SBA Express is a streamlined variant of the 7(a) program offering loans up to $500,000 with faster, lender-delegated approval. In exchange for speed it carries a lower SBA guaranty (50%) than standard 7(a), so lenders scrutinize the deal on more of their own risk.
Worked example
| Feature | SBA Express | Standard 7(a) |
|---|---|---|
| Max loan | $500,000 | $5,000,000 |
| SBA guaranty | 50% | up to 75% |
| Approval speed | Faster | Slower |
| Typical down payment | ~10% | ~10% |
A $350,000 acquisition can close faster via Express, still needing roughly 10% down and a DSCR of at least 1.15×.
Why it matters when buying a business
Express suits smaller acquisitions where speed matters and the price fits under the cap. Because the guaranty is lower, the lender leans harder on your DSCR, credit, and SBSS score. For larger deals or more collateral flexibility, the standard SBA 7(a) is usually the better route.
