Best Delaware SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in Delaware
SBA Loans in Delaware
Delaware businesses received $92.1M in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 275 businesses in 2025, supporting 1,800 jobs. With 43 active SBA lenders competing for business in Delaware, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in Delaware is $335K at 11.08%, which is 0.76% above the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in Delaware is Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB, with the most-funded industry being Full-Service Restaurants.
SBA Loans in Delaware by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in Delaware, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 31% of Delaware SBA loans (47 loans totaling $28.4M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 25% (20 loans, $23.0M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 36% (162 loans). If you’re buying a business in Delaware, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
Delaware vs. National Average
How does Delaware’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
Delaware11.08%
National Avg10.32%
Delaware’s avg rate is 0.76% higher than the national average
Delaware$335K
National Avg$478K
Delaware’s avg loan is 0.7x the national average
A rate higher than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for Delaware 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 Delaware (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in Delaware 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 | Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB | $19.6M | 20 | 9.9% |
| 2 | Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company | $8.2M | 112 | 11.97% |
| 3 | Brookline Bank, a Division of Beacon Bank and Trust | $6.6M | 4 | 9.94% |
| 4 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $6.0M | 16 | 11.5% |
| 5 | Live Oak Banking Company | $5.6M | 4 | 8.87% |
| 6 | Northeast Bank | $5.4M | 27 | 10.66% |
| 7 | Fulton Bank, National Association | $4.9M | 5 | 9.85% |
| 8 | Truliant FCU | $4.6M | 2 | 10% |
| 9 | Firstrust Savings Bank | $3.7M | 1 | 10% |
| 10 | Bank of America, National Association | $3.6M | 2 | 5.94% |
| 11 | Meridian Bank | $3.5M | 2 | 9.75% |
| 12 | The Huntington National Bank | $2.3M | 9 | 10.19% |
| 13 | BayFirst National Bank | $1.8M | 8 | 11.81% |
| 14 | Grow America Fund, Incorporated | $1.5M | 2 | 5.72% |
| 15 | Grasshopper Bank National Association | $1.3M | 1 | 10.25% |
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 Delaware have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand Delaware’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 Delaware-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 Delaware
One 5-minute application. 43 lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Delaware
SBA lending in Delaware reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Delaware in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Restaurants | 12 | $9.8M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 10 | $6.0M |
| Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings | 5 | $3.9M |
| Cemeteries and Crematories | 1 | $3.7M |
| General Automotive Repair | 9 | $3.6M |
| All Other Support Services | 2 | $3.5M |
| Amusement Arcades | 3 | $3.3M |
| Professional and Management Development Training | 3 | $3.2M |
| Other Personal Care Services | 6 | $2.8M |
| Veterinary Services | 1 | $2.7M |
| Breakfast Cereal Manufacturing | 1 | $2.2M |
| Commercial Gravure Printing | 2 | $1.9M |
| Broilers and Other Meat Type | 1 | $1.9M |
| All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 3 | $1.9M |
| Graphic Design Services | 3 | $1.8M |
If your business operates in one of Delaware’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 Delaware
SBA lending activity within Delaware is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in Delaware the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | 59 | $23.7M |
| Newark | 35 | $19.0M |
| Dover | 31 | $5.9M |
| Georgetown | 8 | $5.5M |
| New Castle | 15 | $4.9M |
| Rehoboth Beach | 9 | $4.2M |
| Claymont | 9 | $4.0M |
| Bridgeville | 6 | $3.8M |
| Millville | 2 | $3.3M |
| Christiana | 1 | $3.1M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in Delaware
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Delaware 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 Delaware-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 Delaware in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in Delaware?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Delaware?
Who is the top SBA lender in Delaware?
What industries get the most SBA loans in Delaware?
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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.
