Best Montana SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in Montana
SBA Loans in Montana
Montana businesses received $143.9M in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 265 businesses in 2025, supporting 2,391 jobs. With 60 active SBA lenders competing for business in Montana, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in Montana is $543K at 10.03%, which is 0.29% below the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in Montana is Glacier Bank, with the most-funded industry being Limited-Service Restaurants.
SBA Loans in Montana by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in Montana, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 11% of Montana SBA loans (38 loans totaling $16.2M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 29% (40 loans, $42.0M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 40% (136 loans). If you’re buying a business in Montana, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
Montana vs. National Average
How does Montana’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
Montana10.03%
National Avg10.32%
✅ Montana’s avg rate is 0.29% lower than the national average
Montana$543K
National Avg$478K
Montana’s avg loan is 1.1x the national average
A rate lower than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for Montana 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 Montana (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in Montana 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 | Glacier Bank | $14.1M | 26 | 8.34% |
| 2 | Live Oak Banking Company | $12.7M | 14 | 10.17% |
| 3 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $8.0M | 15 | 11.72% |
| 4 | Brookline Bank, a Division of Beacon Bank and Trust | $7.7M | 5 | 9.15% |
| 5 | Port 51 Lending LLC | $6.8M | 3 | 9.58% |
| 6 | Truliant FCU | $5.5M | 2 | 10.25% |
| 7 | Northeast Bank | $4.9M | 28 | 10.59% |
| 8 | Wallis Bank | $4.8M | 7 | 9.86% |
| 9 | Enterprise Bank & Trust | $4.7M | 1 | 7.5% |
| 10 | First Internet Bank of Indiana | $4.1M | 1 | 10.25% |
| 11 | Readycap Lending, LLC | $4.1M | 12 | 11.29% |
| 12 | Three Rivers Bank of Montana | $3.8M | 4 | 9.12% |
| 13 | Busey Bank | $3.5M | 2 | 9.62% |
| 14 | Wells Fargo Bank National Association | $3.5M | 5 | 11.54% |
| 15 | T Bank, National Association | $3.4M | 1 | 9.75% |
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 Montana have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand Montana’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 Montana-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 Montana
One 5-minute application. 60 lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Montana
SBA lending in Montana reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Montana in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 13 | $11.4M |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 8 | $8.5M |
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 6 | $7.6M |
| Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units | 2 | $6.7M |
| Meat Processed from Carcasses | 2 | $5.2M |
| Offices of Certified Public Accountants | 6 | $5.1M |
| Home Centers | 2 | $5.0M |
| Landscape Architectural Services | 1 | $3.4M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 12 | $3.3M |
| Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) | 2 | $3.1M |
| Car Washes | 2 | $3.0M |
| Electrical Contractors | 9 | $2.6M |
| Air and Gas Compressor Manufacturing | 1 | $2.5M |
| Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance | 1 | $2.4M |
| Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction | 2 | $2.3M |
If your business operates in one of Montana’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 Montana
SBA lending activity within Montana is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in Montana the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Billings | 45 | $27.8M |
| Bozeman | 31 | $20.1M |
| Kalispell | 25 | $16.3M |
| Missoula | 22 | $11.1M |
| Belgrade | 13 | $8.5M |
| Hamilton | 6 | $8.2M |
| Helena | 22 | $8.0M |
| Great Falls | 23 | $5.7M |
| Clancy | 1 | $4.1M |
| Gallatin Gateway | 1 | $3.4M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in Montana
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Montana 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 Montana-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 Montana in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in Montana?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Montana?
Who is the top SBA lender in Montana?
What industries get the most SBA loans in Montana?
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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.
