SBA Loans for Equipment

Explore SBA financing to purchase machinery, vehicles, technology and other essential business equipment. Compare available loan programs and find financing suited to your company’s plans and qualifications.

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Up to
$5 Million
Flexible funding for your goals

Longer Terms
Competitive rates and longer repayment terms

Small Businesses Build Brighter Futures

Equipment Financing Designed for Small Businesses

The right equipment can help a business increase capacity, improve efficiency, replace outdated assets, and pursue new opportunities. However, buying machinery, vehicles,s or technology with cash can reduce the working capital available for payroll, inventory,y and everyday expenses.

SBA financing may help qualified small businesses acquire the equipment they need while spreading the cost over an appropriate repayment period. Depending on the program and lender, financing may be available to purchase and install new or used equipment.

SBA 7(a) Loans
Flexible financing for acquisitions, working capital, equipment, and real estate.

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SBA 504 Loans
Long-term financing for qualifying commercial real estate and major equipment.

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SBA 7(a) Loans for Equipment

The SBA 7(a) program offers flexible financing for purchasing and installing machinery and equipment. It may be particularly useful when equipment is only one part of a larger financing request.

Depending on lender approval and program eligibility, an SBA 7(a) loan may be used for:

New or used equipment
Machinery and production systems
Equipment installation
Qualifying business vehicles
Furniture and fixtures
Technology and computer systems
Equipment included in a business acquisition
Working capital associated with an expansion
Eligible equipment-debt refinancing
Multiple-purpose financing transactions

Because SBA 7(a) loans may cover several eligible uses within one transaction, a business may be able to combine equipment financing with working capital, leasehold improvements, real estate, or other qualified expenses.

The amount and terms available depend on the equipment’s cost and useful life, the company’s financial performance, its ability to repay, and the participating lender’s underwriting requirements.

SBA 504 Loans for Equipment

The SBA 504 program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets that support business growth and job creation. This program may suit an established business making a substantial investment in long-term machinery or equipment.

Qualifying purchases may include:

Manufacturing and production machinery
Heavy construction equipment
Industrial processing equipment
Large printing or packaging systems
Specialized medical equipment
Warehouse automation systems
Other major fixed assets with a long useful life

Under current SBA guidelines, machinery and equipment financed through the 504 program generally must have a remaining useful life of at least 10 years.

SBA 504 loans generally cannot be used for working capital, inventory, or ordinary operating expenses. Businesses needing financing for equipment and several other purposes may find the SBA 7(a) program more suitable.

SBA 7(a) vs. SBA 504 Equipment Loans

The right program depends on the equipment, its expected useful life, and whether the project needs other financing.

Consider an SBA 7(a) Loan When:

Equipment is part of a multipurpose financing request
The business also needs working capital
The purchase is connected to a business acquisition
Installation or other eligible expenses must be financed
The equipment has a shorter useful life
The request includes eligible debt refinancing

Consider an SBA 504 Loan When:

The project primarily involves major fixed assets
The equipment has a long useful life
The purchase represents a substantial capital investment
The business is seeking long-term, fixed-rate financing
The project is expected to support growth or job creation

A participating lender or Certified Development Company can evaluate the purchase and explain which SBA program may be appropriate.

What Equipment Can an SBA Loan Finance?

Eligible equipment depends on the business, intended use, the asset’s useful life, and the selected SBA program. Financing may be available for:

Construction Equipment

Purchase excavators, skid steers, loaders, cranes, generators, compressors, trailers and other equipment used by contractors and construction companies.

Manufacturing Machinery

Finances production lines, CNC machines, fabrication equipment, industrial tools, robotics, packaging systems, and other machinery used to manufacture products.

Medical and Dental Equipment

Acquire imaging systems, diagnostic devices, treatment equipment, dental chairs, sterilization systems, and other equipment for qualifying healthcare practices.

Restaurant Equipment

Purchase ovens, ranges, refrigeration systems, freezers, food-preparation equipment, commercial dishwashers and point-of-sale technology.

Business Vehicles

Finance qualifying trucks, vans, service vehicles, delivery vehicles, and other vehicles used primarily for business operations.

Technology and Computer Systems

Invest in computers, servers, network infrastructure, communications systems, cybersecurity tools, and other specialized technology the business uses.

Agricultural Equipment

Purchase qualifying tractors, irrigation systems, storage equipment, processing machinery, and other equipment used by eligible agricultural businesses.

Fitness and Personal-Care Equipment

Finance exercise machines, salon stations, spa equipment, and other operating assets used by gyms, salons, spas, and related businesses.

