Top SBA Lenders in California

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans serve as a lifeline for many California businesses, providing essential financial support. Understanding the key players in SBA lending within the state can help entrepreneurs make informed decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the top SBA lenders in California, shedding light on their focus, loan statistics, and borrower-relevant information.

California’s Preferred SBA Lenders

RankBankBank HQ# of Loans Avg Loan Avg Interest
1U.S. BankCincinnati, OH1022 $423,113 6.7%
2Wells FargoSioux Falls, SD345 $357,518 8.9%
3BayFirst National BankSaint Petersburg, FL182 $266,015 8.4%
4Newtek Small Business FinanceLake Success, NY165 $704,401 8.0%
5CDC Small Business FinanceSan Diego, CA160 $162,699 9.0%
6BancorpSouth BankTupelo, MS138 $250,594 7.3%
7Live OakWilmington, NC138 $1,735,420 6.6%
8Readycap Lending, LLCBerkeley Heights, NJ133 $627,626 7.9%
9Bank of AmericaCharlotte, NC131 $376,539 3.9%
10Celtic BankSalt Lake City, UT131 $1,019,424 7.1%
11Harvest Small Business FinanceLaguna Hills, CA124 $1,304,135 7.0%
12JPMorgan Chase BankColumbus, OH118 $294,080 7.3%
13Commonwealth Business BankLos Angeles, CA109 $1,006,697 6.2%
14Bank of HopeLos Angeles, CA108 $411,956 6.6%
15BMO Harris BankChicago, IL103 $1,081,425 6.5%
16Enterprise Bank & TrustClayton, MO75 $1,551,727 6.0%
17The Huntington National BankColumbus, OH72 $310,438 7.6%
18Comerica BankDallas, TX68 $243,194 6.4%
19East West BankPasadena, CA65 $1,147,292 6.1%
20Open BankLos Angeles, CA54 $1,771,598 6.5%
21Five Star BankRancho Cordova, CA52 $365,000 7.4%
22United Midwest Savings BankDe Graff, OH52 $196,308 7.0%
23CalPrivate BankLa Jolla, CA44 $1,488,605 7.0%
24City National BankLos Angeles, CA42 $996,983 6.1%
25VelocitySBACosta Mesa, CA42 $751,690 6.6%
26PCB BankLos Angeles, CA40 $1,266,763 6.5%
27Plumas BankQuincy, CA37 $1,026,908 6.3%
28US Metro BankGarden Grove, CA36 $1,928,764 6.2%
29Hanmi BankLos Angeles, CA35 $928,920 6.5%
30Zions BankSalt Lake City, UT34 $886,397 6.7%
31American Continental BankCity Of Industry, CA33 $1,222,167 5.9%
32Pinnacle BankMorgan Hill, CA33 $1,773,215 5.9%
33Byline BankChicago, IL31 $1,305,387 7.0%
34Umpqua BankRoseburg, OR31 $1,179,565 6.4%
35First Bank of the LakeOsage Beach, MO30 $1,654,283 6.6%
36First-Citizens Bank & TrustRaleigh, NC30 $1,038,310 6.3%
37FFB BankFresno, CA26 $1,119,623 7.3%
38Lendistry SBLCLos Angeles, CA25 $443,768 8.0%
39Mission Valley BankSun Valley, CA25 $1,978,852 6.3%
40Santa Cruz County BankSanta Cruz, CA25 $1,230,680 6.4%

1. U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank, a national financial institution, dominates the SBA lending scene in California with an impressive number of loans. It provides businesses with a substantial average loan amount at a competitive interest rate, making it a reliable choice for those seeking reliable financial support.

2. Wells Fargo

Despite its national presence, Wells Fargo is a significant player in the California market. While offering a moderate number of loans, businesses should note the relatively higher average interest rate. However, its accessibility and diverse financial products make it an option for various entrepreneurs.

3. BayFirst National Bank

BayFirst National Bank, although headquartered in Florida, actively participates in California’s SBA lending landscape. With a focus on a moderate number of loans and a respectable average interest rate, it caters to businesses seeking reliable financing options.

4. Newtek Small Business Finance

Newtek Small Business Finance stands out for its concentration on a relatively lower number of high-value loans. For businesses with substantial financing needs, this lender offers a competitive average interest rate, making it an appealing choice in California.

5. CDC Small Business Finance

CDC Small Business Finance, based in San Diego, focuses on providing a considerable number of smaller loans. Entrepreneurs should consider the higher average interest rate, but the lender’s local presence can be advantageous for those seeking personalized service.

