SBA Doubles Cumulative 7(a) and 504 Loan Limit to $10 Million

May 21, 2026

Effective July 4, eligible borrowers can access record levels of SBA-backed funding

Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced a new rule that will allow eligible borrowers to combine their 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing, increasing the cumulative loan limit from its current $5 million and expanding the capital available to small businesses across all industries. Small manufacturers, who can currently secure an unlimited number of 504 loans as long as each loan is tied to a distinct project, will also be able to apply for $5 million through the 7(a)-loan program. Effective July 4, this rule will raise the SBA’s maximum financing offering to small businesses to the highest level in agency history.


“The Trump SBA is unleashing historic new capital to support the millions of small businesses that are currently in growth mode thanks to President Donald J. Trump and the America First economic agenda,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “Amid record small business formation, job growth that continues to exceed expectations, and a surge in demand for Made in America, the agency is committed to supplying small businesses with the funding to hire, expand, and increase production. By doubling the combined loan limits of SBA’s 7(a) and 504 loans, this Administration is empowering job creators, particularly manufacturers, to invest in American workers, rebuild our industrial strength, and grow the small business economy.”


Under the new policy, qualified borrowers who secure a 7(a) loan first may access up to $5 million through the 7(a) loan program and up to $5 million through the 504 loan program, for a combined total of $10 million in SBA-backed financing. By decoupling 7(a) loan balances from the 504 program, the SBA is giving capital-intensive small businesses — including those in construction, logistics, energy, food production, and related industries — greater flexibility to pair long-term financing for real estate and equipment with working capital to support operations and expansion. For manufacturers, the rule will provide even more capital to increase production, hire workers, and meet rising demand driven by President Trump’s fair trade agenda. These actions build on the Trump Administration’s commitment to supporting growth across the small business economy, which is already in expansion mode thanks to the Working Family Tax Cuts, fair trade, and historic deregulation. Monthly small business formation has reached a record high under President Trump and job numbers have exceeded expectations for two consecutive months, propelled by trillions in new investments flooding into the country since the Liberation Day tariffs took effect. Job growth is particularly strong within the manufacturing sector; the first quarter of 2026 saw the first manufacturing job growth since 2023, with every major indicator now flashing strong expansion after years of decline during the Biden Administration.


Under the leadership of Administrator Loeffler, the SBA has introduced numerous programs and rule changes to deliver additional capital across key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, housing, energy, and transportation. This year, the agency waived loan fees for manufacturing NAICS codes and established the first-ever loan program dedicated to American manufacturers. The agency also announced a new 90% Made in America Loan Guarantee for small manufacturers, as well as a 90% Grocery Guarantee for small businesses across the food supply chain. The agency continues to promote existing programs such as the asset-based 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) Program, which also has the ability to offer homebuilders project-based lines of credit up to $5 million.

 

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About the 7(a) Loan Program

The 7(a) loan program is SBA’s flagship program, a public-private partnership which offers government-guaranteed loans to help small businesses finance equipment purchases, real estate acquisition, working capital (including revolving credit lines), and business expansion. 


About the 504 Loan Program

The 504 loan program provides long-term, fixed rate financing for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation. 504 loans are available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA's community-based nonprofit partners who promote economic development within their communities. CDCs are certified and regulated by SBA.


About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Related programs: 7(a), CDC/504

USDA is Now Accepting Applications for Rural Businesses and Community Development Projects

May 22, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that it is making $27.7 million in grants available through the Rural Business Development Grant Program (RBDG). This program provides funding for business and community initiatives that promote economic growth and job creation. Eligible applicants can include rural cooperatives, state government agencies, towns, and communities, nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher learning, and federally recognized Tribes. Individuals and for-profit businesses or organizations are not eligible to apply. Applications will compete in two separate categories: Business opportunity grants: May be used for business support centers, technology-based economic development, leadership and entrepreneur training, feasibility studies, business plans, long-term strategic planning, and other eligible activities. Business enterprise grants: May be used for training and technical assistance, project planning, business counseling, market research, feasibility studies, and product or service improvements, buying or developing land, easements, or rights of way, including access streets and parking areas, constructing or renovating buildings, and buying machinery and equipment, capitalizing revolving loan funds, and supporting rural business incubators and community economic development and other eligible activities. Electronic applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. local time through Grants.gov on the due date. The Rural Business Development Grant Program has two different closing dates: June 15, 2026, only applies to Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) applications. June 30, 2026, applies to the remainder of the applicants. For more information on how to apply please visit on gov or contact your local USDA Rural Development office .

