Best 100 SBA Franchise Lenders (2027)
In FY2026, 533 SBA lenders made 7,205 7(a) loans totaling $6.56 billion to franchise owners across 1,585 brands. Most of that lending is concentrated: the top 3 lenders made 28% of the loans and the top 100 made 84%. This ranking lists the 100 lenders that closed the most franchise loans in FY2026, with each lender’s startup share, average loan, average rate and the brands it funds most. GoSBA works with 50+ of these lenders and takes your franchise deal to the ones that fit, free.
Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA loan data as of September 30, 2026, loans approved October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 that carry an SBA franchise code, cancelled loans excluded. FY2026 had no October 2025 approvals during the federal shutdown, so it covers about 11 months.
By the GoSBA Loans team · Updated November 12, 2026 · Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA data through September 30, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The Huntington National Bank, Live Oak Banking Company and United Midwest Savings Bank made 2,030 franchise loans between them, 28% of all SBA franchise lending in FY2026.
- Franchise lending grew 10% by loan count and 34% by dollars from FY2025, even with the shutdown month missing, and made up 15% of all SBA 7(a) loans.
- 67% of FY2026 franchise loans financed a new unit (a startup or a business under two years old). Among the top 10 lenders, startup share ranges from 39% to 96%, so the right lender depends on whether you are opening or buying.
- The most financed brands were The UPS Store, The Back Nine, Hotworx. Lenders develop brand programs, so start with a lender that already funds your brand.
The FY2026 SBA Franchise Lending Market
SBA lenders approved 7,205 franchise loans in FY2026 for $6.56 billion, up from 6,523 loans and $4.91 billion in FY2025. The average franchise loan rose to $910K from $753K, partly because hotel and multi-unit deals got larger and partly because SOP 50 10 8, in effect since June 2025, brought back the SBA Franchise Directory and the 10% equity requirement, which pushed smaller, thinner deals out of the program.
Franchise loans were 15% of the 48,528 SBA 7(a) loans approved in FY2026 and 22% of the $29.45 billion lent. 4,793 of those franchise loans, 67%, went to new units, which makes franchising the main way a first-time owner gets an SBA startup loan: lenders will finance a new franchise unit on projections and the brand’s Item 19 data, where an independent startup usually cannot get past the credit committee.
The market is top heavy. The Huntington National Bank alone made 861 franchise loans, more than lenders 4 through 15 combined. The top 10 made 44% of all franchise loans and the top 100 made 84%, while the remaining 433 lenders averaged fewer than three franchise loans each. For a borrower that means two things: the big franchise lenders have real programs with brand-specific credit boxes, and a community bank that has never closed your brand will be slower and more conservative.
The 100 Most Active SBA Franchise Lenders In FY2026
Ranked by the number of SBA 7(a) franchise loans approved in FY2026. Startup share is the percentage of each lender’s franchise loans that financed a new unit. Average rate is the simple average initial rate at approval. Click a lender for its full profile where we have one, or Apply Now to have us take your deal to that lender.
