Best Arizona SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in Arizona
SBA Loans in Arizona
Arizona businesses received $847.0M in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 1,648 businesses in 2025, supporting 17,963 jobs. With 121 active SBA lenders competing for business in Arizona, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in Arizona is $514K at 10.26%, which is 0.06% below the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in Arizona is Live Oak Banking Company, with the most-funded industry being Full-Service Restaurants.
SBA Loans in Arizona by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in Arizona, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 15% of Arizona SBA loans (235 loans totaling $123.5M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 21% (147 loans, $176.8M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 52% (997 loans). If you’re buying a business in Arizona, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
Arizona vs. National Average
How does Arizona’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
Arizona10.26%
National Avg10.32%
✅ Arizona’s avg rate is 0.06% lower than the national average
Arizona$514K
National Avg$478K
Arizona’s avg loan is 1.1x the national average
A rate lower than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for Arizona borrowers. Individual rates depend on your credit profile, deal structure, loan size, and the specific lender you work with — which is why comparing multiple offers from different banks is consistently the best strategy to get the lowest possible rate on your SBA loan.
Top SBA Lenders in Arizona (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in Arizona in 2025 by total dollar volume approved. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records and represents actual funded loans — not pre-qualifications or applications received.
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Live Oak Banking Company | $76.9M | 63 | 9.18% |
| 2 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $44.0M | 120 | 11.03% |
| 3 | Wells Fargo Bank National Association | $41.6M | 91 | 10.39% |
| 4 | Readycap Lending, LLC | $32.2M | 64 | 11.99% |
| 5 | Zions Bank, A Division of | $30.8M | 125 | 10.12% |
| 6 | America First FCU | $29.5M | 22 | 7.51% |
| 7 | Celtic Bank Corporation | $28.1M | 53 | 10.43% |
| 8 | Midwest Regional Bank | $25.3M | 25 | 10.33% |
| 9 | MidFirst Bank | $25.1M | 18 | 7.29% |
| 10 | The Huntington National Bank | $25.0M | 87 | 9.96% |
| 11 | Northeast Bank | $24.8M | 151 | 10.91% |
| 12 | JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association | $24.7M | 67 | 10.78% |
| 13 | U.S. Bank, National Association | $22.5M | 86 | 9.78% |
| 14 | St. Louis Bank | $19.6M | 16 | 10.31% |
| 15 | Mountain America FCU | $15.8M | 37 | 9.91% |
Pay close attention to the “Avg Rate” column — rates vary significantly between lenders operating in the same state. The spread between the lowest and highest rate in this table can represent tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. The top lenders in Arizona have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand Arizona’s commercial real estate values, industry mix, and economic conditions. This familiarity typically translates into faster underwriting and more competitive terms.
However, don’t limit your search to local banks alone. Many of the top national SBA lenders fund loans across all 50 states and may offer better rates or more experience with your specific industry. An SBA loan broker like GoSBA gives you access to both Arizona-based lenders and national lenders with a single application — ensuring you get the most competitive offer available.
Get Matched with the Best SBA Lender in Arizona
One 5-minute application. 121 lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Arizona
SBA lending in Arizona reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Arizona in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Restaurants | 58 | $27.9M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 52 | $27.4M |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 42 | $26.5M |
| Offices of Dentists | 23 | $26.1M |
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 14 | $22.0M |
| Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars | 30 | $21.2M |
| All Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 30 | $20.9M |
| General Automotive Repair | 32 | $18.1M |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | 42 | $17.8M |
| Child Day Care Services | 18 | $16.5M |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 28 | $16.0M |
| Landscaping Services | 23 | $15.8M |
| Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance | 12 | $12.6M |
| Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners | 25 | $12.1M |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | 10 | $11.9M |
If your business operates in one of Arizona’s top-funded industries, you’re in a strong position. Lenders who have funded dozens of similar businesses in your state understand the unit economics, seasonal revenue patterns, and typical margins for your sector. This familiarity translates into faster approvals, less documentation back-and-forth, and more accurate risk pricing — which typically means better terms for the borrower.
Even if your industry isn’t listed above, SBA 7(a) loans are available for nearly every legal business type. An SBA loan broker can identify which lenders have the most experience with your specific industry.
Top Cities for SBA Loans in Arizona
SBA lending activity within Arizona is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in Arizona the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 363 | $226.9M |
| Scottsdale | 157 | $83.1M |
| Tucson | 161 | $71.7M |
| Mesa | 155 | $67.7M |
| Gilbert | 101 | $62.7M |
| Tempe | 72 | $44.6M |
| Chandler | 73 | $35.9M |
| Peoria | 64 | $24.4M |
| Glendale | 52 | $21.8M |
| Surprise | 31 | $13.7M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in Arizona
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Arizona lenders above. You’ll get a single quote from one bank.
Option 2: Use an SBA loan broker (recommended). GoSBA Loans submits your application to multiple Arizona-active lenders simultaneously, creating competition for your deal. Better rates, faster approvals — at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many SBA loans were funded in Arizona in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in Arizona?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Arizona?
Who is the top SBA lender in Arizona?
What industries get the most SBA loans in Arizona?
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Data sourced from official SBA 7(a) FOIA loan approval records for Calendar Year 2025, published by the U.S. Small Business Administration. For official information, visit sba.gov.
