Best California SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in California
SBA Loans in California
California businesses received $4.81B in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 9,692 businesses in 2025, supporting 95,273 jobs. With 204 active SBA lenders competing for business in California, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in California is $496K at 10.51%, which is 0.19% above the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in California is Live Oak Banking Company, with the most-funded industry being Full-Service Restaurants.
SBA Loans in California by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in California, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 9% of California SBA loans (786 loans totaling $456.3M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 18% (754 loans, $867.5M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 59% (6776 loans). If you’re buying a business in California, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
California vs. National Average
How does California’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
California10.51%
National Avg10.32%
California’s avg rate is 0.19% higher than the national average
California$496K
National Avg$478K
California’s avg loan is 1x the national average
A rate higher than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for California borrowers. Individual rates depend on your credit profile, deal structure, loan size, and the specific lender you work with — which is why comparing multiple offers from different banks is consistently the best strategy to get the lowest possible rate on your SBA loan.
Top SBA Lenders in California (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in California in 2025 by total dollar volume approved. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records and represents actual funded loans — not pre-qualifications or applications received.
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Live Oak Banking Company | $381.9M | 326 | 9.43% |
| 2 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $295.9M | 713 | 11.2% |
| 3 | U.S. Bank, National Association | $285.7M | 1045 | 10.04% |
| 4 | Northeast Bank | $229.8M | 1267 | 10.9% |
| 5 | Readycap Lending, LLC | $162.1M | 469 | 12.27% |
| 6 | Harvest Small Business Finance, LLC | $148.0M | 132 | 10% |
| 7 | Celtic Bank Corporation | $147.4M | 342 | 10.54% |
| 8 | JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association | $140.3M | 407 | 10.93% |
| 9 | The Huntington National Bank | $118.5M | 307 | 9.95% |
| 10 | Lendistry SBLC, LLC | $111.8M | 552 | 12.23% |
| 11 | Wells Fargo Bank National Association | $106.1M | 302 | 11.14% |
| 12 | Bank of Hope | $104.9M | 192 | 9.55% |
| 13 | Bank of America, National Association | $104.8M | 208 | 8.06% |
| 14 | Port 51 Lending LLC | $103.0M | 68 | 10.06% |
| 15 | US Metro Bank | $102.1M | 52 | 9.12% |
Pay close attention to the “Avg Rate” column — rates vary significantly between lenders operating in the same state. The spread between the lowest and highest rate in this table can represent tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. The top lenders in California have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand California’s commercial real estate values, industry mix, and economic conditions. This familiarity typically translates into faster underwriting and more competitive terms.
However, don’t limit your search to local banks alone. Many of the top national SBA lenders fund loans across all 50 states and may offer better rates or more experience with your specific industry. An SBA loan broker like GoSBA gives you access to both California-based lenders and national lenders with a single application — ensuring you get the most competitive offer available.
Get Matched with the Best SBA Lender in California
One 5-minute application. 204 lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in California
SBA lending in California reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in California in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Restaurants | 461 | $233.6M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 327 | $150.4M |
| Offices of Dentists | 136 | $111.1M |
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 41 | $106.5M |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 126 | $96.2M |
| Child Day Care Services | 113 | $84.6M |
| General Automotive Repair | 156 | $82.7M |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | 190 | $80.7M |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 166 | $77.3M |
| All Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 132 | $62.4M |
| Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores | 70 | $60.3M |
| Homes for the Elderly | 55 | $59.5M |
| Home Health Care Services | 122 | $55.9M |
| All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 111 | $55.8M |
| Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars | 152 | $51.4M |
If your business operates in one of California’s top-funded industries, you’re in a strong position. Lenders who have funded dozens of similar businesses in your state understand the unit economics, seasonal revenue patterns, and typical margins for your sector. This familiarity translates into faster approvals, less documentation back-and-forth, and more accurate risk pricing — which typically means better terms for the borrower.
Even if your industry isn’t listed above, SBA 7(a) loans are available for nearly every legal business type. An SBA loan broker can identify which lenders have the most experience with your specific industry.
Top Cities for SBA Loans in California
SBA lending activity within California is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in California the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 707 | $366.4M |
| San Diego | 431 | $156.8M |
| San Jose | 190 | $85.8M |
| San Francisco | 184 | $81.9M |
| Bakersfield | 102 | $76.9M |
| Sacramento | 194 | $73.8M |
| Fresno | 122 | $63.2M |
| Irvine | 113 | $54.1M |
| Roseville | 89 | $51.7M |
| Anaheim | 86 | $45.5M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in California
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top California lenders above. You’ll get a single quote from one bank.
Option 2: Use an SBA loan broker (recommended). GoSBA Loans submits your application to multiple California-active lenders simultaneously, creating competition for your deal. Better rates, faster approvals — at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many SBA loans were funded in California in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in California?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in California?
Who is the top SBA lender in California?
What industries get the most SBA loans in California?
Ready to Apply for an SBA Loan in California?
50+ lenders. One application. Better rates, faster closing. No fees, no obligation.
Data sourced from official SBA 7(a) FOIA loan approval records for Calendar Year 2025, published by the U.S. Small Business Administration. For official information, visit sba.gov.