| # | Lender And Top Brands | Loans | Dollars | Avg Loan | Avg Rate | Startup | vs FY25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Huntington National BankThe UPS Store, Hotworx, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers · 255 brands | 861 | $281M | $327K | 9.21% | 85% | -38% | Apply Now |
| 2 | Live Oak Banking CompanyPaul Davis Restoration, Ace Hardware, BrightStar Care · 211 brands | 667 | $681M | $1.0M | 8.94% | 51% | +120% | Apply Now |
| 3 | United Midwest Savings BankNaturals2Go, Sam the Concrete Man, SmartMarket Solutions · 177 brands | 502 | $130M | $259K | 9.76% | 96% | +2% | Apply Now |
| 4 | First Bank of the LakeAnytime Fitness, The Back Nine, Bodybar Pilates · 174 brands | 270 | $203M | $752K | 9.24% | 94% | -9% | Apply Now |
| 5 | Newtek BankSnap-On, Cold Stone Creamery, The UPS Store · 128 brands | 218 | $59.5M | $273K | 11.03% | 56% | +419% | Apply Now |
| 6 | Manufacturers and Traders Trust CompanySETS Hybrid Training, The UPS Store, Waxing the City · 108 brands | 173 | $36.5M | $211K | 9.68% | 73% | +92% | Apply Now |
| 7 | Wells Fargo BankD-BAT, Uptown Cheapskate, The Goddard School · 58 brands | 127 | $107M | $843K | 7.70% | 84% | +123% | Apply Now |
| 8 | GBankDays Inn, Best Western, Comfort Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites & Comfort Suites · 45 brands | 122 | $485M | $4.0M | 7.92% | 39% | -9% | Apply Now |
| 9 | U.S. BankThe UPS Store, USA Insulation, Budget Blinds · 88 brands | 122 | $92.9M | $762K | 8.25% | 47% | +82% | Apply Now |
| 10 | Citizens BankHotworx, The Yard Gym, Tee Box · 74 brands | 120 | $91.2M | $760K | 9.47% | 87% | -10% | Apply Now |
| 11 | VelocitySBAPure Green, iSmash, JETSET Pilates · 72 brands | 106 | $62.6M | $591K | 9.35% | 87% | +212% | Apply Now |
| 12 | US Metro BankSuper 8 by Wyndhan, Days Inn, Econo Lodge by Choice Hotels · 58 brands | 95 | $253M | $2.7M | 8.06% | 28% | +121% | Apply Now |
| 13 | Climate First BankDegree Wellness, Juici Patties, The Yard Gym · 66 brands | 94 | $96.9M | $1.0M | 9.33% | 95% | +236% | Apply Now |
| 14 | Magnifi Financial CUThe Back Nine, Bricks & Minifigs, RealClean Aircraft Detailing · 61 brands | 92 | $28.9M | $314K | 9.57% | 99% | +16% | Apply Now |
| 15 | Byline BankThe Learning Experience, The Picklr, Office Evolution · 62 brands | 90 | $105M | $1.2M | 9.45% | 57% | -8% | Apply Now |
| 16 | Zions BancorporationOrange Theory Fitness, MaidThis, Action Exteriors · 76 brands | 88 | $36.8M | $418K | 8.27% | 69% | +40% | Apply Now |
| 17 | Celtic Bank CorporationUrban Air Adventure Park, Paris Baguette, The Learning Experience · 73 brands | 87 | $108M | $1.2M | 9.43% | 48% | +13% | Apply Now |
| 18 | Bank of HopeThe UPS Store, Quality Inn, Quality Inn & Suites, Fairfield by Marriott · 53 brands | 78 | $204M | $2.6M | 8.05% | 54% | +189% | Apply Now |
| 19 | Bank of AmericaThe UPS Store, The Learning Experience, Lightbridge Academy · 27 brands | 71 | $61.9M | $872K | 7.08% | 48% | +25% | Apply Now |
| 20 | First Commonwealth BankRealClean Aircraft Detailing, Voda Cleaning & Restoration, The Little Gym · 49 brands | 64 | $22.7M | $355K | 9.50% | 95% | +16% | Apply Now |
| 21 | Readycap LendingJersey Mike’s Subs, The Learning Experience, European Wax Center · 58 brands | 62 | $59.0M | $951K | 9.73% | 35% | -45% | Apply Now |
