Best Wisconsin SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in Wisconsin
SBA Loans in Wisconsin
Wisconsin businesses received $551.1M in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 1,128 businesses in 2025, supporting 12,060 jobs. With 155 active SBA lenders competing for business in Wisconsin, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in Wisconsin is $489K at 9.78%, which is 0.54% below the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in Wisconsin is Old National Bank, with the most-funded industry being Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels.
SBA Loans in Wisconsin by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in Wisconsin, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 16% of Wisconsin SBA loans (194 loans totaling $87.4M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 33% (176 loans, $179.6M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 39% (563 loans). If you’re buying a business in Wisconsin, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
Wisconsin vs. National Average
How does Wisconsin’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
Wisconsin9.78%
National Avg10.32%
✅ Wisconsin’s avg rate is 0.54% lower than the national average
Wisconsin$489K
National Avg$478K
Wisconsin’s avg loan is 1x the national average
A rate lower than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in Wisconsin 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 | Old National Bank | $59.6M | 54 | 8.27% |
| 2 | U.S. Bank, National Association | $28.1M | 116 | 10.16% |
| 3 | Byline Bank | $27.2M | 26 | 10.34% |
| 4 | The Huntington National Bank | $25.1M | 73 | 9.74% |
| 5 | Live Oak Banking Company | $23.2M | 24 | 9.49% |
| 6 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $17.6M | 52 | 11.23% |
| 7 | Citizens Community Federal National Association | $17.4M | 26 | 9.94% |
| 8 | First Internet Bank of Indiana | $14.0M | 12 | 10.27% |
| 9 | Merchants Bank of Indiana | $13.8M | 5 | 9.1% |
| 10 | Northeast Bank | $12.5M | 82 | 10.77% |
| 11 | Waukesha State Bank | $12.5M | 21 | 9.62% |
| 12 | Bank First, N.A. | $11.7M | 35 | 7.79% |
| 13 | Nicolet National Bank | $11.6M | 22 | 8.13% |
| 14 | Associated Bank, National Association | $11.1M | 28 | 9.37% |
| 15 | Enterprise Bank & Trust | $9.8M | 3 | 8.92% |
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 Wisconsin have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand Wisconsin’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 Wisconsin-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 Wisconsin
One 5-minute application. 155 lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Wisconsin
SBA lending in Wisconsin reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Wisconsin in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 19 | $45.4M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 58 | $35.6M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 34 | $14.4M |
| All Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 17 | $12.4M |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 27 | $12.1M |
| Offices of Dentists | 6 | $11.5M |
| Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars | 25 | $10.9M |
| Home Health Care Services | 11 | $9.9M |
| All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 8 | $9.6M |
| Child Day Care Services | 23 | $9.3M |
| All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 15 | $9.2M |
| General Automotive Repair | 21 | $8.6M |
| Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) | 24 | $8.6M |
| Machine Shops | 9 | $8.4M |
| Landscaping Services | 22 | $7.8M |
If your business operates in one of Wisconsin’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 Wisconsin
SBA lending activity within Wisconsin is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in Wisconsin the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 110 | $48.5M |
| Eau Claire | 32 | $23.1M |
| Madison | 63 | $22.7M |
| Appleton | 28 | $15.0M |
| Waukesha | 33 | $13.4M |
| Green Bay | 30 | $13.4M |
| Brookfield | 26 | $12.3M |
| Oak Creek | 20 | $11.1M |
| Franklin | 14 | $10.9M |
| Menomonee Falls | 14 | $10.5M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in Wisconsin
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin-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 Wisconsin in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in Wisconsin?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Wisconsin?
Who is the top SBA lender in Wisconsin?
What industries get the most SBA loans in Wisconsin?
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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.
