Best SBA Lenders in Asheville, NC (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Asheville SBA loans
SBA Loans in Asheville, North Carolina
Looking for an SBA loan in Asheville, North Carolina? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 40 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Asheville totaling $24.3M, supporting an estimated 330 jobs. With 22 active lenders competing for business in the Asheville market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Asheville is $608K at an average rate of 9.93%. The top lender in Asheville is Peoples Bank, with the most-funded industry being Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels. See all North Carolina SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Asheville by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Asheville, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:
Startups represent 28% of SBA loans in Asheville (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% (5 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Asheville, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 48% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Asheville, NC (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Asheville businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peoples Bank | $4.8M | 1 | 9.5% |
| 2 | Bank of Oak Ridge | $3.1M | 1 | 9.5% |
| 3 | U.S. Bank, National Association | $2.4M | 2 | 9% |
| 4 | First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company | $1.9M | 1 | 9.5% |
| 5 | First Bank of the Lake | $1.6M | 2 | 10% |
| 6 | United Community Bank | $1.5M | 1 | 8% |
| 7 | Bank of America, National Association | $1.4M | 2 | 6.71% |
| 8 | Truliant FCU | $999K | 1 | 10.25% |
| 9 | The Huntington National Bank | $977K | 4 | 10.25% |
| 10 | Mountain Bizcapital, Inc. | $900K | 4 | 8.19% |
The top lenders in Asheville have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Asheville 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 Asheville 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 Asheville
One 5-minute application. 22+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Asheville
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Asheville 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 1 | $4.8M |
| All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 1 | $3.1M |
| Offices of Certified Public Accountants | 2 | $2.4M |
| Roofing, Siding, and Insulation Material Merchant Wholesalers | 1 | $1.9M |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 1 | $999K |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | 4 | $977K |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 2 | $793K |
| Offices of Lawyers | 1 | $716K |
| Toilet Preparation Manufacturing | 1 | $715K |
| Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services | 1 | $624K |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Asheville 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 Asheville
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Asheville 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 Asheville-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.
