
| 8 | Employment Placement Agencies | 4 | $303,750 | 11.6% |
| 9 | Engineering Services | 8 | $847,250 | 10.7% |
| 3 | Exterminating and Pest Control Services | 2 | $150,000 | 10.3% |
| 5 | Finish Carpentry Contractors | 6 | $196,833 | 10.1% |
| 19 | Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | 14 | $565,257 | 9.1% |
| 10 | Flooring Contractors | 3 | $72,967 | 11.9% |
| 7 | Freight Transportation Arrangement | 3 | $233,333 | 10.4% |
| 4 | Furniture Retailers | 2 | $217,500 | 11.6% |
| 7 | Gasoline Stations with Convenience Stores | 9 | $2,917,800 | 8.0% |
| 15 | General Automotive Repair | 19 | $722,053 | 10.6% |
| 13 | General Freight Trucking, Local | 7 | $183,957 | 11.4% |
| 2 | General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Less Than Truckload | 2 | $91,300 | 12.3% |
| 11 | General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Truckload | 11 | $691,200 | 10.3% |
| 3 | General Line Grocery Merchant Wholesalers | 2 | $1,424,500 | 8.8% |
| 3 | General Warehousing and Storage | 3 | $583,333 | 10.5% |
| 4 | Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers | 2 | $403,000 | 9.6% |
| 3 | Home Furnishing Merchant Wholesalers | 2 | $2,750,000 | 9.1% |
| 16 | Home Health Care Services | 24 | $676,042 | 11.1% |
| 14 | Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 25 | $2,965,296 | 8.8% |
| 2 | Industrial Building Construction | 2 | $32,500 | 14.8% |
| 3 | Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers | 3 | $413,333 | 10.6% |
| 3 | Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | 8 | $885,088 | 8.1% |
| 17 | Insurance Agencies and Brokerages | 23 | $319,191 | 10.6% |
| 9 | Interior Design Services | 10 | $267,260 | 10.9% |
| 13 | Janitorial Services | 4 | $170,400 | 11.1% |
| 4 | Jewelry Retailers | 10 | $390,000 | 10.3% |
| 12 | Landscaping Services | 7 | $928,400 | 10.1% |
| 1 | Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units | 3 | $2,001,333 | 8.3% |
| 20 | Limited-Service Restaurants | 24 | $675,792 | 10.2% |
| 2 | Locksmiths | 5 | $325,400 | 10.8% |
| 4 | Machine Shops | 3 | $2,609,733 | 10.1% |
| 12 | Marketing Consulting Services | 4 | $920,325 | 10.1% |
| 1 | Materials Recovery Facilities | 2 | $1,125,000 | 9.0% |
| 2 | Medical Laboratories | 2 | $2,150,000 | 10.5% |
| 4 | Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | 8 | $812,263 | 9.6% |
| 4 | Mortgage and Nonmortgage Loan Brokers | 2 | $393,750 | 11.5% |
| 1 | Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing | 2 | $1,100,000 | 9.0% |
| 3 | Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers | 4 | $200,000 | 9.8% |
| 1 | Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing | 2 | $1,068,000 | 10.1% |
| 7 | Nail Salons | 3 | $200,000 | 12.3% |
| 10 | New Single-Family Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders) | 3 | $225,000 | 11.8% |
| 15 | Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners | 9 | $262,856 | 10.7% |
| 11 | Offices of Chiropractors | 6 | $456,967 | 10.8% |
| 13 | Offices of Dentists | 10 | $328,350 | 11.1% |
| 13 | Offices of Lawyers | 20 | $272,135 | 10.9% |
| 15 | Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) | 5 | $256,920 | 9.1% |
| 5 | Offices of Optometrists | 11 | $628,182 | 10.0% |
| 9 | Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists | 7 | $531,714 | 11.9% |
| 17 | Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 16 | $825,319 | 9.4% |
| 6 | Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists | 3 | $1,713,933 | 10.6% |
| 10 | Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers | 3 | $43,333 | 12.3% |
| 1 | Oilseed (except Soybean) Farming | 4 | $500,000 | 11.0% |
| 12 | Other Accounting Services | 8 | $496,338 | 9.7% |
| 4 | Other Building Equipment Contractors | 2 | $280,000 | 8.9% |
| 7 | Other Building Finishing Contractors | 6 | $261,667 | 9.2% |
| 6 | Other Building Material Dealers | 3 | $2,209,900 | 8.4% |