6. BancorpSouth Bank

BancorpSouth Bank, though based in Mississippi, actively participates in California’s SBA lending sector. Offering a balanced number of loans with a reasonable average interest rate, it stands as a reliable option for businesses seeking moderate financing.

7. Live Oak

Live Oak stands out with a focus on a moderate number of high-value loans in California. With an exceptionally high average loan amount and a competitive interest rate, it caters to businesses with significant financial requirements.

8. Readycap Lending, LLC

Readycap Lending, based in New Jersey, contributes to the California SBA lending landscape with a focus on a moderate number of loans. Its average loan amount and interest rate make it a viable option for businesses seeking substantial yet reasonably priced financing.

9. Bank of America

Bank of America, a national banking giant, provides a substantial number of SBA loans in California. With a focus on moderate loan amounts and an exceptionally low average interest rate, it offers an attractive financing option for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions.

10. Celtic Bank

Celtic Bank, headquartered in Utah, actively engages in California’s SBA lending market. With a focus on a moderate number of high-value loans and a competitive average interest rate, it caters to businesses with substantial financing needs.

In conclusion, California businesses have a diverse array of SBA lending options, ranging from nationally recognized banks to regional players. Entrepreneurs should carefully consider factors such as loan quantity, average loan amount, and interest rates to make informed decisions aligning with their business objectives. Whether seeking smaller, more accessible loans or substantial financial support, these top SBA lenders offer valuable resources to navigate the dynamic business environment in the Golden State.

Top Industries for SBA loans in California

RankIndustry# of Loans Avg Loan Avg Interest
1Full-Service Restaurants264 $676,721 7.0%
2Limited-Service Restaurants186 $618,606 7.1%
3General Freight Trucking, Long Distance, Truckload99 $429,220 6.7%
4General Automotive Repair85 $895,922 6.8%
5Offices of Dentists82 $1,193,084 5.9%
6Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors81 $624,846 6.6%
7Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels72 $3,104,035 5.8%
8Offices of Lawyers71 $533,561 6.7%
9Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars70 $381,584 6.8%
10General Freight Trucking, Local68 $366,049 8.0%
11All Other Specialty Trade Contractors67 $497,069 7.1%
12Residential Remodelers67 $169,164 7.7%
13Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)67 $889,070 6.2%
14Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers66 $289,767 7.1%
15Insurance Agencies and Brokerages62 $553,755 7.3%
16Electrical Contractors60 $677,678 7.0%
17Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores58 $1,030,140 6.6%
18Offices of Certified Public Accountants54 $751,913 6.3%
19All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services52 $571,690 7.3%
20Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses)52 $1,633,056 5.9%
21Child Day Care Services49 $940,569 6.8%
22Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers44 $361,773 7.7%
23Homes for the Elderly43 $1,325,984 6.3%
24Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses42 $234,988 7.3%
25All Other Personal Services40 $345,398 7.4%
26Beauty Salons37 $374,405 8.3%
27Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services36 $213,719 8.3%
28Other Personal Care Services36 $304,936 7.2%
29Car Washes35 $2,471,514 6.4%
30Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers35 $1,033,394 7.0%
31Private Mail Centers34 $309,491 6.6%
32Marketing Consulting Services30 $323,860 7.8%
33Home Health Care Services30 $915,650 7.0%
34Landscaping Services29 $556,734 6.5%
35Janitorial Services28 $585,704 6.6%
36Other Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers27 $1,242,667 6.0%
37Other Activities Related to Real Estate26 $536,012 7.3%
38Other Accounting Services26 $506,538 7.2%
39Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)25 $914,884 6.7%
40Engineering Services25 $393,908 7.3%

