Best SBA Lenders in Chattanooga, TN (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Chattanooga SBA loans
SBA Loans in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Looking for an SBA loan in Chattanooga, Tennessee? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 43 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Chattanooga totaling $42.8M, supporting an estimated 514 jobs. With 22 active lenders competing for business in the Chattanooga market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Chattanooga is $994K at an average rate of 9.94%. The top lender in Chattanooga is The Huntington National Bank, with the most-funded industry being Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels. See all Tennessee SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Chattanooga by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Chattanooga, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:
Startups represent 25% of SBA loans in Chattanooga (9 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 42% (9 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Chattanooga, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 21% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Chattanooga, TN (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Chattanooga businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Huntington National Bank | $7.6M | 8 | 9.42% |
| 2 | Pinnacle Bank | $5.0M | 4 | 9.88% |
| 3 | GBank | $4.8M | 1 | 8.5% |
| 4 | Live Oak Banking Company | $4.4M | 3 | 9% |
| 5 | Peoples Bank | $4.3M | 1 | 9% |
| 6 | United Community Bank | $3.1M | 1 | 9% |
| 7 | First Internet Bank of Indiana | $2.3M | 1 | 10% |
| 8 | Old National Bank | $2.0M | 2 | 8.53% |
| 9 | Signature Bank of Georgia | $1.9M | 1 | 9.5% |
| 10 | Bank of America, National Association | $1.4M | 1 | 6.19% |
The top lenders in Chattanooga have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
One 5-minute application. 22+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Chattanooga
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Chattanooga 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 | 2 | $9.1M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 3 | $4.5M |
| Offices of Dentists | 1 | $3.9M |
| Other Technical and Trade Schools | 1 | $3.1M |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 2 | $2.9M |
| Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing | 2 | $2.0M |
| Veterinary Services | 1 | $1.4M |
| Other Personal Care Services | 4 | $1.1M |
| General Automotive Repair | 3 | $1.0M |
| Upholstered Household Furniture Manufacturing | 1 | $900K |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga-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.
