Top SBA Lenders in North Carolina

North Carolina, a state known for its diverse economic landscape, is a thriving ground for businesses seeking growth opportunities. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans serve as catalysts for local enterprises, and understanding the top lenders in the state is crucial. Here’s an overview of the leading SBA lenders in North Carolina, each bringing unique strengths and opportunities for local businesses:

North Carolina Preferred SBA Lenders

RankBankBank HQ# of Loans Avg Loan Avg Interest
1Live OakWilmington, NC84 $1,271,988 6.4%
2Wells FargoSioux Falls, SD78 $77,615 9.8%
3The Huntington National BankColumbus, OH47 $355,221 7.3%
4BayFirst National BankSaint Petersburg, FL36 $201,656 8.6%
5United Midwest Savings BankDe Graff, OH34 $397,824 7.1%
6Dogwood State BankRaleigh, NC33 $1,067,739 7.3%
7Bank of Oak RidgeOak Ridge, NC32 $804,778 7.8%
8Readycap Lending, LLCBerkeley Heights, NJ32 $408,725 8.0%
9Newtek Small Business FinanceLake Success, NY30 $500,933 8.1%
10Celtic BankSalt Lake City, UT27 $663,085 7.3%
11Pinnacle BankNashville, TN27 $967,541 6.2%
12The Fidelity BankFuquay Varina, NC25 $714,340 7.4%
13HomeTrust BankAsheville, NC24 $852,179 6.9%
14PNC BankWilmington, DE23 $440,496 6.6%
15First Community BankBluefield, VA22 $316,950 6.1%
16TD BankWilmington, DE21 $251,652 9.5%
17First National Bank of PennsylvaniaGreenville, PA19 $1,508,442 6.9%
18First BankSouthern Pines, NC17 $564,918 8.0%
19Bank of GeorgeLas Vegas, NV16 $2,751,794 5.8%
20GbankLas Vegas, NV16 $2,751,794 5.8%
21United Community BankBlairsville, GA16 $712,000 7.0%
22BancorpSouth BankTupelo, MS15 $362,153 7.7%
23SouthState BankWinter Haven, FL15 $453,427 7.4%
24Bank of AmericaCharlotte, NC14 $392,007 4.1%
25Mountain BizcapitalAsheville, NC14 $122,121 7.9%
26Truist BankCharlotte, NC14 $786,357 5.8%
27Citizens BankElizabethton, TN12 $831,608 6.5%
28U.S. BankCincinnati, OH12 $140,983 7.9%
29Carolina Small Business Development FundRaleigh, NC10 $190,780 9.1%
30First Financial BankEl Dorado, AR10 $701,230 5.9%
31First-Citizens Bank & TrustRaleigh, NC9 $924,500 6.7%
32North State BankRaleigh, NC9 $454,733 7.2%
33Byline BankChicago, IL7 $1,376,429 7.5%
34Customers BankMalvern, PA7 $1,978,786 6.5%
35First Bank of the LakeOsage Beach, MO7 $924,171 7.7%
36JPMorgan Chase BankColumbus, OH7 $250,000 8.1%
37CIBC Bank USAChicago, IL6 $943,567 6.5%
38First Internet Bank of IndianaFishers, IN6 $1,070,667 8.5%
39Peoples BankMendenhall, MS6 $3,662,933 5.7%
40Stearns BankSaint Cloud, MN6 $1,020,200 7.6%

1. Live Oak

Live Oak, headquartered in Wilmington, NC, takes the lead in North Carolina’s SBA lending landscape with 84 loans. With a strong local focus, Live Oak provides substantial financing to businesses, averaging $1,271,988, at an attractive interest rate of 6.4%.

2. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo, based in Sioux Falls, SD, is a prominent player in North Carolina, offering 78 SBA loans. With a national presence, Wells Fargo provides accessible financing with smaller loan amounts, albeit at a higher average interest rate of 9.8%.

3. The Huntington National Bank

Huntington National Bank, headquartered in Columbus, OH, actively contributes to North Carolina’s SBA lending landscape with 47 loans. Striking a balance between loan quantity and size, it caters to businesses with varying financial needs at a competitive interest rate of 7.3%.

4. BayFirst National Bank

BayFirst National Bank, though based in Saint Petersburg, FL, is a reliable option for North Carolina businesses. Offering 36 loans, it provides accessible financing at a moderate interest rate of 8.6%.

5. United Midwest Savings Bank

United Midwest Savings Bank, based in De Graff, OH, extends its services to North Carolina with 34 loans averaging $397,824. Striking a balance between accessibility and loan size, it provides a reliable option for businesses seeking moderate financing at a competitive interest rate of 7.1%.

