Best SBA Lenders in Saint Petersburg, FL (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Saint Petersburg SBA loans
SBA Loans in Saint Petersburg, Florida
Looking for an SBA loan in Saint Petersburg, Florida? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 74 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Saint Petersburg totaling $34.2M, supporting an estimated 577 jobs. With 36 active lenders competing for business in the Saint Petersburg market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Saint Petersburg is $462K at an average rate of 10.49%. The top lender in Saint Petersburg is Live Oak Banking Company, with the most-funded industry being Veterinary Services. See all Florida SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Saint Petersburg by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg (11 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 15% (8 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Saint Petersburg, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 35% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Saint Petersburg, FL (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Saint Petersburg 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 | $5.3M | 3 | 10% |
| 2 | Byline Bank | $2.5M | 2 | 10.5% |
| 3 | DFCU Financial | $2.2M | 2 | 9.88% |
| 4 | Fifth Third Bank | $2.2M | 2 | 9.55% |
| 5 | Valley National Bank | $2.1M | 2 | 9.75% |
| 6 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $1.7M | 4 | 11.38% |
| 7 | Banesco USA | $1.5M | 2 | 10.25% |
| 8 | First National Bank of Pennsylvania | $1.2M | 1 | 9.65% |
| 9 | BayFirst National Bank | $1.1M | 8 | 11.28% |
| 10 | The Bank of Tampa | $1.0M | 1 | 9.25% |
The top lenders in Saint Petersburg have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg
One 5-minute application. 36+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Saint Petersburg
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Saint Petersburg 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Services | 2 | $7.1M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 4 | $3.1M |
| Insurance Agencies and Brokerages | 2 | $2.5M |
| Tax Preparation Services | 4 | $1.8M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 5 | $1.5M |
| Offices of Lawyers | 1 | $1.2M |
| Sports and Recreation Instruction | 1 | $1.0M |
| Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers | 1 | $1.0M |
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 1 | $1.0M |
| All Other Personal Services | 1 | $998K |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg-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.
