Best SBA Lenders in Lafayette, LA (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Lafayette SBA loans
SBA Loans in Lafayette, Louisiana
Looking for an SBA loan in Lafayette, Louisiana? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 28 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Lafayette totaling $22.3M, supporting an estimated 553 jobs. With 14 active lenders competing for business in the Lafayette market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Lafayette is $796K at an average rate of 10.69%. The top lender in Lafayette is Third Coast Bank, with the most-funded industry being Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers. See all Louisiana SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Lafayette by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Lafayette, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:
Startups represent 31% of SBA loans in Lafayette (5 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 48% (5 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Lafayette, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 20% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Lafayette, LA (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Lafayette businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Third Coast Bank | $5.0M | 1 | 9% |
| 2 | First Bank of the Lake | $3.9M | 1 | 9.25% |
| 3 | Live Oak Banking Company | $3.3M | 3 | 9.95% |
| 4 | American Bank | $2.6M | 1 | 10.5% |
| 5 | Gulf Coast Bank | $2.0M | 2 | 10.5% |
| 6 | b1BANK | $1.6M | 1 | 9.75% |
| 7 | Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company | $1.1M | 1 | 10.25% |
| 8 | Northeast Bank | $1.1M | 6 | 10.38% |
| 9 | Hancock Whitney Bank | $693K | 2 | 10.38% |
| 10 | Home Bank, National Association | $322K | 1 | 9.75% |
The top lenders in Lafayette have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
One 5-minute application. 14+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Lafayette
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Lafayette 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers | 2 | $5.1M |
| All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 1 | $3.9M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 2 | $2.6M |
| All Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 1 | $1.8M |
| Local Messengers and Local Delivery | 1 | $1.1M |
| Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers | 1 | $500K |
| Insurance Agencies and Brokerages | 1 | $322K |
| Architectural Services | 2 | $293K |
| Offices of Chiropractors | 2 | $241K |
| Automobile Driving Schools | 1 | $200K |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Lafayette 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 Lafayette-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.
