Best Vermont SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in Vermont
SBA Loans in Vermont
Vermont businesses received $60.1M in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 209 businesses in 2025, supporting 1,397 jobs. With 37 active SBA lenders competing for business in Vermont, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in Vermont is $288K at 10.13%, which is 0.19% below the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in Vermont is Community National Bank, with the most-funded industry being Electrical Contractors.
SBA Loans in Vermont by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in Vermont, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 9% of Vermont SBA loans (23 loans totaling $5.7M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 18% (16 loans, $10.7M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 53% (117 loans). If you’re buying a business in Vermont, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
Vermont vs. National Average
How does Vermont’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
Vermont10.13%
National Avg10.32%
✅ Vermont’s avg rate is 0.19% lower than the national average
Vermont$288K
National Avg$478K
Vermont’s avg loan is 0.6x the national average
A rate lower than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for Vermont 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 Vermont (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in Vermont 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 | Community National Bank | $9.6M | 26 | 8.46% |
| 2 | Brookline Bank, a Division of Beacon Bank and Trust | $6.1M | 4 | 9.94% |
| 3 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $5.5M | 3 | 11.83% |
| 4 | First Bank of the Lake | $4.6M | 2 | 9.25% |
| 5 | Bank Five Nine | $3.5M | 1 | 9% |
| 6 | National Cooperative Bank, National Association | $3.1M | 1 | 8% |
| 7 | Citizens Bank, National Association | $3.0M | 2 | 10.75% |
| 8 | TD Bank, National Association | $3.0M | 45 | 10.54% |
| 9 | Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company | $2.8M | 38 | 12.09% |
| 10 | Northfield Savings Bank | $2.6M | 2 | 7.54% |
| 11 | Northeast Bank | $2.2M | 16 | 10.73% |
| 12 | United Midwest Savings Bank National Association | $2.0M | 1 | 10% |
| 13 | The Huntington National Bank | $1.6M | 3 | 7.67% |
| 14 | First Financial Bank | $1.4M | 1 | 7.25% |
| 15 | KeyBank National Association | $1.4M | 9 | 10.15% |
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 Vermont have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand Vermont’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 Vermont-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 Vermont
One 5-minute application. 37 lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Vermont
SBA lending in Vermont reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Vermont in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Contractors | 6 | $5.3M |
| Other Grocery and Related Products Merchant Wholesalers | 1 | $5.0M |
| Water Supply and Irrigation Systems | 1 | $5.0M |
| Landscaping Services | 7 | $4.4M |
| Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores | 3 | $4.0M |
| Custom Computer Programming Services | 5 | $3.6M |
| Educational Support Services | 2 | $3.6M |
| Offices of Other Holding Companies | 1 | $2.2M |
| Funeral Homes and Funeral Services | 2 | $2.2M |
| Offices of Dentists | 2 | $1.4M |
| Doll, Toy, and Game Manufacturing | 1 | $1.4M |
| Commercial Bakeries | 2 | $1.3M |
| All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 4 | $1.1M |
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 1 | $1.1M |
| Veterinary Services | 1 | $997K |
If your business operates in one of Vermont’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 Vermont
SBA lending activity within Vermont is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in Vermont the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfax | 5 | $8.2M |
| Burlington | 15 | $7.8M |
| South Burlington | 9 | $6.9M |
| Weathersfield | 1 | $5.0M |
| Morrisville | 6 | $4.3M |
| Brattleboro | 11 | $3.7M |
| Rutland | 7 | $2.7M |
| Williston | 9 | $2.2M |
| Essex Junction | 12 | $1.5M |
| Shelburne | 4 | $1.5M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in Vermont
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Vermont 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 Vermont-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 Vermont in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in Vermont?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Vermont?
Who is the top SBA lender in Vermont?
What industries get the most SBA loans in Vermont?
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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.