Top SBA Loan Franchises in California

RankFranchiseName# of Loans Avg Loan Avg Interest
1The UPS Store23 $341,204 6.8%
2Motel 610 $4,796,300 5.7%
3Cold Stone Creamery9 $328,722 7.2%
4It’s Boba Time7 $460,743 7.5%
5Round Table Pizza6 $1,694,550 6.6%
6Cold Stone Creamery6 $366,333 7.0%
7Crumbl6 $572,750 7.0%
8Crumbl5 $755,200 6.6%
9Subway5 $285,600 7.2%
10Restoration 15 $167,000 7.0%
11Super 84 $3,481,250 6.1%
12Dickey’s Barbecue Pit4 $380,750 7.2%
13Home Instead Senior Care4 $796,250 7.7%
14Senior Helpers4 $142,500 7.9%
15PostalAnnex+ (Retail Center)4 $175,500 7.9%
16Mosquito Joe4 $150,000 6.4%
17Patrice & Associates4 $150,000 7.5%
18The UPS Store4 $418,375 7.7%
19Pak Mail (Retail Center/Commer4 $180,000 4.8%
20Papa John’s4 $342,250 5.3%
21Scenthound3 $218,433 8.4%
22The UPS Store3 $307,000 6.9%
23The UPS Store3 $224,067 6.3%
24Dog Haus3 $795,567 8.3%
25Cookie Co.3 $212,333 9.0%
26Econo Lodge3 $2,638,333 5.4%
27SureStay3 $3,134,167 4.8%
28Travelodge3 $3,795,833 5.4%
29Mountain Mike’s Pizza3 $965,667 6.0%
30Best Western3 $4,960,833 4.8%
31Stretch Lab3 $327,333 8.1%
32Furniture Medic2 $912,500 7.0%
33Dryer Vent Wizard2 $150,000 8.3%
34Kitchen Tune-Up2 $150,000 7.5%
35Ace Handyman Services2 $150,000 6.0%
36Mr. Appliance2 $150,000 6.0%
37Right at Home2 $737,500 7.4%
38All Dry2 $136,500 7.5%
39Mrs. Fields2 $515,500 9.0%
40Safari Kid2 $503,000 6.6%