6. Dogwood State Bank

Dogwood State Bank, headquartered in Raleigh, NC, is a local player making a significant impact with 33 SBA loans. Specializing in substantial financing, it caters to businesses with significant funding needs at a competitive interest rate of 7.3%.

7. Bank of Oak Ridge

Bank of Oak Ridge, located in Oak Ridge, NC, actively contributes to North Carolina’s SBA lending landscape with 32 loans averaging $804,778. Striking a balance between accessibility and substantial funding, it caters to businesses with varying financial needs at a competitive interest rate of 7.8%.

8. Readycap Lending, LLC

Readycap Lending, based in Berkeley Heights, NJ, actively engages in North Carolina’s SBA lending market. Offering 32 loans averaging $408,725, it provides a balanced approach to loan quantity and size with a competitive interest rate of 8.0%.

9. Newtek Small Business Finance

Newtek Small Business Finance, headquartered in Lake Success, NY, actively engages in North Carolina’s business community. With 30 loans averaging $500,933, it provides a reliable option for businesses with substantial financing needs at a competitive interest rate of 8.1%.

10. Celtic Bank

Celtic Bank, headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, participates in North Carolina’s SBA lending landscape with 27 loans. Specializing in moderate-sized loans, it caters to businesses with varying financial needs at a competitive interest rate of 7.3%.

In conclusion, North Carolina businesses have a diverse array of SBA lending options, ranging from local institutions to nationally recognized banks. Entrepreneurs should carefully consider factors such as the lender’s regional focus, loan quantity, average loan amount, and interest rates to make informed decisions that align 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 Tar Heel State.

Top Industries for SBA loans in North Carolina

RankIndustry# of Loans Avg Loan Avg Interest
1Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels56 $2,615,482 6.0%
2Full-Service Restaurants52 $856,831 7.2%
3Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers41 $536,107 7.1%
4Limited-Service Restaurants35 $660,286 7.0%
5Beauty Salons24 $210,308 8.1%
6Residential Remodelers20 $363,890 7.3%
7Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars19 $478,347 7.6%
8General Freight Trucking, Local17 $506,476 8.8%
9Broilers and Other Meat Type15 $1,088,633 5.6%
10Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services14 $363,636 7.8%
11All Other Specialty Trade Contractors14 $477,950 7.8%
12Offices of Chiropractors13 $320,746 8.1%
13Child Day Care Services12 $1,314,492 7.7%
14General Freight Trucking, Long Distance, Truckload12 $76,900 8.3%
15General Automotive Repair12 $514,075 6.7%
16Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors11 $334,936 7.2%
17Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units11 $976,591 5.4%
18Breweries10 $1,056,430 7.1%
19Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)10 $850,460 8.0%
20Insurance Agencies and Brokerages9 $709,756 8.6%
21Home Health Care Services9 $504,611 8.5%
22Offices of Dentists9 $1,270,333 6.2%
23Janitorial Services8 $194,588 7.2%
24Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners8 $538,400 8.3%
25Offices of Certified Public Accountants8 $379,825 7.4%
26Landscaping Services7 $679,914 6.4%
27Mobile Food Services7 $63,200 8.9%
28New Single-Family Housing Construction (except Operative Builders)7 $134,071 9.1%
29Other Personal Care Services7 $553,000 7.7%
30Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors7 $466,286 6.2%
31Remediation Services7 $812,914 7.4%
32Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services6 $132,500 9.6%
33Commercial Screen Printing6 $908,733 6.7%
34All Other Personal Services6 $537,150 9.2%
35Other Accounting Services6 $502,867 6.7%
36Veterinary Services6 $803,317 5.9%
37Wood Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Manufacturing6 $1,366,383 6.7%
38Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers6 $453,333 8.2%
39Other Building Finishing Contractors5 $1,078,900 7.9%
40Engineering Services5 $319,900 7.2%

