Every “best business acquisition loans” article you’ve read is based on opinions, paid partnerships, and editorial guesswork. Forbes lists 5 lenders. NerdWallet picks 6. Neither shows you a single data point about how many acquisition loans those lenders actually funded.
This ranking is different. We pulled actual SBA FOIA data — every 7(a) “Change of Ownership” loan approved in calendar year 2025 (January–December 2025) — and ranked lenders by what matters: how many business acquisition loans they funded and at what dollar volume.
The numbers tell a compelling story:
- $8.25 billion in SBA acquisition loans funded in calendar year 2025
- 6,936 businesses changed hands via SBA loans in CY2025
- $1.19M average acquisition loan size in CY2025
- The #1 lender — Live Oak Banking Company — funded $896 million in acquisitions by itself
- The Huntington National Bank led in loan count with 761 acquisition deals
No paid placements. No affiliate deals. Just the data showing which lenders actually put money behind business buyers. If you’re looking for the best SBA lenders for buying a business, this is the only ranking backed by the U.S. government’s own loan records.
SBA Acquisition Lending — Calendar Year 2025 Overview
Based on the latest full-year SBA FOIA data (January–December 2025), SBA-backed business acquisitions remain at strong levels. Entrepreneurs continue using SBA 7(a) loans to buy existing businesses rather than starting from scratch — and lenders are responding with more capital and faster processing.
| Metric | CY2025 |
|---|---|
| Total Acquisition Loans | 6,936 |
| Total Volume | $8.25B |
| Average Loan Size | $1.19M |
Key takeaway: The $1.19M average loan size shows buyers are acquiring established, mid-market businesses. Lenders are getting more comfortable funding bigger deals near the $5M SBA maximum. If you’re planning to buy a business with an SBA loan, the lending market is active and competitive — more lenders competing for deals means better terms and faster processing for qualified borrowers.
Top 50 SBA Lenders for Business Acquisitions — Full Ranking
Below are the 50 lenders that funded the most SBA business acquisition loans by total dollar volume in calendar year 2025 (January–December 2025). This data comes directly from SBA FOIA 7(a) loan records filtered for “Change of Ownership” transactions.
Top 10 Breakdown
1. Live Oak Banking Company — 679 loans | $896.4M | Avg: $1,320K
The undisputed leader in SBA acquisition lending. Live Oak funded nearly $900 million in business acquisitions in CY2025 alone. With national coverage and a fully digital lending platform, they’re particularly strong in healthcare, veterinary, and professional services acquisitions. Their average deal size of $1.32M puts them squarely in the mid-market sweet spot.
2. The Huntington National Bank — 761 loans | $591.0M | Avg: $777K
Huntington funded more individual loans than any other lender (761) but at a lower average size. If you’re acquiring a business under $1M, Huntington processes more of those deals than anyone. Strong presence in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic markets.
3. First Internet Bank of Indiana — 264 loans | $372.5M | Avg: $1,411K
A nationwide SBA Preferred Lender with 264 acquisition loans funded in CY2025. Competitive SBA loan interest rates and a strong reputation for consistent execution on change-of-ownership deals. Average deal size of $1.41M makes them ideal for mid-market acquisitions.
4. GBank — 99 loans | $286.3M | Avg: $2,892K
The highest average loan size among the top 10 at nearly $2.9M per deal. Los Angeles-based GBank targets larger acquisitions and is a go-to for buyers looking at businesses in the $2M–$5M range.
5. Byline Bank — 170 loans | $210.7M | Avg: $1,240K
Chicago-based Byline Bank has carved out a solid position in the mid-market, funding 170 acquisition loans at an average of $1.24M. Reliable option for deals in the $500K–$2M range.
6. Brookline Bank — 90 loans | $172.6M | Avg: $1,918K
Higher average deal size of $1.92M suggests Brookline is comfortable with larger acquisitions. Strong in the Northeast market.
7. ReadyCap Lending, LLC — 78 loans | $170.1M | Avg: $2,180K
A non-bank SBA lender averaging over $2.1M per deal. ReadyCap focuses on larger transactions and brings speed that traditional banks sometimes lack.
8. Pathward National Association — 58 loans | $135.2M | Avg: $2,330K
With a $2.33M average deal size, Pathward targets bigger acquisition deals. Only 58 loans but substantial volume, making them a strong choice for $2M+ business purchases.
9. Truliant FCU — 93 loans | $124.6M | Avg: $1,340K
A credit union delivering serious SBA acquisition volume — 93 loans at $1.34M average. Truliant proves that credit unions can compete head-to-head with banks on larger SBA deals.