Top California SBA Loan Borrowers by Jobs Supported

RankBusinessLocationIndustry Loan Size Interest Rate Jobs
1CANYON MARKETSan Francisco, CASupermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores $2.5M – $5M 9.3%430
2RIGHT AT HOMEBurbank, CAServices for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities $500K – $1M 7.4%312
3STEPHEN MICHAEL BELLOSan Bernardino, CADrywall and Insulation Contractors $1M – $2.5M 3.8%300
4TRI SOURCE INTERNATIONAL LLCValencia, CATelephone Answering Services $2.5M – $5M 6.3%290
5ONE SHIELD SECURITY SERVICES LCarlsbad, CASecurity Guards and Patrol Services $1M – $2.5M 9.3%275
6HARNESS POWER INC.Corona, CAElectrical Contractors $2.5M – $5M 9.3%275
7WATER DAMAGE RESCUE INC.Canoga Park, CAAll Other Specialty Trade Contractors $1M – $2.5M 7.3%270
8SAHARA CONSTRUCTION CO INCSun Valley, CAPoured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors $2.5M – $5M 10.0%250
9MILES AND JANE INC.Hemet, CAHome Health Care Services $500K – $1M 6.4%214
10RECRUITMENT ALLEY LLCFresno, CAEmployment Placement Agencies $250K – $500K 10.5%200
11MARINA SECURITY SERVICES INCSan Francisco, CASecurity Guards and Patrol Services $500K – $1M 7.8%200
12GUSTAVO RODRIGUEZStockton, CAAll Other Specialty Trade Contractors $500K – $1M 5.3%200
13O.F.R INC.Kingsburg, CAFarm Management Services $1M – $2.5M 9.0%200
14J BOYD REAL ESTATE LLCSacramento, CAAir-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Ind $2.5M – $5M 7.5%200
15OPTIMA REALTYFairfield, CAOffices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers $500K – $1M 5.0%198
16AUTOMATED ENGINEERING SERVICESOceanside, CAEngineering Services $500K – $1M 6.0%188
17LUCE COMMUNICATIONS LLCYorba Linda, CACommercial Gravure Printing $1M – $2.5M 6.8%186
18TARSUS FOODS INCRedding, CALimited-Service Restaurants $1M – $2.5M 5.5%185
19DIGITAL MARKET MEDIA INCSan Luis Obispo, CAMedia Buying Agencies $500K – $1M 8.0%181
20TMC GENERAL CONSTRUCTION INC.Rancho Cordova, CAFraming Contractors $2.5M – $5M 6.3%181
21GARY AND JULIE CRISP AS TRUSTECosta Mesa, CACommercial Gravure Printing $1M – $2.5M 5.0%167
22ROLSTON INCORPORATEDBig Bear Lake, CAFull-Service Restaurants $250K or less 9.8%164
23HOME INSTEADSunnyvale, CAServices for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities $500K – $1M 7.4%164
24COMPANIONCARE LLCSan Francisco, CAServices for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities $500K – $1M 7.9%152
25RELIANT REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENTSanta Ana, CAResidential Property Managers $500K – $1M 5.5%150
26EDNA’S BAKERYSan Luis Obispo, CACommercial Bakeries $1M – $2.5M 6.4%150
27DIRTY DOGS AND MEOW LLCSolana Beach, CA $1M – $2.5M 6.3%140
28SENDER ONE WESTWOOD LLCLos Angeles, CAFitness and Recreational Sports Centers $1M – $2.5M 7.0%138
29PARDEEP SINGHWest Sacramento, CAGeneral Freight Trucking, Long Distance, Truckload $2.5M – $5M 5.0%138
30COLINAS FARMING COMPANYNapa, CAFarm Management Services $2.5M – $5M 7.8%130
31MULGREW AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS IMonrovia, CAOther Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing $250K – $500K 6.0%126
32KILAM PROPERTIES LLCFremont, CACouriers $500K – $1M 4.4%126
33CHASE ACE HARDWARESunnyvale, CA $1M – $2.5M 6.3%125
34BOWCOR INC.Bakersfield, CAServices for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities $1M – $2.5M 6.8%125
35THE RIZVI GROUP OF COMPANIESDanville, CAServices for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities $250K or less 6.3%124
36AHARONI & STEELE INC.Santa Clara, CAOther Snack Food Manufacturing $2.5M – $5M 5.0%124
37SUPER7 RETAIL INC.San Francisco, CA $2.5M – $5M 7.5%123
38LANDSCAPING VENTURES INC.Eureka, CALandscaping Services $250K or less 5.6%121
39UNLIMITED COMMUNICATIONSWoodland, CAAll Other Telecommunications $2.5M – $5M 6.0%120
40VERTUS PROPERTIES INC.Roseville, CAResidential Property Managers $500K – $1M 5.1%119
41PAINE’S RESTAURANTHollister, CAFull-Service Restaurants $1M – $2.5M 6.1%110
42H2L GROUND DELIVERY INCSacramento, CAGeneral Freight Trucking, Local $2.5M – $5M 6.3%110
43ARROW CREATIVE SOLUTIONS INC.Rocklin, CAAll Other Specialty Trade Contractors $1M – $2.5M 6.9%108
44MID-VALLEY PATRIOTS INCVacaville, CAFood Service Contractors $250K or less 5.7%104
45F & J EHLERS ENTERPRISES INC.Oceanside, CAHome Health Care Services $1M – $2.5M 7.1%104
46BACKHAUS LLCBurlingame, CARetail Bakeries $2.5M – $5M 9.8%104
47MUSE CAFE INC.Santa Monica, CAFull-Service Restaurants $2.5M – $5M 7.5%104
48MORGAN VALLEY HOLDINGS LLCMurrieta, CARetail Bakeries $500K – $1M 6.0%103
49TRUE FINISH CONTRACTINGSan Diego, CAFinish Carpentry Contractors $250K or less 5.0%100
50MALTED CAPITAL INC.La Mesa, CAFull-Service Restaurants $250K or less 10.0%100
51PROTECTION AMERICA INCChatsworth, CASecurity Guards and Patrol Services $250K or less 10.4%100
52FIDELITY SECURITY SERVICES INCCanyon Country, CASecurity Guards and Patrol Services $250K or less 6.3%100
53CALPRO PROPERTIES LLCFairfield, CAPainting and Wall Covering Contractors $250K – $500K 8.4%100
54NEWPORT WHALER LLCNewport Beach, CAFull-Service Restaurants $1M – $2.5M 9.5%100
55COMMONWEALTH DEVELOPMENT GROUPChico, CAPower and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction $1M – $2.5M 7.8%100
56STEARNS PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COPerris, CAMetal Kitchen Cookware, Utensil, Cutlery, and Flatware (except Preciou $2.5M – $5M 5.8%100
