Best SBA Lenders in Charleston, SC (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Charleston SBA loans
SBA Loans in Charleston, South Carolina
Looking for an SBA loan in Charleston, South Carolina? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 59 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Charleston totaling $24.5M, supporting an estimated 534 jobs. With 22 active lenders competing for business in the Charleston market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Charleston is $415K at an average rate of 10.32%. The top lender in Charleston is The Huntington National Bank, with the most-funded industry being Flooring Contractors. See all South Carolina SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Charleston by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Charleston, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:
Startups represent 17% of SBA loans in Charleston (15 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 30% (7 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Charleston, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 40% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Charleston, SC (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Charleston businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Huntington National Bank | $7.6M | 13 | 9.57% |
| 2 | Harvest Small Business Finance, LLC | $2.4M | 2 | 10.12% |
| 3 | SouthState Bank, National Association | $1.8M | 3 | 9.58% |
| 4 | Northeast Bank | $1.3M | 6 | 10.58% |
| 5 | First Internet Bank of Indiana | $1.3M | 1 | 10.25% |
| 6 | Beacon Community Bank | $1.2M | 3 | 10.5% |
| 7 | TD Bank, National Association | $1.1M | 7 | 10.64% |
| 8 | Wells Fargo Bank National Association | $852K | 2 | 8.3% |
| 9 | Readycap Lending, LLC | $850K | 3 | 11.67% |
| 10 | Bank of America, National Association | $776K | 1 | 5.59% |
The top lenders in Charleston have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Charleston 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 Charleston 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 Charleston
One 5-minute application. 22+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Charleston
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Charleston 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Flooring Contractors | 2 | $3.6M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 5 | $2.3M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 3 | $2.2M |
| Offices of Dentists | 1 | $1.4M |
| Special Needs Transportation | 2 | $1.4M |
| Marketing Consulting Services | 1 | $1.3M |
| Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists | 1 | $776K |
| General Automotive Repair | 2 | $768K |
| Office Administrative Services | 1 | $750K |
| New Single-Family Housing Construction (except Operative Builders) | 2 | $600K |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Charleston 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 Charleston
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Charleston 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 Charleston-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.