Top SBA Loan Franchises in North Carolina

RankFranchiseName# of Loans Avg Loan Avg Interest
1Quality Inn10 $2,758,800 5.4%
2SureStay7 $3,200,000 5.4%
3Hotworx6 $372,833 7.8%
4ISI Elite Training6 $293,583 7.3%
5Super 85 $1,831,720 5.5%
6Econo Lodge4 $3,219,300 6.4%
7Days Inn4 $1,869,200 7.3%
8Eggs Up Grill4 $774,725 7.8%
9Zoom Room3 $210,667 6.0%
10Aire Serv3 $266,700 6.1%
11BrightStar Care3 $154,833 6.7%
12CycleBar2 $744,700 6.6%
13iCode2 $140,000 6.0%
14Anytime Fitness2 $552,400 6.5%
15Blingle!2 $238,500 9.0%
16Sir Speedy2 $1,750,000 7.8%
17AlphaGraphics2 $209,250 6.0%
18Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids2 $167,500 6.8%
19Drybar2 $25,000 9.8%
20Dryer Vent Wizard2 $150,000 6.0%
21Kiddie Academy2 $5,000,000 6.3%
22Ace Handyman Services2 $150,000 9.0%
23Servpro2 $1,000,000 7.9%
24360 Painting2 $350,000 7.5%
25LIME Painting2 $84,000 6.3%
26Sam the Concrete Man2 $150,000 6.0%
27Edible Arrangements2 $475,000 5.0%
28Clothes Bin2 $150,000 9.0%
29Bin There…Dump That2 $267,900 6.0%
30Keyrenter Property Management2 $150,000 6.3%
31TDC Franchising, LLC2 $150,000 6.0%
32Bath Tune-Up2 $140,000 6.0%
33Handyman Connection2 $115,000 6.3%
34House Doctors2 $150,000 6.3%
35Kitchen Tune-Up2 $150,000 6.0%
36Bruster’s Real Ice Cream2 $711,550 7.3%
37Scooter’s Coffee2 $1,589,150 6.4%
38Jackson Hewitt Tax Service2 $1,535,500 8.6%
39American Family Care/Doctors E2 $2,616,050 7.8%
40Christian Brothers Automotive2 $443,500 5.0%