10. Celtic Bank Corporation — 82 loans | $115.5M | Avg: $1,408K
Salt Lake City-based Celtic Bank is well-known in the SBA lending space. 82 acquisition loans at a $1.41M average makes them a consistent mid-market player with true national reach.
Complete Top 50 Ranking Table
| Rank | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Live Oak Banking Company | 679 | $896.4M | $1,320K |
| 2 | The Huntington National Bank | 761 | $591.0M | $777K |
| 3 | First Internet Bank of Indiana | 264 | $372.5M | $1,411K |
| 4 | GBank | 99 | $286.3M | $2,892K |
| 5 | Byline Bank | 170 | $210.7M | $1,240K |
| 6 | Brookline Bank | 90 | $172.6M | $1,918K |
| 7 | ReadyCap Lending, LLC | 78 | $170.1M | $2,180K |
| 8 | Pathward National Association | 58 | $135.2M | $2,330K |
| 9 | Truliant FCU | 93 | $124.6M | $1,340K |
| 10 | Celtic Bank Corporation | 82 | $115.5M | $1,408K |
| 11 | US Metro Bank | 53 | $108.8M | $2,052K |
| 12 | Hanmi Bank | 122 | $108.1M | $886K |
| 13 | Port 51 Lending LLC | 57 | $96.7M | $1,696K |
| 14 | Open Bank | 49 | $95.4M | $1,947K |
| 15 | T Bank, National Association | 47 | $90.1M | $1,917K |
| 16 | Metro City Bank | 44 | $89.9M | $2,044K |
| 17 | PCB Bank | 67 | $87.4M | $1,305K |
| 18 | Old National Bank | 73 | $87.1M | $1,194K |
| 19 | First Financial Bank | 64 | $86.6M | $1,354K |
| 20 | United Midwest Savings Bank | 90 | $85.1M | $945K |
| 21 | Centerstone SBA Lending, Inc. | 50 | $83.8M | $1,676K |
| 22 | Cadence Bank | 59 | $82.2M | $1,393K |
| 23 | Shoreham Bank | 21 | $65.8M | $3,135K |
| 24 | Dogwood State Bank | 59 | $62.9M | $1,067K |
| 25 | Southwestern National Bank | 28 | $58.2M | $2,078K |
| 26 | U.S. Bank, National Association | 65 | $57.6M | $887K |
| 27 | Midwest Regional Bank | 51 | $55.0M | $1,078K |
| 28 | Northwest Bank | 42 | $54.4M | $1,295K |
| 29 | VelocitySBA, LLC | 57 | $54.3M | $953K |
| 30 | Merchants Bank of Indiana | 31 | $50.6M | $1,632K |
| 31 | The Bancorp Bank National Association | 40 | $47.6M | $1,189K |
| 32 | Zions Bank | 73 | $47.0M | $644K |
| 33 | Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company | 92 | $46.2M | $502K |
| 34 | Global One Bank | 20 | $44.6M | $2,231K |
| 35 | Bank of Hope | 23 | $44.4M | $1,932K |
| 36 | United Community Bank | 38 | $44.4M | $1,169K |
| 37 | First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company | 21 | $42.2M | $2,011K |
| 38 | Bankwell Bank | 20 | $41.9M | $2,094K |
| 39 | Milestone Bank | 30 | $41.9M | $1,395K |
| 40 | Pinnacle Bank | 24 | $39.5M | $1,645K |
| 41 | Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company | 24 | $38.9M | $1,622K |
| 42 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 52 | $38.7M | $745K |
| 43 | American Momentum Bank | 29 | $38.2M | $1,316K |
| 44 | Citizens Bank | 37 | $37.7M | $1,019K |
| 45 | Colony Bank | 21 | $37.1M | $1,766K |
| 46 | First Savings Bank | 28 | $36.3M | $1,297K |
| 47 | Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB | 34 | $36.0M | $1,059K |
| 48 | Mountain Pacific Bank | 16 | $35.8M | $2,238K |
| 49 | Bank of America, National Association | 33 | $34.5M | $1,046K |
| 50 | Community Bank & Trust-West Georgia | 22 | $34.4M | $1,562K |
Data source: SBA FOIA 7(a) Loan Data, Calendar Year 2025 (January–December 2025). Rankings based on total dollar volume of “Change of Ownership” loans.
How to Read This Data — What Matters to You as a Borrower
Not all lenders are created equal, and these numbers tell different stories depending on what you need:
- High loan count = The lender processes many acquisition deals. They know the paperwork, the SBA SOPs, and the common pitfalls. You’ll likely get faster processing and fewer surprises. Huntington (761 loans) and Live Oak (679) lead here.
