Best Louisiana SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in Louisiana
SBA Loans in Louisiana
Louisiana businesses received $348.7M in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 624 businesses in 2025, supporting 7,703 jobs. With 90 active SBA lenders competing for business in Louisiana, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in Louisiana is $559K at 10.49%, which is 0.17% above the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in Louisiana is Newtek Bank, National Association, with the most-funded industry being Broilers and Other Meat Type.
SBA Loans in Louisiana by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in Louisiana, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 27% of Louisiana SBA loans (127 loans totaling $92.5M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 26% (71 loans, $91.0M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 39% (370 loans). If you’re buying a business in Louisiana, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
Louisiana vs. National Average
How does Louisiana’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
Louisiana10.49%
National Avg10.32%
Louisiana’s avg rate is 0.17% higher than the national average
Louisiana$559K
National Avg$478K
Louisiana’s avg loan is 1.2x the national average
A rate higher than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for Louisiana 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 Louisiana (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in Louisiana 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 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $36.5M | 88 | 11.12% |
| 2 | b1BANK | $26.9M | 24 | 9.88% |
| 3 | First Financial Bank | $21.4M | 9 | 8.47% |
| 4 | Live Oak Banking Company | $21.0M | 21 | 9.5% |
| 5 | Hancock Whitney Bank | $19.8M | 32 | 9.97% |
| 6 | Northeast Bank | $16.1M | 104 | 10.84% |
| 7 | American Bank | $14.4M | 21 | 10.19% |
| 8 | Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company | $13.6M | 10 | 9.97% |
| 9 | Cadence Bank | $11.9M | 12 | 10.1% |
| 10 | Celtic Bank Corporation | $10.7M | 19 | 10.92% |
| 11 | First Horizon Bank | $8.3M | 6 | 9.67% |
| 12 | Fidelity Bank | $7.4M | 10 | 9.32% |
| 13 | Gulf Coast Bank | $6.4M | 10 | 9.9% |
| 14 | First Bank of the Lake | $5.5M | 6 | 11.08% |
| 15 | VelocitySBA, LLC | $5.4M | 3 | 10.67% |
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 Louisiana have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand Louisiana’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 Louisiana-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 Louisiana
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Top Industries Funded in Louisiana
SBA lending in Louisiana reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Louisiana in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Broilers and Other Meat Type | 7 | $21.2M |
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 10 | $20.8M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 33 | $18.4M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 22 | $15.6M |
| All Other Personal Services | 10 | $12.1M |
| Veterinary Services | 5 | $10.5M |
| Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers | 3 | $9.5M |
| All Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 15 | $9.1M |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | 5 | $7.4M |
| Child Day Care Services | 15 | $6.8M |
| Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction | 4 | $6.4M |
| Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners | 9 | $6.2M |
| Offices of Chiropractors | 13 | $6.2M |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 10 | $6.1M |
| All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 2 | $5.7M |
If your business operates in one of Louisiana’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 Louisiana
SBA lending activity within Louisiana is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in Louisiana the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge | 59 | $41.6M |
| New Orleans | 90 | $38.2M |
| Lafayette | 28 | $22.3M |
| Shreveport | 29 | $17.5M |
| Metairie | 36 | $17.1M |
| Mandeville | 12 | $10.6M |
| West Monroe | 12 | $10.0M |
| Bernice | 3 | $9.3M |
| Kenner | 18 | $9.1M |
| Covington | 12 | $8.7M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in Louisiana
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Louisiana 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 Louisiana-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 Louisiana in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in Louisiana?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Louisiana?
Who is the top SBA lender in Louisiana?
What industries get the most SBA loans in Louisiana?
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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.