Warehouse and Material-Handling Equipment

Acquire forklifts, conveyors, shelving systems, loading equipment, and other assets used to store, move, or distribute goods.

Furniture and Fixtures

Depending on the program and project, financing may include desks, shelving, displays, seating, cabinetry, and other fixtures needed to operate or expand the business.

Can SBA Loans Finance Used Equipment?

SBA financing may be available for used equipment, subject to program requirements and lender approval. The lender may review:

The age and present condition of the equipment
Its remaining useful life
Maintenance and service records
The proposed purchase price
An appraisal or independent valuation
The reputation of the seller
The availability of replacement parts and technical support
The equipment’s expected contribution to business operations

The repayment period offered may be influenced by the asset’s remaining useful life.

Equipment Financing for Existing Businesses

An existing business may use SBA financing to replace outdated assets, increase production, add a service, reduce operating costs or equip a new location.

Participating lenders generally review the company’s historical revenue, profitability, existing obligations and cash flow. They may also consider how the proposed purchase is expected to affect productivity, revenue and operating expenses.

A clear explanation of why the equipment is needed and how it will benefit the business can strengthen the financing request.

Equipment Financing for Startup Businesses

A startup may be considered for SBA equipment financing, but approval requirements can be more demanding when the company does not have an established operating history.

Applicants may need to provide:

A detailed business plan
Realistic financial projections
Relevant industry or management experience
Equipment quotes
Personal financial information
An acceptable equity contribution
Evidence of sufficient funds for startup expenses
A clear plan for repaying the proposed loan

Availability varies by lender, and submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

Financing Equipment as Part of a Business Acquisition

Equipment is often an important component of a business acquisition. An SBA 7(a) loan may help finance eligible machinery, vehicles, furniture and fixtures together with the other qualifying assets included in the transaction.

The lender may evaluate:

The total purchase price
The value and condition of the equipment
The company’s historical financial performance
The buyer’s industry and management experience
The proposed transaction structure
The buyer’s equity contribution
Available collateral
The business’s ability to repay the proposed debt

A business valuation or equipment appraisal may be required depending on the size and structure of the transaction.

How SBA Loans Work

SBA loans are made by qualified lenders and partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which helps make financing more accessible for small businesses.

Compare SBA Loan Programs

Feature	SBA 7(a) Loans	SBA 504 Loans	SBA Express Loans
Best For	Acquisitions, working capital, equipment, real estate	Commercial real estate and major equipment	Smaller loans with faster approval
Loan Size	Up to $5 Million	Up to $5 Million	Up to $500,000
Terms	Up to 25 years	Up to 25 years	Up to 10 years

Basic SBA Loan Requirements

To qualify for an SBA loan, your business generally must meet the following criteria.

For-Profit Business

Must be a for-profit business.

Operates in the U.S.

Must operate in the United States or its territories.

Eligible Industry

Must be in an SBA-eligible industry.

Ability to Repay

Must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan.

Owner Investment

Typically requires some owner investment.

Required Documentation

Provide financials, business plan and other documents.

What Do You Need to Qualify?

Equipment loan requirements vary by participating lender, SBA program, and proposed purchase. Lenders commonly evaluate:

Time in business
Business and personal credit history
Historical revenue and profitability
Current business cash flow
Existing financial obligations
Ability to repay the proposed loan
Management and industry experience
The intended use of the equipment
The condition and useful life of the asset
Available collateral
Personal guarantees from applicable owners
The borrower contribution when required

The lender may also consider whether the equipment is essential to the business and whether the purchase price is supported by its market value.

Documents You May Need

Applicants may be asked to provide:

Business and personal tax returns
Current profit-and-loss statements
Balance sheets
Business bank statements
Business debt schedules
Personal financial statements
Equipment quotes or purchase agreements
Equipment descriptions and specifications
Information about the manufacturer or seller
Maintenance records for used equipment
Appraisals or valuations when required
Ownership and organizational documents
Resumes for owners and key managers
A business plan or purchase summary
Financial projections
Information about equipment being replaced or refinanced

The specific documents required will depend on the lender, loan amount, equipment, and overall complexity of the request.

Benefits of SBA Equipment Financing

Preserve Working Capital

Financing equipment may allow your business to retain more cash for payroll, inventory, marketing and everyday expenses.

Finance Larger Purchases

SBA loan programs may help qualified businesses purchase equipment that would be difficult to acquire entirely with available cash.

Longer Repayment Periods

Available repayment terms may spread the cost over a period that more closely reflects the equipment’s useful life.