| 22 | Fifth Third BankScenthound, Chicken Salad Chick, RestoPros · 51 brands | 58 | $45.6M | $786K | 8.87% | 62% | +480% | Apply Now |
| 23 | Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSBTropical Smoothie Cafe, Pure Green, The Junkluggers · 41 brands | 58 | $41.8M | $720K | 8.93% | 67% | +241% | Apply Now |
| 24 | Port 51 Lending LLCQuality Inn, Quality Inn & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, Ed Staubs & Sons Petroleum Retail Product Sales Agreement · 32 brands | 57 | $160M | $2.8M | 8.29% | 19% | +90% | Apply Now |
| 25 | Open BankDays Inn, Christensen Inc., AM · 44 brands | 55 | $137M | $2.5M | 8.04% | 5% | +67% | Apply Now |
| 26 | United Community BankBruster's Real Ice Cream, Jeff's Bagel Run, The UPS Store · 26 brands | 48 | $43.6M | $908K | 8.51% | 92% | -45% | Apply Now |
| 27 | Commonwealth Business BankMountain Mike's Pizza, Comfort Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites & Comfort Suites, Best Western · 30 brands | 46 | $123M | $2.7M | 8.17% | 59% | +229% | Apply Now |
| 28 | TowneBankDomino's Pizza, RNR Tire Express, The Little Gym · 27 brands | 46 | $52.4M | $1.1M | 9.17% | 67% | +31% | Apply Now |
| 29 | ConnectOne BankJeff's Bagel Run, Jeremiah's Italian Ice, Senior Helpers · 27 brands | 43 | $32.4M | $754K | 8.87% | 86% | +2% | Apply Now |
| 30 | Peoples BankLa Quinta by Wyndham, Quality Inn, Quality Inn & Suites, Best Western · 30 brands | 42 | $86.0M | $2.0M | 8.43% | 81% | +162% | Apply Now |
| 31 | CenTrust Bank, A Division of SmartBiz BankSubway, Merry Maids, ServiceMaster · 36 brands | 42 | $7.9M | $189K | 10.90% | 0% | +320% | Apply Now |
| 32 | Pinnacle BankDewey's Bakery, Hotworx, BodyROK · 34 brands | 39 | $44.7M | $1.1M | 8.88% | 59% | +144% | Apply Now |
| 33 | KeyBankFloyd's 99 Barbershop, Marco's Pizza, Hotworx · 25 brands | 39 | $22.8M | $585K | 9.25% | 85% | +22% | Apply Now |
| 34 | CDC Small Business Finance Corp.The Back Nine, AtWork, Hydrate IV Bar · 27 brands | 37 | $8.6M | $234K | 10.00% | 95% | -24% | Apply Now |
| 35 | First Merchants BankDegree Wellness, Drybar, Face Foundrie · 29 brands | 36 | $33.0M | $916K | 9.43% | 81% | +44% | Apply Now |
| 36 | TD BankThe UPS Store, Kiddie Academy, Creative Management, Inc. Exclusive Motor Fuel Supply Agreement · 24 brands | 36 | $15.8M | $439K | 8.39% | 67% | -27% | Apply Now |
| 37 | Enterprise Bank & TrustLa Quinta by Wyndham, Quality Inn, Quality Inn & Suites, Sunoco · 29 brands | 35 | $99.2M | $2.8M | 7.75% | 60% | +25% | Apply Now |
| 38 | Gulf Coast Bank and Trust CompanyThe Now Massage, Killer Burger, Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders · 23 brands | 33 | $28.3M | $857K | 9.32% | 64% | +6% | Apply Now |
| 39 | Bank Five NineSuccess On The Spectrum, HTeaO, Scooter's Coffee · 24 brands | 33 | $14.8M | $447K | 8.83% | 88% | -59% | Apply Now |
| 40 | Hancock Whitney BankDegree Wellness, Little Caesars, OsteoStrong · 27 brands | 32 | $21.2M | $663K | 9.12% | 78% | +23% | Apply Now |
| 41 | The Bancorp BankScenthound, The UPS Store, Grumpy's Restaurant · 23 brands | 31 | $43.7M | $1.4M | 8.00% | 61% | -6% | Apply Now |
| 42 | FWBankThe Back Nine, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, D1 Training · 25 brands | 31 | $38.3M | $1.2M | 8.71% | 81% | +19% | Apply Now |