- High average loan size = The lender is comfortable with larger deals. If you’re buying a $3M+ business, look at Shoreham Bank ($3.14M avg), GBank ($2.89M avg), or Pathward ($2.33M avg).
- High total volume = Overall commitment to SBA acquisition lending. These lenders have dedicated teams and capital allocated specifically for business purchases.
Why this matters for working with a broker: Most borrowers apply to one or two banks they’ve heard of. An SBA loan broker can match your specific deal — industry, size, geography, borrower profile — across all 50+ of these lenders to find the one most likely to approve your deal quickly and at the best interest rate. The difference between the right lender and the wrong one can be 30+ days and several hundred basis points.
Top 30 Industries for SBA Business Acquisitions
Which types of businesses are people actually buying with SBA loans? The industry breakdown from calendar year 2025 reveals clear patterns that every prospective business buyer should understand.
| Rank | Industry | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hotels & Motels | 248 | $768.7M | $3,100K |
| 2 | Full-Service Restaurants | 419 | $318.8M | $761K |
| 3 | Specialty Trade Contractors | 168 | $203.5M | $1,211K |
| 4 | Limited-Service Restaurants | 275 | $202.4M | $736K |
| 5 | Plumbing, HVAC Contractors | 144 | $188.6M | $1,310K |
| 6 | General Automotive Repair | 171 | $160.7M | $940K |
| 7 | Child Day Care Services | 129 | $147.4M | $1,143K |
| 8 | Insurance Agencies & Brokerages | 96 | $113.4M | $1,181K |
| 9 | Supermarkets & Grocery | 74 | $100.1M | $1,353K |
| 10 | Electrical Contractors | 67 | $99.3M | $1,482K |
| 11 | Home Health Care Services | 90 | $97.8M | $1,086K |
| 12 | Landscaping Services | 100 | $95.6M | $956K |
| 13 | Assisted Living / Elderly Care | 54 | $88.6M | $1,640K |
| 14 | Professional Services | 67 | $79.9M | $1,193K |
| 15 | CPA Firms | 87 | $76.6M | $881K |
| 16 | Engineering Services | 52 | $67.4M | $1,295K |
| 17 | Funeral Homes | 40 | $67.0M | $1,675K |
| 18 | Auto Body & Paint Shops | 49 | $63.6M | $1,298K |
| 19 | Residential Remodeling | 55 | $62.8M | $1,143K |
| 20 | Commercial Printing | 53 | $59.2M | $1,116K |
| 21 | Pet Care Services | 68 | $56.7M | $833K |
| 22 | Dental Practices | 56 | $56.7M | $1,012K |
| 23 | Car Washes | 40 | $54.1M | $1,352K |
| 24 | Roofing Contractors | 45 | $53.6M | $1,191K |
| 25 | Durable Goods Wholesalers | 27 | $53.5M | $1,982K |
| 26 | General Freight Trucking | 37 | $53.3M | $1,441K |
| 27 | Self-Storage Facilities | 37 | $52.4M | $1,416K |
| 28 | Machine Shops | 32 | $51.1M | $1,597K |
| 29 | Other Personal Care Services | 55 | $50.8M | $923K |
| 30 | Coffee/Juice/Snack Bars | 94 | $48.7M | $518K |
Data source: SBA FOIA 7(a) Loan Data, Calendar Year 2025 (January–December 2025).
Industry Analysis
Hotels & motels dominate by dollar volume — $768.7 million across 248 loans with an average deal size of $3.1M. These are the largest SBA acquisition deals by far, often involving real estate. Hotel acquisitions typically require experienced operators and strong management plans.
Restaurants are the most acquired business type by count. Combined, full-service (419 loans) and limited-service restaurants (275 loans) account for 694 acquisition loans — more than any other category. Average deal sizes are smaller ($736K–$761K), reflecting the typical price point of independent restaurants and franchise locations.
Trades are surging. Plumbing/HVAC ($188.6M), specialty trades ($203.5M), electrical ($99.3M), and roofing ($53.6M) combine for over $545 million in acquisition volume in CY2025 alone. These businesses have recurring revenue, aging owner demographics (many baby boomers selling), and strong cash flows — making them ideal SBA acquisition targets.
Healthcare remains a strong acquisition segment. Home health care ($97.8M), assisted living ($88.6M), and dental practices ($56.7M) total over $243M in CY2025. Demographic tailwinds and sticky revenue streams make healthcare services increasingly attractive to acquisition entrepreneurs.
