Best SBA Lenders in Lexington, KY (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Lexington SBA loans
SBA Loans in Lexington, Kentucky
Looking for an SBA loan in Lexington, Kentucky? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 57 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Lexington totaling $28.6M, supporting an estimated 671 jobs. With 23 active lenders competing for business in the Lexington market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Lexington is $501K at an average rate of 10.06%. The top lender in Lexington is Celtic Bank Corporation, with the most-funded industry being Limited-Service Restaurants. See all Kentucky SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Lexington by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Lexington, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:
Startups represent 5% of SBA loans in Lexington (6 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 26% (7 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Lexington, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 47% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Lexington, KY (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Lexington businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celtic Bank Corporation | $4.5M | 1 | 9% |
| 2 | U.S. Bank, National Association | $3.4M | 2 | 8.25% |
| 3 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $3.4M | 8 | 10.88% |
| 4 | Republic Bank & Trust Company | $3.2M | 8 | 8.22% |
| 5 | Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company | $3.1M | 2 | 7.5% |
| 6 | Live Oak Banking Company | $1.5M | 3 | 9.54% |
| 7 | Northeast Bank | $1.5M | 7 | 11.36% |
| 8 | T Bank, National Association | $1.3M | 1 | 10.25% |
| 9 | Heritage Bank Inc | $1.3M | 1 | 9% |
| 10 | Grasshopper Bank National Association | $850K | 2 | 10% |
The top lenders in Lexington have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Lexington 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 Lexington 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 Lexington
One 5-minute application. 23+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Lexington
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Lexington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 2 | $5.0M |
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 1 | $3.0M |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 1 | $2.5M |
| Distilleries | 2 | $2.0M |
| Support Activities for Coal Mining | 1 | $1.7M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 4 | $1.6M |
| Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings | 1 | $1.3M |
| Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologi | 1 | $1.3M |
| Offices of Certified Public Accountants | 2 | $990K |
| All Other Personal Services | 2 | $602K |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Lexington 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 Lexington
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Lexington 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 Lexington-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.