Combine Multiple Financing Needs

An SBA 7(a) loan may allow equipment and other eligible expenses to be included in one financing transaction.

Replace Aging Equipment

Financing can help a company replace unreliable or inefficient assets before repairs and downtime interfere with operations.

Expand Business Capacity

Additional machinery, vehicles or technology may help the company increase production, serve more customers or introduce new services.

A Simple Path to SBA Financing

From application to funding, we make the process straightforward.

Tell Us About Your Business

Share a few details about your business and goals.

Choose Your Financing Goal

Select the type of financing your business needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About SBA Equipment Loans

Can an SBA loan be used to purchase equipment?

Yes. SBA 7(a) financing may be used to purchase and install eligible machinery and equipment. SBA 504 financing may be available for qualifying major equipment with a long useful life.

Can I use an SBA loan to buy used equipment?

Used equipment may qualify, subject to lender approval. The lender may evaluate its condition, purchase price, market value, remaining useful life and importance to the business.

Can an SBA loan finance business vehicles?

Qualifying vehicles used primarily for business operations may be eligible. The lender will consider the vehicle type, proposed use, cost and expected useful life.

Which is better for equipment: an SBA 7(a) or SBA 504 loan?

An SBA 7(a) loan may be more appropriate when the financing request includes equipment and other expenses, such as working capital. An SBA 504 loan may be suitable for substantial purchases of qualifying long-term machinery or equipment.

How much can I borrow for business equipment?

The amount available depends on the equipment cost, applicable SBA program limits, business cash flow, collateral, ability to repay and lender requirements. Applicants are not automatically eligible for the maximum program amount.

How long does it take to obtain an SBA equipment loan?

Processing times vary by lender, loan program, financing amount and transaction complexity. Providing complete financial records, equipment specifications and a detailed purchase quote can help prevent unnecessary delays.

Get the Equipment Your Business Needs

Whether you need construction equipment, manufacturing machinery, medical technology, restaurant appliances, commercial vehicles, or another essential asset, SBA financing may help you invest while preserving cash for ongoing operations.

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SBA Equipment Loans for Businesses Across the U.S.

SBALoansFor.com helps business owners throughout the United States explore SBA financing for machinery, vehicles, technology, and other essential equipment. Whether you are replacing outdated assets, increasing production, expanding your services,s or equipping a new location, we can help you explore available options based on your financing goals and qualifications.

Complete one simple online application to begin exploring available SBA loan programs and connect with a participating lender. Financing availability, amounts, rates, fees, repayment terms, ms and eligibility requirements vary by lender and applicant. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or funding.

SBA Loan Options for Many Types of Small Businesses

Accounting Firms
Agricultural Businesses
Architectural Firms
Assisted Living Facilities
Auto Body Shops
Auto Repair Shops
Bakeries
Bars and Nightclubs
Bed and Breakfasts
Car Dealerships
Car Washes
Catering Companies
Chiropractors
Cleaning Companies
Coffee Shops
Concrete Contractors
Construction Companies
Contractors
Convenience Stores
Daycare Centers
Dentists
Doctors
Dry Cleaners
Ecommerce Businesses
Electrical Contractors
Engineering Firms
Export Businesses
Fencing Companies
Fitness Centers
Flooring Companies
Food Trucks
Franchises
Gas Stations
General Contractors
Grocery Stores
Gyms
Home Builders
Home Healthcare Companies
Hotels
HVAC Companies
Insurance Agencies
IT Companies
Landscaping Companies
Laundromats
Law Firms
Liquor Stores
Logistics Companies
Machine Shops
Manufacturers
Marketing Agencies
Medical Practices
Mental Health Practices
Minority-Owned Businesses
Motels
Optometrists
Orthodontists
Painting Companies
Pharmacies
Physical Therapy Practices
Plumbing Companies
Pool Companies
Private Schools
Property Management Companies
Real Estate Agencies
Remodeling Companies
Restaurants
Restoration Companies
Retail Stores
Roofing Companies
Salons
Security Companies
Software Companies
Solar Companies
Spas
Staffing Agencies
Trucking Companies
Veteran-Owned Businesses
Veterinarians
Warehouses
Women-Owned Businesses

Important Financing Disclosure

SBALoansFor.com is not a bank, direct lender, government agency, or the U.S. Small Business Administration. Independent third-party lenders and financing providers provide financing. Available programs, loan amounts, interest rates, fees, repayment terms, eligibility requirements and approval criteria vary by provider and applicant. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or funding.