Last updated: February 2026
A free SBA loan consultation is your first step toward securing the funding your business needs. But not all consultations are created equal – the right consultation can save you months of time, thousands in fees, and significantly increase your chances of loan approval.
At GoSBA Loans, we’ve conducted thousands of free consultations, helping business owners understand their options, avoid costly mistakes, and chart the fastest path to SBA loan approval. Our consultations have led to over $320 million in funded loans across 126+ transactions in 2025 alone.
Here’s everything you need to know about free SBA loan consultations: what to expect, how to prepare, and how to maximize the value of your consultation to set yourself up for funding success.
What Is a Free SBA Loan Consultation?
A free SBA loan consultation is an initial meeting (phone, video, or in-person) where an experienced SBA loan professional:
- Analyzes your business situation and funding needs
- Evaluates your qualification prospects for SBA financing
- Explains your loan options and recommends the best programs
- Outlines the process and realistic timelines
- Identifies potential challenges and solutions
- Provides next steps if you decide to move forward
The best consultations are comprehensive, honest, and educational – giving you valuable insights regardless of whether you work with that particular broker or lender.
What Makes GoSBA’s Free Consultation Different
Our free SBA loan consultation stands out because of our commitment to honest, comprehensive analysis:
Brutally Honest Assessment
We’ll tell you if your deal isn’t ready for SBA lending and what steps you need to take to improve your chances. We’d rather lose a consultation than waste your time on an unqualified deal.
Deep Expertise
Our all-American team brings decades of combined SBA lending experience. We’ve seen every type of deal and can quickly identify the best path forward.
Extensive Lender Knowledge
With relationships across 50+ SBA lenders, we know which banks are best for your specific situation, industry, and loan amount.
No Pressure Approach
Our consultation is educational first. We provide value whether you work with us or not, building trust through expertise rather than high-pressure sales tactics.
Comprehensive Coverage
We discuss all SBA loan programs, alternative financing options, and strategic considerations for your business growth.
What We Cover in Your Free Consultation
1. Business Analysis
- Industry and business model evaluation
- Cash flow and financial strength assessment
- Growth plans and funding utilization
- Market position and competitive advantages
2. Owner Qualification Review
- Credit score and credit history analysis
- Personal financial strength evaluation
- Industry experience and management depth
- Collateral and injection requirements
3. Loan Program Selection
- SBA 7(a) vs 504 vs Express program comparison
- Loan amount and structure recommendations
- Interest rate and term expectations
- Collateral and guarantee requirements
4. Lender Matching Strategy
- Best-fit lenders for your situation
- Lender preferences and risk appetites
- Geographic and industry considerations
- Timeline and approval probability estimates
5. Process Overview
- Documentation requirements and preparation
- Timeline from application to funding
- Potential challenges and mitigation strategies
- Success factors and optimization opportunities
How to Prepare for Your Free SBA Loan Consultation
The more prepared you are, the more valuable your consultation will be. Here’s what to gather beforehand:
Financial Information
| Document Type | What to Bring |
|---|---|
| Business Financials | Last 3 years tax returns, recent financial statements |
| Personal Financials | Personal tax returns, personal financial statement |
| Cash Flow | Recent bank statements, aging reports |
| Credit Information | Recent credit report, credit score knowledge |
Business Information
- Business plan (if available) or detailed business description
- Use of funds – exactly how you’ll use the loan proceeds
- Timeline – when you need funding and why
- Industry details – specific business type, customer base, competition
- Management team – key personnel and their experience
Questions to Prepare
- What loan programs best fit my situation?
- What are my realistic chances of approval?
- How long will the process take?
- What are the biggest potential obstacles?
- How much will this cost in fees and interest?
- What alternatives should I consider?
Red Flags in SBA Loan Consultations
Not all “free” consultations provide real value. Watch for these warning signs:
| Red Flag | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Immediate approval guarantees | Dishonest – no one can guarantee SBA approval |
| High-pressure sales tactics | Focus on fees rather than your success |
| Upfront fee demands | Not truly “free” – quality brokers work on success fees |
| Limited lender options | Reduces your chances of approval |
| Rushed evaluation | Insufficient analysis leads to poor advice |
| Vague answers | Lack of expertise or preparation |
What GoSBA’s Consultation Includes
During your free consultation with GoSBA Loans, you’ll receive:
Comprehensive Deal Analysis
We’ll analyze your entire situation – business, personal finances, industry factors, and loan needs – to provide a complete picture of your prospects.
Honest Qualification Assessment
We’ll give you a realistic evaluation of your approval chances and identify any areas that need strengthening before application.
Customized Strategy Recommendation
Based on our analysis, we’ll recommend the best loan programs, optimal loan amounts, and preferred lender targets for your situation.
Timeline and Process Roadmap
You’ll understand exactly what to expect: documentation needs, timeline, approval process, and closing requirements.