| 43 | First National Bank of PennsylvaniaJETSET Pilates, Chicken Salad Chick, PuroClean · 24 brands | 31 | $26.1M | $843K | 8.50% | 87% | +3% | Apply Now |
| 44 | Shoreham BankBest Western, Motel 6, Comfort Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites & Comfort Suites · 23 brands | 29 | $93.2M | $3.2M | 8.21% | 24% | +61% | Apply Now |
| 45 | Fulton BankScooter's Coffee, JETSET Pilates, The UPS Store · 16 brands | 29 | $28.0M | $964K | 9.07% | 83% | +164% | Apply Now |
| 46 | East West BankHeights Wellness Retreat, Offen Petroleum, LLC (Gulf), Massage Heights · 25 brands | 28 | $32.7M | $1.2M | 8.41% | 7% | +115% | Apply Now |
| 47 | Lendistry SBLCCollege Hunks Hauling Junk, College Hunks Moving, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, STRAW HAT PIZZA, Express Employment Professional · 25 brands | 26 | $6.6M | $256K | 11.16% | 4% | -19% | Apply Now |
| 48 | Metro City BankSunoco, LLC (Various Brands) Fuel Supply Agreement, Sonesta ES Suites, Brad Hall & Associates (Chevron) Fuel Supply Agreement · 21 brands | 25 | $45.9M | $1.8M | 8.13% | 36% | +39% | Apply Now |
| 49 | Northwest BankHTeaO, Marco's Pizza, Casago · 14 brands | 25 | $23.1M | $924K | 8.29% | 64% | +9% | Apply Now |
| 50 | PathwardCrumbl, Mr. Appliance, Metal Supermarkets · 20 brands | 24 | $33.9M | $1.4M | 9.31% | 58% | +85% | Apply Now |
| 51 | Hanmi BankParis Baguette, Playa Bowls, BBQ + Rice Korean Rice Bowl · 19 brands | 24 | $17.3M | $720K | 8.48% | 54% | +200% | Apply Now |
| 52 | Northeast BankThe UPS Store, Fuddruckers, Stanley Steemer · 23 brands | 24 | $4.8M | $201K | 9.63% | 8% | +200% | Apply Now |
| 53 | Associated BankHome Instead, Senior Helpers, VARSITY ZONE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING · 11 brands | 23 | $18.7M | $812K | 8.01% | 48% | +15% | Apply Now |
| 54 | SouthState BankTropical Smoothie Cafe, Mosquito Squad, Batteries Plus · 18 brands | 23 | $14.8M | $645K | 9.25% | 61% | -23% | Apply Now |
| 55 | Beacon Bank and TrustSlick City, Closet Factory, PuroClean · 18 brands | 22 | $40.1M | $1.8M | 9.11% | 45% | -4% | Apply Now |
| 56 | First Financial BankVital Care, Bricks & Minifigs, Do it Best · 11 brands | 22 | $24.9M | $1.1M | 8.68% | 59% | +100% | Apply Now |
| 57 | JPMorgan Chase BankServpro, PRECISION GARAGE DOOR SERVICE, Heights Wellness Retreat · 20 brands | 22 | $10.7M | $488K | 9.39% | 36% | +57% | Apply Now |
| 58 | PCB BankAmerican Deli, WNB Factory, Chevron · 15 brands | 21 | $45.1M | $2.1M | 8.13% | 5% | +162% | Apply Now |
| 59 | First Community BankSpeedPro Imaging, Cary Oil Company Inc, Ace Hardware · 19 brands | 21 | $26.1M | $1.2M | 8.41% | 33% | +110% | Apply Now |
| 60 | HomeTrust BankBuilding Kidz School, Pirtek, Buffalo Wild Wings GO · 18 brands | 21 | $26.0M | $1.2M | 9.14% | 38% | -12% | Apply Now |
| 61 | First Internet Bank of IndianaCasago, GLO TANNING, Maaco · 11 brands | 21 | $23.0M | $1.1M | 9.23% | 19% | +91% | Apply Now |
| 62 | Old National BankPLUNJ, The Back Nine, The Learning Experience · 14 brands | 21 | $22.1M | $1.1M | 7.79% | 52% | +0% | Apply Now |
| 63 | Columbia BankDenny's, Somedays Bakery, Real Property Management · 17 brands | 21 | $10.0M | $476K | 10.18% | 29% | +200% | Apply Now |
| 64 | PNC BankSport Clips, DQ Treat, Two Men and a Truck · 15 brands | 21 | $9.8M | $466K | 8.07% | 48% | -12% | Apply Now |