Top North Carolina SBA Loan Borrowers by Jobs Supported

RankBusinessLocationIndustry Loan Size Interest Rate Jobs
1ELITE FAMILY ADVENTURES III LLFayetteville, NCAmusement and Theme Parks $2.5M – $5M 7.8%180
2ATIX REAL STATE LLCCharlotte, NCJanitorial Services $250K – $500K 3.0%170
3MICROTECH KNIVES INC.Mills River, NCMetal Kitchen Cookware, Utensil, Cutlery, and Flatware (except Preciou $2.5M – $5M 6.0%161
4EAST FORK POTTERY LLCAsheville, NCPottery, Ceramics, and Plumbing Fixture Manufacturing $1M – $2.5M 6.0%143
5FUEL FITNESSWinston Salem, NCFitness and Recreational Sports Centers $250K – $500K 7.0%134
6TEMA HOMECARE SERVICES LLCCharlotte, NCHome Health Care Services $1M – $2.5M 9.3%122
7YOUNG DOOR COMPANYPilot Mountain, NCWood Window and Door Manufacturing $500K – $1M 6.0%120
8PRO TEMPS MEDICAL STAFFING INAsheville, NCHome Health Care Services $250K – $500K 8.8%112
9MOORE’S MINI MARTS INCJacksonville, NCLimited-Service Restaurants $1M – $2.5M 9.0%110
10MICHAEL DEAN INCORPORATEDHuntersville, NC $500K – $1M 6.5%105
11PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION OF THEGreensboro, NCRemediation Services $250K – $500K 8.8%104
12CARSON INDUSTRIES INCPilot Mountain, NCCommercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive a $250K or less 5.0%98
13DUPREE FARMS PRODUCE LLCAngier, NCPotato Farming $1M – $2.5M 4.5%97
14DIXON ROMAN GROUP INC.Holly Ridge, NCJanitorial Services $250K or less 8.3%96
15OWENS ROOFING INC.Smithfield, NCRoofing Contractors $500K – $1M 7.6%90
16MULLER & KNOWLES LLCSmithfield, NCRoofing Contractors $2.5M – $5M 7.6%90
17FURNITURE USA DISTRIBUTION INThomasville, NCCouriers $1M – $2.5M 5.8%86
18A PLUS GMSL NC LLCGastonia, NCGeneral Automotive Repair $500K – $1M 6.8%80
19RUNAWAY BOXCAR CLT LLCCharlotte, NCDrinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) $1M – $2.5M 5.8%80
20S3C LLCCharlotte, NCPoured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors $1M – $2.5M 5.6%78
21GRAY’S ANGELS LLCLenoir, NCServices for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities $250K – $500K 9.3%75
22DNB AUTOMOTIVE INCSelma, NCAutomotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops $500K – $1M 6.3%72
23SMALL CASTLES SOUTHPARK LLCCharlotte, NCFull-Service Restaurants $1M – $2.5M 7.3%70
24THE ROWBOAT COMPANY INC.Mooresville, NCOther Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction $1M – $2.5M 5.2%66
25SPOT REAL ESTATE LLCWilmington, NCOffices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers $500K – $1M 7.5%64
26BA WAKE LLCRaleigh, NCAll Other Amusement and Recreation Industries $250K or less 7.8%62
27MINT HILL CABINETS INC.Monroe, NCWood Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Manufacturing $2.5M – $5M 5.4%62
28CULVER’S OF KERNERSVILLEKernersville, NCLimited-Service Restaurants $2.5M – $5M 4.5%62
29LEMON YELLOW LLCCary, NCBeauty Salons $250K – $500K 6.3%61
30VAL INCFayetteville, NCOther Nonhazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal $250K – $500K 6.0%60
31CULVER’S OF APEXApex, NCLimited-Service Restaurants $250K – $500K 5.5%60
32FIBBER’S AT SUNSET BEACH LLCSunset Beach, NCFull-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 6.8%60
33ECT ACQUISITION LLCRaleigh, NCMotor Vehicle Towing $1M – $2.5M 8.4%60
34FAUCETTE REAL ESTATE LLCTimberlake, NCFull-Service Restaurants $2.5M – $5M 7.8%60
35METRO GREENSCAPE INC.Charlotte, NCLessors of Other Real Estate Property $250K – $500K 5.3%58
36GALAXY PARK LLCRaleigh, NCAmusement and Theme Parks $250K – $500K 7.8%57
37ALPHA CARE ONE ASSISTED LIVINGGreenville, NCHomes for the Elderly $500K – $1M 7.2%57
38BRY TAX LLCCharlotte, NCTax Preparation Services $1M – $2.5M 8.8%57
39THE PAW GROUP LLCApex, NCPet Care (except Veterinary) Services $250K or less 5.8%56
40RODGERS BROS RESTAURANTS LLCCullowhee, NCLimited-Service Restaurants $1M – $2.5M 8.5%56
41RADIANT ONE LLCApex, NCBeauty Salons $250K – $500K 6.3%55
42COTHRAN INNOVATIONS LLCWake Forest, NCHome Health Care Services $500K – $1M 8.3%54
43BBC INVESTMENTS LLCLewisville, NCBreweries $2.5M – $5M 5.0%54
44BIG APPLE PIZZA BISTROHavelock, NCFull-Service Restaurants $250K – $500K 8.3%52
45P. POTTAMUS PROPERTIES LLCCarolina Beach, NCFull-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 4.0%52
46INCREDIBLY DESIGNED OF CHARLOTCharlotte, NCFruit and Vegetable Markets $250K – $500K 5.0%50
47AMERICAN RESPONSE VEHICLES INCWest Jefferson, NCMotor Vehicle Body Manufacturing $2.5M – $5M 8.0%50
48THIRD EGG INCGarner, NCFull-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 5.8%49
49EAST CAROLINA HOME CARESalisbury, NCHome Health Care Services $500K – $1M 8.8%47
50ASJH INCCharlotte, NCFull-Service Restaurants $1M – $2.5M 9.0%47
517TWENTY6 BREWING COLeland, NCBeer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers $250K – $500K 6.3%45
52RESTAURANT 4005 INC.Nags Head, NCFull-Service Restaurants $1M – $2.5M 6.0%45
53PINE VALLEY GROUP LLCCharlotte, NCBarber Shops $1M – $2.5M 5.4%44
