Best SBA Lenders in Wilmington, NC (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Wilmington SBA loans
SBA Loans in Wilmington, North Carolina
Looking for an SBA loan in Wilmington, North Carolina? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 69 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Wilmington totaling $47.0M, supporting an estimated 747 jobs. With 27 active lenders competing for business in the Wilmington market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Wilmington is $681K at an average rate of 10.31%. The top lender in Wilmington is Live Oak Banking Company, with the most-funded industry being Flat Glass Manufacturing. See all North Carolina SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Wilmington by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Wilmington, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:
Startups represent 22% of SBA loans in Wilmington (9 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 9% (9 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Wilmington, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 49% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Wilmington, NC (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Wilmington businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Live Oak Banking Company | $13.6M | 14 | 9.71% |
| 2 | Celtic Bank Corporation | $5.6M | 2 | 10.38% |
| 3 | Byline Bank | $3.6M | 2 | 10.25% |
| 4 | First Bank | $3.4M | 3 | 9.92% |
| 5 | Hanover Community Bank | $3.2M | 1 | 10.5% |
| 6 | Bank of America, National Association | $2.5M | 2 | 7.6% |
| 7 | Harvest Small Business Finance, LLC | $1.8M | 1 | 9.75% |
| 8 | Northeast Bank | $1.7M | 9 | 10.97% |
| 9 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $1.4M | 5 | 12.05% |
| 10 | GBank | $1.3M | 3 | 9.42% |
The top lenders in Wilmington have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Wilmington market — commercial real estate values, local industry dynamics, and regional economic conditions. Pay attention to the “Avg Rate” column, as rates vary significantly between lenders. A 0.5-1.0% rate difference on a $500K loan translates to $15,000-$30,000 in savings over the life of the loan.
Don’t limit your search to banks listed above — many national SBA lenders also fund loans in Wilmington and may offer better rates. An SBA loan broker like GoSBA gives you access to both local and national lenders with one application.
Get Matched with the Best SBA Lender in Wilmington
One 5-minute application. 27+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Wilmington
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Wilmington in 2025. If your business is in one of these sectors, lenders are already familiar with your business model and may offer faster approvals:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Glass Manufacturing | 1 | $5.0M |
| RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Campgrounds | 1 | $4.5M |
| Offices of Dentists | 2 | $3.6M |
| Bed-and-Breakfast Inns | 1 | $3.2M |
| Veterinary Services | 1 | $3.0M |
| Other Personal Care Services | 2 | $2.7M |
| Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars | 2 | $2.7M |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 1 | $1.4M |
| Used Car Dealers | 1 | $1.3M |
| Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners | 1 | $1.3M |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Wilmington understand the local competitive landscape, typical revenue ranges, and seasonal patterns. This familiarity often translates to faster underwriting and more competitive terms. If your industry doesn’t appear above, SBA loans are available for nearly every legal business type — an SBA broker can match you with lenders who specialize in your sector.
How to Get an SBA Loan in Wilmington
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Wilmington lenders listed above. You’ll receive a single quote from one bank.
Option 2: Use an SBA loan broker (recommended). GoSBA Loans submits your application to multiple Wilmington-active lenders and national SBA lenders simultaneously. More offers means better rates, faster approvals, and zero cost to you — lenders pay the broker fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data from SBA 7(a) FOIA records, Calendar Year 2025. Visit sba.gov for official info.
