SBA Loans To Buy A Business, By Industry
In FY2026, SBA lenders made 7,184 loans totaling $8.89 billion to buy existing businesses. Pick your industry to see how many deals closed, what they cost, how much you need down and which lenders are most active.
Based on SBA 7(a) data through September 30, 2026.
Find Your Industry
These 77 industries are where SBA acquisition loans are made most often, grouped into families. Each card shows FY2026 SBA 7(a) acquisition loans and the average acquisition loan in that industry. Search or scroll, then open your industry for the full breakdown.
Restaurants And Food Service 6 industries
Specialty Trade Contractors 8 industries
Medical, Dental And Therapy Practices 7 industries
Gas Stations And Retail 4 industries
Personal And Consumer Services 6 industries
Accounting, Tax And Insurance Firms 4 industries
Landscaping, Cleaning And Property Services 5 industries
Home Care And Care Facilities 3 industries
Hotels, Campgrounds And Storage 3 industries
Auto Repair, Body And Car Wash 3 industries
Manufacturing And Printing 7 industries
Professional And Business Services 7 industries
Child Care And Education 2 industries
Fitness And Recreation 2 industries
Trucking, Delivery And Moving 3 industries
Software And IT Services 2 industries
Construction And Remodeling 3 industries
Wholesale, Distribution And Rental 2 industries
The Most Active Industries For SBA Acquisitions
Ranked by FY2026 SBA 7(a) acquisition loans among the industries in this guide.
| # | Industry | Acquisition Loans | Dollars | Average Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Restaurant | 418 | $356M | $851K |
| 2 | Gas Station | 256 | $473M | $1.8M |
| 3 | Fast Food Restaurant | 254 | $191M | $752K |
| 4 | Hotel | 231 | $747M | $3.2M |
| 5 | Auto Repair Shop | 181 | $175M | $969K |
| 6 | Healthcare Practice | 172 | $125M | $728K |
| 7 | Specialty Contractor | 149 | $217M | $1.5M |
| 8 | Accounting Firm | 140 | $127M | $907K |
| 9 | Landscaping Company | 139 | $142M | $1.0M |
| 10 | Home Care Business | 135 | $186M | $1.4M |
| 11 | HVAC Business | 133 | $157M | $1.2M |
| 12 | Daycare | 127 | $171M | $1.3M |
Based on SBA 7(a) data through September 30, 2026. FY2026 runs from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 and had no October 2025 approvals because of the federal shutdown.
The Rules Are The Same In Every Industry
SBA sets one rulebook for buying a business, SOP 50 10 8.1. What changes by industry is what lenders worry about and how the deal is structured.
10% Down Payment
At least 10% of the total project cost, and the lender cannot waive it on a business purchase. Up to half can be a seller note on full standby.
Up To $5M, More With Pari Passu
The SBA 7(a) loan goes up to $5 million. Larger deals pair it with a conventional loan on equal footing.
10 Years, 25 For Real Estate
The business portion repays over up to 10 years. Real estate bought with the business can run up to 25 years.
1.25 Times Cash Flow
The business must cover its debt payments at least 1.25 times on historical results.
Valuation And Quality Of Earnings
An independent valuation supports the price above $350,000, and a Quality of Earnings report is required at a $3 million Business Purchase Price, not counting real estate.
Seller Transition
The seller can consult for up to 24 months but cannot stay as an owner or employee.
Get A Pre-Qualification Letter Before You Make An Offer
Show sellers and brokers you can get financed. It takes a few minutes to request, and it costs nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an SBA loan to buy a business in any industry?
Most industries are eligible. A few business types are not, such as lending, passive real estate investment and speculative businesses. Some lenders also apply tighter standards to restaurants, bars and recreation venues, so lender choice matters.
Which industries get the most SBA acquisition loans?
In FY2026 the most acquisition loans went to restaurants, gas stations, quick service restaurants, hotels and auto repair shops. Hotels and gas stations had some of the largest loans because the real estate usually comes with the business.
How much do I need down to buy a business?
At least 10% of the total project cost. Up to half can be a seller note on full standby for the life of the loan, so your own cash can be as little as 5%.
What does GoSBA cost?
Nothing. We are paid by the lender after your loan closes, not by you. GoSBA funded $320M across 126 loans in 2025, working with 50+ lenders.
Keep reading: SBA Business Acquisition Loans · SBA Pari Passu Loans · Buying A Business Guide · Best SBA Lenders By Industry · Closed Deals · Pre-Qualification Letter
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