| 1 | Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers | 2 | $925,000 | 9.0% |
| 12 | Other Computer Related Services | 12 | $632,750 | 10.0% |
| 1 | Other Concrete Product Manufacturing | 2 | $2,027,500 | 10.0% |
| 1 | Other Electronic Component Manufacturing | 2 | $871,900 | 9.8% |
| 5 | Other Grocery and Related Products Merchant Wholesalers | 2 | $762,500 | 10.3% |
| 6 | Other Individual and Family Services | 2 | $150,000 | 10.0% |
| 1 | Other Metal Valve and Pipe Fitting Manufacturing | 2 | $145,750 | 10.4% |
| 4 | Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers | 2 | $1,212,000 | 9.5% |
| 3 | Other Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers | 12 | $205,750 | 11.0% |
| 7 | Other Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance | 8 | $235,813 | 9.9% |
| 16 | Other Personal Care Services | 20 | $2,467,405 | 10.4% |
| 7 | Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services | 4 | $348,750 | 11.3% |
| 10 | Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings | 8 | $540,275 | 9.6% |
| 4 | Other Specialized Design Services | 4 | $125,000 | 10.5% |
| 3 | Other Technical and Trade Schools | 5 | $378,260 | 9.6% |
| 13 | Painting and Wall Covering Contractors | 3 | $242,000 | 11.3% |
| 11 | Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services | 5 | $772,960 | 9.1% |
| 3 | Pharmacies and Drug Retailers | 3 | $402,833 | 8.5% |
| 6 | Photography Studios, Portrait | 9 | $120,556 | 10.5% |
| 19 | Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 18 | $368,450 | 10.8% |
| 7 | Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors | 3 | $54,000 | 11.0% |
| 4 | Professional and Management Development Training | 2 | $1,372,600 | 9.6% |
| 2 | Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities | 6 | $657,500 | 9.5% |
| 1 | Radio Broadcasting Stations | 4 | $25,000 | 13.5% |
| 6 | Remediation Services | 2 | $262,500 | 10.0% |
| 2 | Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) | 2 | $680,600 | 7.9% |
| 8 | Residential Property Managers | 8 | $167,713 | 10.8% |
| 19 | Residential Remodelers | 10 | $163,000 | 10.3% |
| 8 | Retail Bakeries | 2 | $526,550 | 9.1% |
| 9 | Roofing Contractors | 7 | $794,429 | 8.9% |
| 6 | Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) | 2 | $947,350 | 9.2% |
| 8 | Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities | 5 | $742,400 | 9.6% |
| 19 | Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars | 14 | $381,164 | 9.9% |
| 1 | Specialized Automotive Repair | 10 | $1,673,500 | 10.9% |
| 2 | Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Long-Distance | 2 | $2,500,000 | 9.6% |
| 7 | Sports and Recreation Instruction | 5 | $809,200 | 9.9% |
| 8 | Supermarkets and Other Grocery Retailers (except Convenience Retailers) | 3 | $1,917,467 | 8.0% |
| 1 | Transportation Equipment and Supplies (except Motor Vehicle) Merchant Wholesalers | 2 | $162,500 | 10.0% |
| 3 | Travel Agencies | 3 | $126,667 | 11.0% |
| 8 | Used Car Dealers | 7 | $171,429 | 10.9% |
| 4 | Used Household and Office Goods Moving | 4 | $263,075 | 10.1% |
| 1 | Used Merchandise Retailers | 2 | $141,250 | 9.9% |
| 10 | Vending Machine Operators | 4 | $145,000 | 10.0% |
| 1 | Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction | 3 | $150,000 | 12.0% |
| 5 | Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers | 5 | $181,060 | 10.8% |
| 1 | Wood Window and Door Manufacturing | 2 | $640,000 | 11.5% |
Introduction
For small businesses in Houston, access to funding is a critical factor in driving growth and innovation. One of the most effective financing options available is Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. These loans provide Houston-based entrepreneurs with the capital needed to expand operations, hire employees, and strengthen the local economy. In this guide, we explore the state of SBA lending in Houston, review key statistics from the past year, and provide an overview of eligibility and application processes.
