Best Georgia SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in Georgia
SBA Loans in Georgia
Georgia businesses received $1.53B in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 2,374 businesses in 2025, supporting 24,582 jobs. With 180 active SBA lenders competing for business in Georgia, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in Georgia is $644K at 10.42%, which is 0.1% above the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in Georgia is Live Oak Banking Company, with the most-funded industry being Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels.
SBA Loans in Georgia by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in Georgia, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 23% of Georgia SBA loans (471 loans totaling $350.1M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 23% (262 loans, $354.2M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 39% (1304 loans). If you’re buying a business in Georgia, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
Georgia vs. National Average
How does Georgia’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
Georgia10.42%
National Avg10.32%
Georgia’s avg rate is 0.1% higher than the national average
Georgia$644K
National Avg$478K
Georgia’s avg loan is 1.3x the national average
A rate higher than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for Georgia 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 Georgia (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in Georgia 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 | $127.2M | 87 | 9.19% |
| 2 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $88.7M | 220 | 11.09% |
| 3 | The Huntington National Bank | $59.2M | 124 | 9.88% |
| 4 | Metro City Bank | $55.7M | 26 | 8.63% |
| 5 | Northeast Bank | $50.5M | 320 | 11% |
| 6 | GBank | $42.9M | 13 | 8.71% |
| 7 | Signature Bank of Georgia | $40.0M | 28 | 9.5% |
| 8 | Readycap Lending, LLC | $36.6M | 125 | 12.46% |
| 9 | United Community Bank | $34.3M | 35 | 9.49% |
| 10 | Cadence Bank | $32.0M | 63 | 10.2% |
| 11 | Renasant Bank | $29.4M | 24 | 9.77% |
| 12 | PromiseOne Bank | $28.6M | 24 | 8.88% |
| 13 | Loyal Trust Bank | $26.0M | 26 | 9.55% |
| 14 | First Bank of the Lake | $25.6M | 31 | 10.52% |
| 15 | SouthState Bank, National Association | $25.2M | 40 | 10.01% |
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 Georgia have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand Georgia’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 Georgia-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 Georgia
One 5-minute application. 180 lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Georgia
SBA lending in Georgia reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Georgia in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 42 | $104.2M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 121 | $88.8M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 123 | $68.9M |
| Child Day Care Services | 55 | $62.0M |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | 49 | $28.4M |
| Offices of Dentists | 28 | $26.1M |
| Broilers and Other Meat Type | 6 | $25.4M |
| General Automotive Repair | 26 | $21.8M |
| Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores | 17 | $21.6M |
| Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars | 49 | $21.4M |
| Veterinary Services | 12 | $18.0M |
| All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 15 | $17.7M |
| Insurance Agencies and Brokerages | 34 | $17.3M |
| Electrical Contractors | 22 | $17.2M |
| All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing | 4 | $14.9M |
If your business operates in one of Georgia’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 Georgia
SBA lending activity within Georgia is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in Georgia the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 324 | $184.6M |
| Marietta | 101 | $69.0M |
| Alpharetta | 98 | $65.6M |
| Cumming | 57 | $55.2M |
| Duluth | 59 | $37.9M |
| Canton | 40 | $37.3M |
| Lawrenceville | 53 | $34.7M |
| Savannah | 52 | $33.8M |
| Buford | 52 | $33.6M |
| Roswell | 49 | $28.9M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in Georgia
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Georgia 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 Georgia-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 Georgia in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in Georgia?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Georgia?
Who is the top SBA lender in Georgia?
What industries get the most SBA loans in Georgia?
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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.
