Best Puerto Rico SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in Puerto Rico
SBA Loans in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico businesses received $89.8M in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 548 businesses in 2025, supporting 5,265 jobs. With 10 active SBA lenders competing for business in Puerto Rico, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in Puerto Rico is $164K at 10.76%, which is 0.44% above the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in Puerto Rico is Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, with the most-funded industry being Diagnostic Imaging Centers.
SBA Loans in Puerto Rico by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in Puerto Rico, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 19% of Puerto Rico SBA loans (102 loans totaling $17.0M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 3% (7 loans, $2.4M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 65% (340 loans). If you’re buying a business in Puerto Rico, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
Puerto Rico vs. National Average
How does Puerto Rico’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
Puerto Rico10.76%
National Avg10.32%
Puerto Rico’s avg rate is 0.44% higher than the national average
Puerto Rico$164K
National Avg$478K
Puerto Rico’s avg loan is 0.3x the national average
A rate higher than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in Puerto Rico 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 | Banco Popular de Puerto Rico | $46.9M | 376 | 11.42% |
| 2 | Oriental Bank | $23.3M | 103 | 8.59% |
| 3 | FirstBank Puerto Rico | $8.8M | 47 | 11.21% |
| 4 | First Bank of the Lake | $4.0M | 2 | 10% |
| 5 | T Bank, National Association | $3.7M | 1 | 9.5% |
| 6 | Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico | $2.0M | 12 | 7.71% |
| 7 | Cooperativa de Ahorro y Cr<ac,e>dito de Arecibo (COOPACA) | $610K | 4 | 10.12% |
| 8 | BayFirst National Bank | $350K | 1 | 10.5% |
| 9 | Bank Five Nine | $150K | 1 | 9.12% |
| 10 | Corp. Financiamiento Empresarial del Comercio y Comunidades | $86K | 1 | 8.5% |
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 Puerto Rico have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand Puerto Rico’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 Puerto Rico-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 Puerto Rico
One 5-minute application. 10 lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Puerto Rico
SBA lending in Puerto Rico reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Puerto Rico in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Imaging Centers | 4 | $5.8M |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 46 | $5.6M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 39 | $5.3M |
| Electrical Contractors | 8 | $4.4M |
| Marketing Consulting Services | 3 | $4.0M |
| Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologi | 19 | $3.0M |
| Commercial and Institutional Building Construction | 11 | $2.7M |
| All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 2 | $2.3M |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 6 | $2.2M |
| Veterinary Services | 12 | $2.2M |
| Bed-and-Breakfast Inns | 1 | $1.7M |
| Other Specialized Design Services | 1 | $1.5M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 13 | $1.4M |
| Supermarkets and Other Grocery (except Convenience) Stores | 7 | $1.4M |
| Nonresidential Property Managers | 2 | $1.4M |
If your business operates in one of Puerto Rico’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 Puerto Rico
SBA lending activity within Puerto Rico is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in Puerto Rico the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| San Juan | 94 | $17.9M |
| Guaynabo | 24 | $7.8M |
| Caguas | 32 | $7.6M |
| Bayamon | 47 | $7.1M |
| Ponce | 20 | $5.5M |
| Cabo Rojo | 11 | $4.4M |
| Carolina | 28 | $3.6M |
| Toa Baja | 16 | $2.1M |
| Manati | 9 | $2.0M |
| Culebra | 2 | $2.0M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in Puerto Rico
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico-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 Puerto Rico in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in Puerto Rico?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Puerto Rico?
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What industries get the most SBA loans in Puerto Rico?
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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.
