Best SBA Lenders in Columbia, SC (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Columbia SBA loans
SBA Loans in Columbia, South Carolina
Looking for an SBA loan in Columbia, South Carolina? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 60 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Columbia totaling $31.4M, supporting an estimated 666 jobs. With 32 active lenders competing for business in the Columbia market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Columbia is $523K at an average rate of 10.47%. The top lender in Columbia is First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, with the most-funded industry being Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels. See all South Carolina SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Columbia by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Columbia, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:
Startups represent 10% of SBA loans in Columbia (9 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 8% (4 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Columbia, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 37% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Columbia, SC (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Columbia businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company | $5.6M | 5 | 10.45% |
| 2 | GBank | $4.3M | 1 | 8.25% |
| 3 | United FCU | $3.4M | 1 | 9.5% |
| 4 | Seacoast National Bank | $3.2M | 1 | 7.95% |
| 5 | HomeTrust Bank | $1.9M | 1 | 9.5% |
| 6 | Security Federal Bank | $1.4M | 4 | 10.5% |
| 7 | Business Development Corporation of South Carolina | $1.3M | 2 | 10.25% |
| 8 | Synovus Bank | $1.3M | 2 | 9.5% |
| 9 | The Fidelity Bank | $1.2M | 3 | 10% |
| 10 | First Internet Bank of Indiana | $1.1M | 1 | 10% |
The top lenders in Columbia have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia
One 5-minute application. 32+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Columbia
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Columbia 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 | 2 | $7.7M |
| Automobile and Other Motor Vehicle Merchant Wholesalers | 1 | $3.2M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 3 | $2.6M |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 1 | $1.5M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 3 | $1.5M |
| General Automotive Repair | 2 | $1.2M |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 3 | $1.2M |
| Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) | 1 | $723K |
| Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars | 2 | $665K |
| Graphic Design Services | 1 | $582K |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Columbia 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 Columbia
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Columbia 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 Columbia-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.
