2025 SBA Microloan Trends: Who’s Getting Funded, Where, and How?

Disclosure: All data and rankings in this report reflect SBA Microloan activity through June 30, 2025, based on publicly available lender-level approvals.

SBA Microloan application concept with entrepreneurs reviewing loan checklist and funding options

Key Highlights:

  • Ohio leads in SBA Microloan approvals, while New York tops total funding.

  • Retail, food, and transport industries are top microloan recipients.

  • Startups received 26% of loans, showing a strong push toward new entrepreneurs.

  • Estimated 44.4% decline rate, signaling tough approval odds.

Microloans, Major Impact

The SBA Microloan Program continues to play a critical role in fueling America’s smallest businesses. Designed for startups, solopreneurs, and underserved founders, this program connects entrepreneurs with capital through nonprofit lenders—unlocking funding that traditional banks often overlook.

This June 2025 mid-year bulletin breaks down who’s getting funded, how much, and what industries and states are thriving under the program. If you’re evaluating your funding options or navigating a tight lending environment, this report offers data-driven direction.

What is an SBA Loan?

An SBA loan is a small business loan partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, created to help entrepreneurs access funding that might be out of reach through traditional banks. Popular programs include the SBA 7a, 504, and the Microloan program, each offering flexible terms and support to help businesses launch, grow, or recover.

Top States for SBA Microloan Activity

By Loan Count

RankStateLoans Approved
1Ohio614
2New York364
3Pennsylvania185
4Kentucky154
5Maryland153

 

By Loan Volume

RankStateTotal Loan Amount
1New York$5.9M
2Indiana$3.38M
3Texas$3.31M
4California$3.26M
5Pennsylvania$2.95M

💡 Insight: Ohio dominates by number of microloans thanks to high-volume lenders like ECDI, while New York leads in overall capital deployed.

Top Industries Receiving SBA Microloans

By Approval Count

RankIndustryApprovals
1Retail Trade518
2Other Services470
3Accommodation & Food Services412
4Professional & Technical Services356
5Transportation & Warehousing349

 

By Loan Volume

RankIndustryLoan Amount
1Accommodation & Food Services$8.18M
2Retail Trade$7.05M
3Transportation & Warehousing$6.09M
4Other Services$5.89M
5Health Care & Social Assistance$5.47M

💡 Insight: Retail, food service, and logistics dominate SBA Microloan demand. These sectors often face cash flow challenges, making them ideal microloan candidates.

Startup vs. Established Business Performance

Business TypeLoan CountFunding Amount
Existing Businesses2,599$37.7M
Startups916$17.9M

 

💡 Insight: Startups account for 1 in 4 SBA Microloans and receive a higher share of funding than their volume would suggest—highlighting their viability under this program.

Top SBA Microloan Lenders (June 2025 YTD)

#LenderStateLoansTotalAvg
1ECDIOH628$1.88M$3,004
2Pursuit CDCNY119$1.83M$15.4K
3Fresno EOCCA107$2.41M$22.5K
4BankableIN93$3.03M$32.6K
5Accompany CapitalNY89$1.85M$20.8K

 

💡 Insight: Loan size varies widely. ECDI prioritizes access over size, while Bankable serves larger, more capital-ready applicants.

How to Apply for an SBA Microloan

  1. Find a Lender: Use SBA’s Lender Match to locate approved intermediaries.

  2. Write a Business Plan: Be clear on how funds will be used and repaid.

  3. Gather Docs: Tax returns, profit & loss, personal financials.

  4. Attend Coaching: Many lenders require technical assistance before approval.

  5. Apply Directly: Submit your application through the intermediary (not directly to SBA).

SBA Microloan Requirements

  • Max Loan Size: $50,000

  • Terms: Up to 6 years

  • Interest Rates: 8–13%

  • Collateral: Often not required

  • Personal Guarantee: Typically required

  • Eligible Uses: Working capital, equipment, marketing, inventory, lease deposits

💡 Insight: Each lender sets its own criteria but typically requires collateral and a personal guarantee.

Approval Odds & Decline Rates

  • Estimated Applications (YTD): ~6,300

  • Loans Approved: 3,515

  • Estimated Decline Rate: 44.4%

Why Applications Fail:

  • Weak credit history

  • Missing financials or no documentation

  • No business plan

  • Cash flow concerns

Tips if Denied:

  • Request a reason from your lender

  • Work with SCORE or an SBDC for improvement

  • Consider non-bank alternatives like AMP Advance

Final Thoughts: Small Loans, Big Moves

SBA Microloans may be modest in size, but they’re a powerful launchpad for driven entrepreneurs with limited access to traditional capital. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling lean, this program delivers flexible, affordable funding—but approvals aren’t guaranteed. That’s where AMP Advance comes in, offering faster, no-hassle options like revenue-based financing, equipment loans, startup funding, and business lines of credit—with no hard credit pull required.