SBA Launches $1 Million Patriot Pitch Competition to Showcase America’s Entrepreneurs Freedom 250 Event Celebrates Free Enterprise Through National Small Business Competition for $1 Million Cash

May 19, 2026
Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and the small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and generate economic growth. Featuring a $1 million cash prize pool donated by Clover Network, Inc. (Clover), the competition is open to eligible small businesses that represent the promise of American innovation and opportunity, and who have utilized qualifying SBA capital products. “From the family farm to the factory floor, small businesses have punched above their weight for the last 250 years to power America’s economy, which is why the SBA is proud to spotlight the legacy and potential of entrepreneurship through the Patriot Pitch Competition,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “This nationwide contest will award a total of $1 million in cash prizes to small businesses whose innovation, grit and leadership are helping build America’s next great era of strength, prosperity, and competitiveness on the world stage. We look forward to demonstrating how small business is big business for our nation – and to highlighting the resilient job creators and local businesses who are delivering the services, products, and solutions that are defining America’s future.” “The Clover team couldn’t be prouder to support SBA’s Patriot Pitch event. This competition truly embodies the spirit of innovation, fierce competition, and American ingenuity - the very same values that define Clover,” said Takis Georgakopoulos, Fiserv Co-President. The Patriot Pitch Competition will progress through four stages of judging, with submissions evaluated on: strengthening American competitiveness innovating and demonstrating an outsized impact within an industry delivering economic opportunity and quality jobs showing strong fundamentals and execution readiness The competition will culminate in a one-day finals event in Washington, D.C., to be held in September, where the top finalists will pitch live before a panel of notable judges and a national audience for national recognition and the opportunity to win a share of the $1 million prize pool funded by Clover. In addition to the live competition, the Patriot Pitch finals event will feature prominent speakers from business, government, and industry, a supplier matchmaking expo connecting small businesses with larger companies and contracting opportunities, and networking opportunities with investors, industry leaders, and policymakers. Small business owners interested in competing are encouraged to submit an application by June 10. Additional details on eligibility, competition stages, and event programming can be found at http://www.sba.gov/freedom250 . 
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ETCOG Hires Kimbrough to Manage Business Lending Programs

By East Texas Council of Governments / ETRDC • June 30, 2025
Executive Director David Cleveland has named Luke Kimbrough as the new Regional Lending Manager for the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG). In this role, Kimbrough will oversee the day-to-day operations of the East Texas Regional Development Company’s (ETRDC) small business loan programs. He will work closely with the ETRDC Board, manage financial and administrative services, and ensure the program follows all state and federal guidelines. Kimbrough brings with them more than seven years of experience in banking and employee benefits. Before accepting this position, Kimbrough served as CEO of the Banking Center at Citizens Bank in Gladewater. His previous roles include Vice President at First National Bank of Hughes Springs in Liberty City, Benefits Consultant for Colonial Life in Longview, and Branch Manager for Regions Bank in Kilgore. Before his banking career, Mr. Kimbrough served for several years as the Director of Public Information and Regional Services at ETCOG. “It is a great pleasure for me to welcome Luke back to the ETCOG Family! His exceptional work in the banking community for many years position him for even greater success with our ETRDC Business Lending Programs. I am glad he is back and am even more excited to see the steady growth and expansion of one of our most important economic development programs that will undoubtedly occur under his leadership!” said Executive Director David Cleveland. “I am excited to come back to ETCOG and the East Texas Regional Development Company,” said Kimbrough. “Spending the last decade in banking, I have gained much more experience in financial analysis and commercial lending. There is a lot of work ahead to help the businesses and economy of East Texas.” The ETRDC is a nonprofit organization that is certified and regulated by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Its main purpose is to support local economic development by helping small businesses access long-term, fixed-rate financing. ETRDC offers financing through the SBA 504 Loan Program and Chapman Loan Program.