Best SBA Lenders in Little Rock, AR (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Little Rock SBA loans
SBA Loans in Little Rock, Arkansas
Looking for an SBA loan in Little Rock, Arkansas? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 33 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Little Rock totaling $19.6M, supporting an estimated 469 jobs. With 16 active lenders competing for business in the Little Rock market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Little Rock is $593K at an average rate of 9.7%. The top lender in Little Rock is FNBC Bank, with the most-funded industry being Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths). See all Arkansas SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Little Rock by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Little Rock, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:
Startups represent 35% of SBA loans in Little Rock (4 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 15% (3 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Little Rock, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 41% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Little Rock, AR (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Little Rock businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FNBC Bank | $5.8M | 2 | 10% |
| 2 | Regions Bank | $3.2M | 3 | 8.42% |
| 3 | Southern Bancorp Bank | $1.8M | 5 | 7.9% |
| 4 | Enterprise Bank & Trust | $1.5M | 1 | 8.5% |
| 5 | Cadence Bank | $1.2M | 2 | 10% |
| 6 | VelocitySBA, LLC | $1.1M | 1 | 10.25% |
| 7 | Encore Bank | $1.1M | 1 | 9.75% |
| 8 | Northeast Bank | $881K | 5 | 11.15% |
| 9 | First Financial Bank | $855K | 3 | 9.5% |
| 10 | First Community Bank | $752K | 1 | 9.5% |
The top lenders in Little Rock have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Little Rock 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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock
One 5-minute application. 16+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Little Rock
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Little Rock 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) | 2 | $2.6M |
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 1 | $1.5M |
| Bed-and-Breakfast Inns | 1 | $1.4M |
| Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services | 1 | $1.1M |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | 1 | $1.1M |
| Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners | 1 | $890K |
| Other Personal Care Services | 1 | $752K |
| Child Day Care Services | 1 | $684K |
| Offices of Dentists | 1 | $575K |
| Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating | 2 | $452K |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Little Rock 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 Little Rock
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Little Rock 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 Little Rock-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.
