Best SBA Lenders in Oakland, CA (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Oakland SBA loans
SBA Loans in Oakland, California
Looking for an SBA loan in Oakland, California? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 76 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Oakland totaling $30.6M, supporting an estimated 763 jobs. With 27 active lenders competing for business in the Oakland market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.
The average SBA loan in Oakland is $402K at an average rate of 10.53%. The top lender in Oakland is Fremont Bank, with the most-funded industry being Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing. See all California SBA lenders for statewide rankings.
SBA Loans in Oakland by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a new business in Oakland, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:
Startups represent 7% of SBA loans in Oakland (5 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 16% (8 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Oakland, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 64% and typically receive the most favorable terms.
Top SBA Lenders in Oakland, CA (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Oakland businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fremont Bank | $4.8M | 2 | 8.88% |
| 2 | U.S. Bank, National Association | $3.3M | 14 | 10.26% |
| 3 | Live Oak Banking Company | $2.9M | 3 | 9.16% |
| 4 | JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association | $2.5M | 6 | 9.69% |
| 5 | Harvest Small Business Finance, LLC | $1.6M | 2 | 10% |
| 6 | Open Bank | $1.5M | 2 | 9.25% |
| 7 | Wells Fargo Bank National Association | $1.5M | 5 | 10.31% |
| 8 | FFB Bank | $1.5M | 2 | 9.75% |
| 9 | Bank of Hope | $1.3M | 5 | 9.9% |
| 10 | GBank | $1.2M | 1 | 9% |
The top lenders in Oakland have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland
One 5-minute application. 27+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Oakland
These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Oakland 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing | 1 | $4.1M |
| All Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 2 | $2.9M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 4 | $2.5M |
| Child Day Care Services | 3 | $2.1M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 8 | $1.8M |
| Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores | 2 | $1.3M |
| Homes for the Elderly | 1 | $1.2M |
| Roofing Contractors | 2 | $1.1M |
| Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) | 1 | $1.1M |
| Food Service Contractors | 1 | $1.0M |
Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Oakland 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 Oakland
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Oakland 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 Oakland-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.
