Best SBA Lenders in Baton Rouge, LA (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Baton Rouge SBA loans
SBA Loans in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Looking for an SBA loan in Baton Rouge, Louisiana? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 59 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Baton Rouge totaling $41.6M, supporting an estimated 776 jobs. With 30 active lenders competing for business in the Baton Rouge market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Baton Rouge is $705K at an average rate of 10.24%. The top lender in Baton Rouge is b1BANK, with the most-funded industry being All Other Personal Services. See all Louisiana SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Baton Rouge by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Baton Rouge, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:
Startups represent 30% of SBA loans in Baton Rouge (11 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 11% (3 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Baton Rouge, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 45% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Baton Rouge, LA (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Baton Rouge businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | b1BANK | $5.6M | 4 | 9.88% |
| 2 | Fidelity Bank | $5.3M | 2 | 8.75% |
| 3 | CFBank National Association | $5.0M | 1 | 8.75% |
| 4 | US Metro Bank | $4.8M | 2 | 8.75% |
| 5 | Community Bank & Trust-West Georgia | $4.4M | 1 | 9.75% |
| 6 | American Bank | $4.1M | 5 | 10.45% |
| 7 | Cadence Bank | $2.0M | 2 | 10.25% |
| 8 | Citizens Bank & Trust Company | $1.7M | 4 | 10.69% |
| 9 | Wells Fargo Bank National Association | $1.2M | 2 | 7.85% |
| 10 | Citizens Bank | $1.0M | 1 | 10.75% |
The top lenders in Baton Rouge have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge
One 5-minute application. 30+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Baton Rouge
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Baton Rouge 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 |
|---|---|---|
| All Other Personal Services | 3 | $10.1M |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | 1 | $4.9M |
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 2 | $4.8M |
| Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers | 1 | $4.4M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 4 | $3.9M |
| Engineering Services | 1 | $1.9M |
| Sports and Recreation Instruction | 4 | $1.8M |
| Used Car Dealers | 2 | $975K |
| Child Day Care Services | 2 | $660K |
| Home Health Care Services | 4 | $640K |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge-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.
