Best Mississippi SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in Mississippi
SBA Loans in Mississippi
Mississippi businesses received $192.3M in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 347 businesses in 2025, supporting 3,475 jobs. With 46 active SBA lenders competing for business in Mississippi, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in Mississippi is $554K at 9.8%, which is 0.52% below the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in Mississippi is Live Oak Banking Company, with the most-funded industry being Broilers and Other Meat Type.
SBA Loans in Mississippi by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in Mississippi, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 33% of Mississippi SBA loans (86 loans totaling $63.9M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 22% (46 loans, $42.0M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 37% (161 loans). If you’re buying a business in Mississippi, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
Mississippi vs. National Average
How does Mississippi’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
Mississippi9.8%
National Avg10.32%
✅ Mississippi’s avg rate is 0.52% lower than the national average
Mississippi$554K
National Avg$478K
Mississippi’s avg loan is 1.2x the national average
A rate lower than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for Mississippi 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 Mississippi (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in Mississippi 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 | $30.6M | 22 | 9.03% |
| 2 | Cadence Bank | $16.7M | 14 | 10.11% |
| 3 | Renasant Bank | $11.8M | 9 | 9.5% |
| 4 | Community Bank of Mississippi | $11.5M | 33 | 8.43% |
| 5 | First Financial Bank | $10.1M | 9 | 8.47% |
| 6 | Peoples Bank | $9.3M | 37 | 9.56% |
| 7 | GBank | $8.9M | 4 | 9.12% |
| 8 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $8.4M | 28 | 11.68% |
| 9 | Southern Bancorp Bank | $8.1M | 9 | 8.21% |
| 10 | First Bank of the Lake | $7.6M | 10 | 9.9% |
| 11 | The Huntington National Bank | $6.5M | 5 | 9.8% |
| 12 | American Bank | $5.5M | 2 | 9.25% |
| 13 | Southern AgCredit, FLCA | $5.2M | 2 | 8.54% |
| 14 | Northeast Bank | $4.6M | 38 | 10.99% |
| 15 | The Citizens National Bank of Meridian | $4.4M | 19 | 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 Mississippi have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand Mississippi’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 Mississippi-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 Mississippi
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Top Industries Funded in Mississippi
SBA lending in Mississippi reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Mississippi in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Broilers and Other Meat Type | 20 | $31.9M |
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 10 | $15.5M |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 5 | $6.9M |
| Chicken Egg Production | 8 | $6.9M |
| Veterinary Services | 6 | $6.7M |
| Poultry Hatcheries | 3 | $5.2M |
| Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units | 4 | $5.1M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 11 | $4.7M |
| Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction | 2 | $4.3M |
| Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing | 1 | $3.6M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 13 | $3.5M |
| Insurance Agencies and Brokerages | 10 | $3.3M |
| Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services | 3 | $3.3M |
| Industrial Launderers | 1 | $3.2M |
| Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Faciliti | 1 | $2.7M |
If your business operates in one of Mississippi’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 Mississippi
SBA lending activity within Mississippi is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in Mississippi the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Branch | 7 | $14.1M |
| Jackson | 17 | $10.1M |
| Columbus | 10 | $8.9M |
| Hattiesburg | 17 | $8.8M |
| Southaven | 8 | $8.3M |
| Brandon | 11 | $6.9M |
| Mendenhall | 9 | $6.7M |
| Gulfport | 11 | $6.2M |
| Pulaski | 3 | $6.1M |
| Union | 3 | $5.0M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in Mississippi
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Mississippi 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 Mississippi-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 Mississippi in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in Mississippi?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Mississippi?
Who is the top SBA lender in Mississippi?
What industries get the most SBA loans in Mississippi?
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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.