54TUNNEL CREEK WINERY LLCRoxboro, NCAll Other Grain Farming $500K – $1M 6.3%43
55COLLINSFOODS LLCDurham, NCLimited-Service Restaurants $250K – $500K 5.8%42
56BASS CO LLCCornelius, NCBeauty Salons $250K or less 6.8%40
57SOHA WELLNESS LLCRaleigh, NCOther Personal Care Services $1M – $2.5M 6.0%40
58OWLET LEARNING DEVELOPMENT LLCApex, NCChild Day Care Services $2.5M – $5M 5.0%40
59JETER MANAGEMENT GROUP INC.New Bern, NCLimited-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 9.0%38
60JETER MANAGEMENT GROUP INC.Greenville, NCLimited-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 9.0%38
61GREEN EAGLE CAPITAL RALEIGH LMorrisville, NC $500K – $1M 5.7%37
62CRAFTY CRAB WAKE FOREST RD LLRaleigh, NCFull-Service Restaurants $2.5M – $5M 5.3%37
63BRIGHTSTAR CARE OF GREENVILLEGreenville, NCHome Health Care Services $250K or less 8.3%36
64RAM RESTAURANTS INCDurham, NCLimited-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 6.5%36
65PHOENIX LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT OCharlotte, NCLandscaping Services $1M – $2.5M 5.8%36
66VOYAGE CAPITAL VENTURES L.L.CKnightdale, NCFull-Service Restaurants $1M – $2.5M 8.3%36
67PA-GREEN JOE’S COFFEE COMPANYGreensboro, NCLimited-Service Restaurants $250K or less 6.0%35
68DEVELOPMENTAL THERAPY ASSOCIATDurham, NCOffices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologi $250K – $500K 9.0%35
69WILD OLIVE SALON LLCSwansboro, NCBeauty Salons $500K – $1M 5.5%35
70CARE FOR CHARLOTTE LLCCharlotte, NCAll Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction $500K – $1M 5.5%35
71JT MOE ENTERPRISES INC.Granite Falls, NCRemediation Services $1M – $2.5M 8.3%35
72COURTS PLUS FITNESS CENTERJacksonville, NCFitness and Recreational Sports Centers $1M – $2.5M 7.5%35
73EDWARDS RESTORATION L.L.CRaleigh, NCRemediation Services $250K – $500K 6.0%34
74TORRENCE CHAPEL LLCCornelius, NCFull-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 7.0%34
75HAYMOUNT TRUCK STOP LLCFayetteville, NCDrinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) $250K or less 9.3%33
76CAROMARK BUILDING GROUP LLCIndian Trail, NCResidential Remodelers $500K – $1M 6.3%33
77ANTHONY KIMBRELL & ASSOCIATESFayetteville, NCCarpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services $500K – $1M 5.2%33
78SOUTHERN FRESH INTELLIGENT LLCMount Holly, NCFull-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 6.3%33
79NC CROWN LLCFayetteville, NCDrinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) $1M – $2.5M 9.3%33
80CKC SMART INVESTMENT GROUP INCharlotte, NCAll Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction $250K or less 6.0%32
81KYSELY MFG LLCWilmington, NC $250K or less 8.5%32
82DURHAM CHILDCARE COLLABORATIVEDurham, NCChild Day Care Services $250K – $500K 10.0%32
83CMG VENTURES II LLCBurlington, NCGeneral Rental Centers $2.5M – $5M 5.3%32
84FORIEST HOLDINGS INCORPORATEDWinston Salem, NCOffices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) $250K – $500K 9.8%31
85LIONHEART HOSPITALITY LLCCary, NCFull-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 4.0%31
86MCD LLCClayton, NCFull-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 8.5%31
87SHREE BALAJI VENTURES LLCCharlotte, NCOffices of Other Holding Companies $2.5M – $5M 5.0%31
88CRUMBL COOKIESGreensboro, NCBaked Goods Stores $250K or less 9.0%30
89MY SUNSHINE CAKES INC.Greenville, NCRetail Bakeries $250K or less 6.3%30
90DESIGNER MAID COMPANY LLCAsheville, NCJanitorial Services $250K – $500K 7.5%30
91REST & RISE BAKING LLCHendersonville, NCRetail Bakeries $250K – $500K 7.7%30
92RIVY RESTAURANT GROUP LLCHillsborough, NCFull-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 6.8%30
93CAROLINA SERVICES INCORPORATEDElon, NCInsurance Agencies and Brokerages $500K – $1M 4.9%30
94DAIRY QUEEN OF ROCKINGHAMRockingham, NCLimited-Service Restaurants $500K – $1M 6.0%30
95HOLLY SPRINGS CGH LLCHolly Springs, NCHighway, Street, and Bridge Construction $500K – $1M 7.0%30
96SCOOPS OF JOY LLCMooresville, NCSnack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars $500K – $1M 5.5%30
97CHAD LOVE SERVICES LLCConcord, NCPlumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors $1M – $2.5M 4.3%30
98I DO OBX WEDDINGS LLCKill Devil Hills, NCAll Other Personal Services $1M – $2.5M 7.5%30
99OXIT LLCCharlotte, NCMarketing Consulting Services $1M – $2.5M 5.5%30
100NUWRAY LLCBurnsville, NCBed-and-Breakfast Inns $2.5M – $5M 5.3%30

Note about SBA lenders near me in North Carolina

When it comes to top North Carolina SBA lenders, it’s a common inquiry whether any of the listed banks are 1) included in the North Carolina preferred lender list, 2) approved lenders in North Carolina, or 3) active participants in the North Carolina SBA Express lending program. These queries center around the ability of a given SBA bank to facilitate small business SBA loans in North Carolina 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 North Carolina, 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.