SBA Lending in Houston: Last Year Overview
Houston ranked as one of the top cities in the U.S. for SBA lending last year. Here are the key statistics:
- Total SBA Loans Issued: $415,552,800
- Number of SBA Loans: 670
- Average Loan Amount: $620,228
- Average Interest Rate: 11.12%
- Jobs Supported: 8,434
- SBALenders.com City Ranking: #1
These figures highlight the strong presence of SBA lending in Houston, with substantial job creation and business growth fueled by these loans.
Overview of SBA Loan Programs in Houston
SBA loans offer several advantages over traditional commercial loans, including lower down payments, longer repayment terms, and reduced collateral requirements. The most common SBA loan program in Houston is the SBA 7(a) Loan Program, which can be used for a variety of business purposes, including:
- Business acquisitions
- Real estate purchases
- Equipment financing
- Debt refinancing
- Partner buyouts
- Working capital
Key loan features:
- Maximum Loan Size: $5 million
- Loan Terms: 10 years for most uses; 25 years for real estate
- Interest Rates: Slightly higher than conventional loans, negotiated with the lender
- Down Payment: 10% to 20% is typical
- Credit Score: 680+ is ideal, while scores under 640 are unlikely to qualify
- Collateral: Not required, but lenders must secure all available collateral
Success Stories of Small Businesses in Houston
The following five businesses in Houston received SBA loans that supported the most jobs:
- Tostada Regia Park Place LLC – 300 jobs supported (Full-Service Restaurant)
- StaffMode LLC – 175 jobs supported (Employment Placement Agency)
- Hopewell Home Healthcare LLC – 145 jobs supported (Home Health Care Services)
- WM Pipe Incorporated – 145 jobs supported (Oil & Gas Pipeline Construction)
- Behavior TLC Inc. – 120 jobs supported (Physical & Occupational Therapy Services)
These businesses have significantly contributed to employment in Houston, showcasing the impact of SBA loans in the community.
Houston SBA Loan Eligibility and Next Steps
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Most Houston SBA lenders require:
- A minimum credit score of 650
- At least two years in business (for non-startups)
- Sufficient cash flow to cover loan repayments
- Direct or relatable business experience for acquisitions
- A 10% or more down payment from the borrower
Step 2: Compare Lenders and Interest Rates
Use our SBA lender match tool to find the right lender for your business needs.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
A strong SBA loan application should include: ✔ Business financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheets) ✔ Personal and business credit reports ✔ Business plan detailing revenue projections and loan usage ✔ Tax returns for the past two years ✔ Legal documents (business licenses, incorporation papers, etc.)
Step 4: Submit and Follow Up
Once submitted, SBA loans typically take 4 to 6 weeks for approval. Be prepared to answer additional lender questions and provide further documentation if needed.
Surrounding Areas
The Houston SBA lenders listed above also serve neighboring areas outside city limits, including but not limited to: Baytown, Bellaire, Cypress, Friendswood, Galveston, Katy, League City, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Rosenberg, Spring, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and Tomball.
Resources for Small Businesses in Houston
For additional support, Houston entrepreneurs can leverage the following resources:
- Houston SBA District Office – Offers guidance and assistance on SBA loans
- Houston SCORE Chapter – Provides free mentoring and business workshops
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) – Assists with business planning and funding
- Local Economic Development Centers – Supports Houston’s business community through various programs
Summary
SBA loans continue to play a vital role in fueling small business success in Houston. With over $415 million in loans issued last year and thousands of jobs supported, these loans offer a viable financing option for entrepreneurs. If you are looking for SBA loans near me in Houston, start by assessing your eligibility, comparing lenders, and preparing a strong application to secure funding for your business growth.
Need help finding the right SBA lender? Check out our SBA lender match tool today!