Professional practices offer high multiples and recurring revenue. CPA firms ($76.6M), insurance agencies ($113.4M), and engineering services ($67.4M) are popular because clients rarely switch providers. These businesses command premium valuations but offer predictable cash flow post-acquisition.
GoSBA works with lenders who specialize in specific industries — our lender directory can help you find the right match for your target industry.
Key Insights from the Data
The sweet spot is $500K–$2M. The majority of SBA acquisition loans fall in this range, based on the average loan sizes across both lenders and industries. This is where the most lender competition exists, which means the best rates and terms for borrowers.
Larger deals are getting funded regularly. The $1.19M average loan size in CY2025 shows lenders are comfortable funding bigger deals. Lenders like Shoreham Bank ($3.14M avg), GBank ($2.89M), and Pathward ($2.33M) are routinely funding deals near the $5M SBA maximum.
Service businesses offer the best risk/reward profile. Plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and landscaping companies have essential-service demand, recurring revenue from maintenance contracts, and an enormous pool of retiring baby boomer owners looking to sell. Average deal sizes ($940K–$1.48M) are manageable, and failure rates are well below restaurants.
Restaurant acquisitions are common but risky. With 694 combined loans in CY2025, restaurants are the most-acquired business type — but they also carry the highest failure rate of any industry. If you’re buying a restaurant, having an experienced SBA loan broker who knows which lenders have appetite for food service deals is critical.
Professional practices trade at premium multiples but deliver stability. Dental offices, CPA firms, and insurance agencies have predictable revenue and high client retention. Buyers often pay 4–6x earnings, but the stability justifies it. Many of these acquisitions can be structured with seller notes to reduce the down payment to as low as 5%.
Today’s prime rate directly affects your acquisition loan cost. SBA 7(a) loans are priced at prime + a spread (typically 2.25%–2.75% depending on loan size and term). Even small rate differences matter on a $1M+ loan over 10 years.
How GoSBA Matches You with the Right Acquisition Lender
The data above proves a simple point: not all lenders are equal when it comes to business acquisitions. The lender that’s right for a $3M hotel purchase is different from the one best suited for a $600K restaurant or a $1.5M plumbing company.
GoSBA works with 50+ SBA lenders — including many of the top performers on this list — and matches borrowers based on:
- Deal size — Small community bank for a $400K deal, or a national lender for $3M+
- Industry — Some lenders specialize in specific sectors and approve deals faster
- Geography — Regional lenders often offer better terms in their home markets
- Borrower profile — Credit score, equity injection, management experience all factor in
We also provide FREE business plans and financial projections — a requirement for every SBA acquisition loan that most borrowers don’t realize until it delays their closing. GoSBA has facilitated over $320M in SBA loans funded, with $0 deposits and no exclusivity agreements.
Talk to GoSBA about your acquisition → Free consultation, no obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank does the most SBA business acquisition loans?
Live Oak Banking Company leads in total dollar volume with $896.4 million in acquisition loans funded in calendar year 2025. The Huntington National Bank leads in total loan count with 761 individual acquisition loans during the same period. Both are strong choices, depending on your deal size.
What size SBA loan can I get to buy a business?
The SBA 7(a) program allows loans up to $5 million for business acquisitions. The average acquisition loan in CY2025 was $1.19M. For deals exceeding $5M, some lenders offer conventional financing alongside the SBA portion.
How much down payment do I need for an SBA acquisition loan?
The standard equity injection (down payment) is 10% of the total project cost. However, with a qualifying seller note on full standby, this can be reduced to as low as 5%. GoSBA structures deals to minimize your out-of-pocket requirement.
What industries get the most SBA acquisition loans?
Hotels and motels lead by dollar volume ($768.7M in CY2025), while restaurants lead by loan count (694 combined). The strongest acquisition sectors include trades (plumbing, HVAC, electrical — $545M+ combined) and healthcare services (home health, assisted living, dental — over $243M combined).
How long does an SBA acquisition loan take to close?
Typical timeline is 30–60 days from complete application to funding. SBA Preferred Lenders (PLP) like Live Oak, First Internet Bank, and Celtic Bank can often close faster because they don’t need to submit to the SBA for approval — they make the credit decision in-house.
Do I need a business plan for an SBA acquisition loan?
Yes. Every SBA acquisition loan requires a business plan with financial projections demonstrating how the business will service the debt under new ownership. GoSBA provides this free of charge as part of our brokerage service — contact us to get started.
Data source: SBA FOIA 7(a) Loan Data, Calendar Year 2025 (January–December 2025). All figures represent “Change of Ownership” transactions in the SBA 7(a) loan program. Data accessed March 2026.
