Best Salem, OR SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)

Salem, Oregon had 38 SBA 7(a) loans totaling $13M in 2025. See top lenders, industries, and rates.

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Best SBA Lenders in Salem, OR (2026)

2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates & industries for Salem SBA loans

$19.5M
Total Funded
54
Loans Approved
$360K
Avg Loan Size
10.5%
Avg Interest Rate
20
Active Lenders

SBA Loans in Salem, Oregon

Looking for an SBA loan in Salem, Oregon? Based on 2025 FOIA data, 54 SBA 7(a) loans were funded in Salem totaling $19.5M, supporting an estimated 508 jobs. With 20 active lenders competing for business in the Salem market, comparing offers is essential to getting the best rate and terms.

The average SBA loan in Salem is $360K at an average rate of 10.5%. The top lender in Salem is KeyBank National Association, with the most-funded industry being Amusement and Theme Parks. See all Oregon SBA lenders for statewide rankings.

GoSBA Analysis: Salem has 20 active SBA lenders, which means real competition for your deal. Working with a broker like GoSBA Loans lets you access all of them — plus national lenders — with a single 5-minute application. Free, no obligation.

SBA Loans in Salem by Business Type

Whether you’re starting a new business in Salem, buying an existing one, or expanding your current operation, here’s how SBA lending breaks down in your market:

🚀 Startup24%5 loans
🤝 Business Acquisition10%3 loans
🏢 Existing Business65%42 loans
💼 New Business0%4 loans

Startups represent 24% of SBA loans in Salem (5 loans funded in 2025), which tells you how comfortable local lenders are funding new ventures without established operating history. Business acquisitions account for 10% (3 loans) — if you’re looking to buy a business in Salem, this is a proven use case for SBA financing. Existing businesses make up 65% and typically receive the most favorable terms.

Top SBA Lenders in Salem, OR (2025 Data)

The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender that funded loans to Salem businesses in 2025, ordered by total dollar volume. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records:

#LenderVolumeLoansAvg Rate
1KeyBank National Association$4.1M310.44%
2Banc of California$2.4M27.5%
3JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association$2.4M38.36%
4Newtek Bank, National Association$1.8M410.38%
5Live Oak Banking Company$1.4M39.96%
6Northeast Bank$1.2M911%
7U.S. Bank, National Association$1.0M89.38%
8First Bank of Central Ohio$966K110.25%
9First Interstate Bank$954K28.25%
10Southwestern National Bank$720K19.5%

The top lenders in Salem have direct experience with local businesses and understand the Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem

One 5-minute application. 20+ lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.

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Top Industries Funded in Salem

These are the industries that received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Salem in 2025. If your business is in one of these sectors, lenders are already familiar with your business model and may offer faster approvals:

IndustryLoansVolume
Amusement and Theme Parks1$4.0M
Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)1$1.8M
Full-Service Restaurants7$1.6M
Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners4$1.1M
Insurance Agencies and Brokerages2$1.0M
Other Millwork (including Flooring)1$900K
Other Accounting Services3$833K
Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units1$680K
Offices of Lawyers1$617K
New Single-Family Housing Construction (except Operative Builders)1$500K

Lenders with experience funding your specific industry in Salem 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 Salem

Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Salem 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 Salem-active lenders and national SBA lenders simultaneously. More offers means better rates, faster approvals, and zero cost to you — lenders pay the broker fee.

Why comparing matters in Salem: With 20 lenders active in your market, rates and terms vary significantly. Getting 3-5 competing term sheets can save you 0.5-1.0% on your rate — on a $500K loan, that’s $15,000-$30,000 in total savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many SBA loans were funded in Salem in 2025?
Salem, OR received 54 SBA 7(a) loans totaling $19.5M in 2025. The average loan size was $360K at an average rate of 10.5%, with 20 lenders actively funding loans in the area.
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Salem?
Yes — 24% of SBA loans in Salem went to startups in 2025 (5 loans). Lenders familiar with the Salem market are more comfortable funding new ventures when they understand the local business environment.
Who is the top SBA lender in Salem?
Based on 2025 FOIA data, KeyBank National Association funded the most SBA loans in Salem by volume. However, the best lender for your specific deal depends on your industry, loan size, and credit profile. A broker like GoSBA matches you with the best fit from 20+ lenders.
What is the average SBA loan rate in Salem?
The average SBA 7(a) interest rate in Salem was 10.5% in 2025. The national average is 10.32%. Individual rates depend on your credit score, loan size, and which lender you work with. Comparing multiple offers is the best way to secure the lowest rate.

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Data from SBA 7(a) FOIA records, Calendar Year 2025. Visit sba.gov for official info.