Value-Added Services Overview
We’ll explain our comprehensive service offering, including:
- FREE business plan creation ($2,500 value)
- Complete financial projection development
- Full loan package preparation
- Lender negotiations and relationship management
- Closing coordination and support
Different Types of SBA Loan Consultations
Broker Consultations (Like GoSBA)
Pros: Access to multiple lenders, expert positioning, comprehensive service
Best for: Complex deals, loan shopping, first-time borrowers
Direct Lender Consultations
Pros: Direct relationship, potentially faster process
Cons: Limited to one lender’s products and criteria
Best for: Simple deals, existing bank relationships
Online Platform Consultations
Pros: Convenience, quick initial screening
Cons: Often automated, limited personal attention
Best for: Initial research, straightforward situations
Consultant/Advisor Consultations
Pros: Independent advice, broader perspective
Cons: Don’t actually provide loans, additional step in process
Best for: Strategy development, complex planning
After Your Consultation: Next Steps
A good consultation should leave you with clear next steps:
If You’re Ready to Proceed
- Signed engagement agreement outlining services and fees
- Document checklist and collection timeline
- Business plan development process initiation
- Regular communication schedule establishment
If You Need to Strengthen Your Application
- Specific improvement recommendations with timelines
- Resources and guidance for addressing weaknesses
- Follow-up consultation scheduling
- Ongoing support during preparation period
If SBA Lending Isn’t Right for You
- Alternative financing option recommendations
- Strategic business advice for future consideration
- Referrals to appropriate resources or professionals
- Timeline for potential future SBA loan consideration
Common Consultation Questions and Answers
“What are my chances of getting approved?”
We’ll provide an honest assessment based on your specific situation. Our overall approval rate exceeds 85%, but individual chances depend on multiple factors we’ll analyze together.
“How much can I borrow?”
SBA loan amounts depend on your business cash flow, collateral, personal investment, and intended use. We’ll calculate your realistic borrowing capacity.
“How long will it take?”
With our lender relationships and comprehensive service, we typically close loans in 45-60 days from complete application submission.
“What will this cost me?”
We’ll outline all costs: SBA fees, lender fees, third-party costs, and our success fee. Everything is transparent with no hidden charges.
“What if I’m declined?”
We’ll discuss potential decline reasons and mitigation strategies. With our extensive lender network, we have multiple options if one lender says no.
Maximizing Your Consultation Value
To get the most from your free consultation:
Be Completely Honest
Share all relevant information, including potential problems. Hiding issues only hurts your chances later.
Ask Detailed Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask about anything you don’t understand. This is your opportunity to get expert insights.
Take Notes
You’ll receive a lot of information. Taking notes ensures you remember key points and recommendations.
Discuss Alternatives
Ask about other financing options and strategic considerations beyond SBA loans.
Understand the Timeline
Get realistic expectations about timing and what factors might cause delays.
Why Our Consultations Lead to Success
GoSBA Loans has one of the highest consultation-to-closing ratios in the industry because:
We Pre-Qualify Properly
Our thorough consultation process ensures we only proceed with deals that have strong approval chances.
We Set Realistic Expectations
Honest communication about challenges, timeline, and requirements prevents disappointments later.
We Provide Complete Service
From business plan creation to closing coordination, we handle everything needed for successful loan completion.
We Have Extensive Options
Our 50+ lender network means we can find solutions for virtually any qualified deal.
Ready for Your Free SBA Loan Consultation?
Get expert analysis of your SBA loan prospects with no obligation. Our consultation provides valuable insights whether you work with us or not – but our track record speaks for itself with $320M+ funded across 126+ loans.
🎯 Consultation Preparation Checklist
- ✅ Recent business and personal tax returns
- ✅ Current financial statements and bank statements
- ✅ Clear understanding of funding needs and use
- ✅ Business plan or detailed business description
- ✅ Questions about your specific situation
- ✅ Realistic timeline for funding needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the consultation really free with no obligations?
Yes, absolutely. Our consultation provides value whether you work with us or not. We believe in earning your business through expertise and results, not pressure tactics.
How long does a consultation take?
Comprehensive consultations typically take 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your situation and the depth of questions you have.
Can I have a consultation if I’m not sure I qualify?
Absolutely. Part of our consultation is helping you understand qualification requirements and whether SBA lending is right for your situation.
What if I’ve been declined by other lenders?
Previous declines don’t disqualify you from our consultation. We’ll analyze what went wrong and determine if we can position your deal differently for success.
Do you offer consultations for all loan amounts?
We typically focus on SBA loans of $250,000 and above, but we’ll consult on any situation to provide honest guidance about your best options.
Can the consultation be done remotely?
Yes, we conduct consultations by phone, video conference, or in-person depending on your preference and location.
What happens after the consultation?
If we determine your deal is viable and you want to proceed, we’ll outline next steps. If not, we’ll provide guidance on alternatives or improvements needed for future consideration.
Do you provide consultations on weekends or evenings?
We accommodate busy business owners with flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends when necessary.
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