57THERMAL TECHNOLOGY LLCSanta Rosa, CA $2.5M – $5M 7.5%96
58OGAP VENTURES CORP.San Diego, CARetail Bakeries $500K – $1M 6.1%94
59FLEETWORKS INC.Santa Fe Springs, CAGeneral Automotive Repair $250K – $500K 6.0%93
60TL INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLCEl Cajon, CA $1M – $2.5M 5.3%92
61P3 INC.Valencia, CAOther Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers $250K – $500K 5.0%90
62CARE AT HOME LLCCorona, CAHome Health Care Services $250K – $500K 7.5%90
63SEFB COMPANYLaguna Hills, CARetail Bakeries $500K – $1M 8.0%90
64VISITING ANGELSLindsay, CAHome Health Care Services $1M – $2.5M 7.5%90
65SOFT FINISH INC.Los Angeles, CAApparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing $2.5M – $5M 7.0%90
66NARI TRADING INC.Rancho Cordova, CASupermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores $2.5M – $5M 5.7%84
67JDC SANTOS LLCOakland, CAFull-Service Restaurants $250K or less 7.5%83
68THE HOLMQUIST FAMILY TRUST DATBakersfield, CAMotor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers $1M – $2.5M 4.2%82
69TEMECULA VALLEY REMODELINGMurrieta, CAResidential Remodelers $250K or less 7.0%80
70PIONEER STAFFING SERVICESLos Alamitos, CAEmployment Placement Agencies $250K – $500K 5.5%80
71CANDIES TOLTECAFresno, CAOther Snack Food Manufacturing $250K – $500K 10.0%80
72202203WY-14 LLCPomona, CA $1M – $2.5M 5.6%80
73K9 BALLISTICS INC.Camarillo, CA $1M – $2.5M 5.5%80
74STEPANYAN HOLDINGS LLCValley Village, CAHome Health Care Services $2.5M – $5M 4.8%80
75MOSAIC REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLSan Jose, CAFreight Transportation Arrangement $2.5M – $5M 5.5%80
76BLUE SHORE INVESTMENTS LLCMarina, CAFull-Service Restaurants $2.5M – $5M 8.3%80
77NEW LOOK SKIN LLCNewport Beach, CAOffice Administrative Services $2.5M – $5M 4.3%80
78AARON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAMNorco, CANew Car Dealers $2.5M – $5M 5.4%80
79EPIC HOMECARE INC.Los Angeles, CAHome Health Care Services $1M – $2.5M 5.3%78
80DISCOUNT COURIER SERVICES INCMission Viejo, CALocal Messengers and Local Delivery $2.5M – $5M 4.8%77
81RECON ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIESSan Diego, CAMachine Shops $250K – $500K 8.3%76
82FMOC INC.San Leandro, CAReupholstery and Furniture Repair $500K – $1M 7.0%76
83ERA HIPPOLYTA LLCTorrance, CACaterers $2.5M – $5M 5.3%76
84RINCON ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIESan Diego, CAMachine Shops $2.5M – $5M 6.0%76
85AVANTI WC INC.Walnut Creek, CAFull-Service Restaurants $250K – $500K 3.0%75
86HILLENDALE HOME CAREWalnut Creek, CAHome Health Care Services $1M – $2.5M 9.3%75
87HARBOR PSYCHIATRY & MENTAL HEANewport Beach, CAOffices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists $1M – $2.5M 6.0%75
88MEAL PREP SUNDAY SAN DIEGO LLCVista, CACaterers $2.5M – $5M 5.0%75
89SEAL WELL INC.San Jose, CAAll Other Specialty Trade Contractors $2.5M – $5M 7.5%75
90ATLR HOLDINGS INCORPORATEDSan Jose, CABeauty Salons $250K – $500K 6.8%74
91VMP LLCModesto, CA $500K – $1M 8.0%74
923LB LLCSouth Lake Tahoe, CAFull-Service Restaurants $2.5M – $5M 8.3%74
93MOXIE BHE LLCSalinas, CALimited-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 7.8%73
94ABOUT BEHAVIOR CONSULTING INCOrange, CAOffices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) $250K or less 6.8%72
95CASSONDRA MARIE ROSE TRUSTEERiverside, CAOffices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) $1M – $2.5M 5.1%71
96M CARLIN SYSTEMS INCSan Diego, CAElectrical Contractors $250K or less 10.0%70
97ARIA COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVISanta Fe Springs, CAJanitorial Services $250K – $500K 9.8%70
98MICHAEL C WICKLINE AND REBECCAImperial, CAPlumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors $500K – $1M 5.8%70
99FAMILY TRUST OF CASSONDRA M. KMurrieta, CAOffices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) $500K – $1M 3.9%70
100TOMO LEE INC.Porter Ranch, CAFull-Service Restaurants $1M – $2.5M 9.5%70

Note about SBA lenders near me in California

When it comes to top California SBA lenders, it’s a common inquiry whether any of the listed banks are 1) included in the California preferred lender list, 2) approved lenders in California, or 3) active participants in the California SBA Express lending program. These queries center around the ability of a given SBA bank to facilitate small business SBA loans in California swiftly. The answer is an unequivocal yes. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill banks making only a handful of SBA loans annually; these are institutions well-versed in the intricacies of the SBA 7(a) loan program. They stand out as the top performers in California, as evidenced by our thorough analysis of thousands of SBA loans each year, leading us to rank lenders based on recent activity.

It’s crucial to note that while some banks may limit their lending to specific regions, there exist a select few highly assertive nationwide SBA lenders that operate nationally. These lenders possess a profound understanding of the SBA program and execute transactions with remarkable speed. Therefore, we advise against restricting your search solely to your home state. Our lender match tool proves invaluable in this regard. By utilizing it, we can identify suitable SBA banks tailored to your specific needs, be it geography, industry, company size, all at no cost or obligation to you. This service aims to save you valuable time and ensure a seamless SBA loan process.