Best SBA Lenders in Birmingham, AL (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Birmingham SBA loans
SBA Loans in Birmingham, Alabama
Looking for an SBA loan in Birmingham, Alabama? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 76 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Birmingham totaling $40.7M, supporting an estimated 886 jobs. With 35 active lenders competing for business in the Birmingham market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Birmingham is $536K at an average rate of 10%. The top lender in Birmingham is GBank, with the most-funded industry being Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels. See all Alabama SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Birmingham by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Birmingham, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:
Startups represent 35% of SBA loans in Birmingham (27 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 41% (11 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Birmingham, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 18% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Birmingham, AL (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Birmingham businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GBank | $5.5M | 2 | 8.62% |
| 2 | Bank of Hope | $5.0M | 1 | 8.5% |
| 3 | The Huntington National Bank | $4.1M | 15 | 9.8% |
| 4 | Peoples Bank | $4.0M | 1 | 8.75% |
| 5 | Climate First Bank | $3.2M | 1 | 10% |
| 6 | Renasant Bank | $2.1M | 2 | 10% |
| 7 | Brookline Bank, a Division of Beacon Bank and Trust | $1.6M | 1 | 10.75% |
| 8 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $1.6M | 8 | 10.97% |
| 9 | Wells Fargo Bank National Association | $1.5M | 2 | 7.25% |
| 10 | Live Oak Banking Company | $1.3M | 3 | 9.5% |
The top lenders in Birmingham have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham
One 5-minute application. 35+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Birmingham
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Birmingham 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 5 | $14.8M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 12 | $6.2M |
| Janitorial Services | 1 | $3.2M |
| All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 4 | $2.1M |
| Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services | 4 | $1.6M |
| Other Personal Care Services | 4 | $1.2M |
| Offices of Lawyers | 3 | $1.1M |
| Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing | 1 | $956K |
| Offices of Dentists | 2 | $933K |
| Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars | 4 | $886K |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Birmingham 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 Birmingham
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Birmingham 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 Birmingham-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.