| 65 | Regions BankPrimrose Schools, Coldwell Banker Commercial, The Grout Doctor · 13 brands | 20 | $19.1M | $955K | 7.64% | 55% | -9% | Apply Now |
| 66 | Merchants Bank of IndianaThe UPS Store, The Back Nine, Rosati's Pizza · 15 brands | 19 | $32.3M | $1.7M | 8.76% | 26% | -34% | Apply Now |
| 67 | First Command BankThe Back Nine, Floor Coverings International, Alloy Personal Traning · 18 brands | 19 | $5.9M | $312K | 8.70% | 95% | +111% | Apply Now |
| 68 | PromiseOne BankAmerican Deli, Quality Inn, Quality Inn & Suites, Red Roof Inn · 15 brands | 18 | $28.6M | $1.6M | 8.03% | 72% | +260% | Apply Now |
| 69 | Atlantic Union BankD1 Training, Sky Zone, Tim Hortons · 15 brands | 18 | $23.6M | $1.3M | 8.99% | 89% | +20% | Apply Now |
| 70 | America First Federal Credit UnionPrimrose Schools, Scenthound, DonutNV · 14 brands | 18 | $20.9M | $1.2M | 7.62% | 56% | +20% | Apply Now |
| 71 | Heritage Bank IncCrumbl, Cupbop, Whit's Frozen Custard · 15 brands | 18 | $20.7M | $1.1M | 9.47% | 78% | +50% | Apply Now |
| 72 | Southwestern National BankJ.F. Presley Oil Company (Phillips 66) Motor Fuel Supply Agreement, World Fuel Services Inc., Quality Inn, Quality Inn & Suites · 16 brands | 17 | $39.6M | $2.3M | 8.09% | 6% | -6% | Apply Now |
| 73 | Harvest Small Business FinanceBaymont by Wyndham, Comfort Suites by Choice Hotels, Building Kidz School · 14 brands | 17 | $35.8M | $2.1M | 9.10% | 24% | +6% | Apply Now |
| 74 | Bankwell BankTutu School, Zoomin Groomin, Everline Coatings and Services · 16 brands | 17 | $24.5M | $1.4M | 9.37% | 59% | +750% | Apply Now |
| 75 | Happen BankKilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream Store, Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill, Turquoise Wine Bar · 12 brands | 17 | $14.8M | $869K | 8.64% | 88% | +183% | Apply Now |
| 76 | ACC CapitalThe Back Nine, 2nd Family, Dryer Vent Wizard · 15 brands | 17 | $6.4M | $379K | 9.60% | 94% | +240% | Apply Now |
| 77 | North State BankMr. Appliance, Minuteman Press, Joshua Tree · 15 brands | 16 | $11.1M | $697K | 8.98% | 75% | +167% | Apply Now |
| 78 | Valley National BankFoxtail Coffee Co, Stretch Zone, The Back Nine · 8 brands | 15 | $10.3M | $686K | 8.77% | 87% | +67% | Apply Now |
| 79 | Leader BankThe Back Nine, PostalAnnex+, Identity Coffee Co. · 11 brands | 15 | $9.1M | $607K | 9.28% | 100% | +25% | Apply Now |
| 80 | Republic Bank & Trust CompanyNothing Bundt Cakes, Perspire Sauna Studio, Subway · 9 brands | 15 | $8.2M | $547K | 7.57% | 67% | +114% | Apply Now |
| 81 | Woori America BankTous Les Jours, Jeremiah's Italian Ice, Ewing Oil Company, Inc. (Liberty) Supply Agreement · 13 brands | 14 | $21.4M | $1.5M | 8.34% | 57% | +75% | Apply Now |
| 82 | Capital BankSky Zone, iSmash, Comfort Keepers · 13 brands | 14 | $20.7M | $1.5M | 9.32% | 86% | +133% | Apply Now |
| 83 | Truliant FCUPhilly Pretzel Factory, Fully Promoted a, TeamLogic IT · 14 brands | 14 | $15.6M | $1.1M | 9.48% | 7% | -12% | Apply Now |
| 84 | American BankSonesta Simply Suites, Monster Mini Golf, Insulation Commandos · 12 brands | 13 | $34.9M | $2.7M | 8.65% | 31% | +225% | Apply Now |
| 85 | First Western SBLC, LLC d/b/a Peachtree GroupQuality Inn, Quality Inn & Suites, Garner, Super 8 by Wyndhan · 11 brands | 13 | $32.9M | $2.5M | 8.12% | 0% | +44% | Apply Now |
| 86 | Centerstone SBA LendingThe UPS Store, Fast Stop Branded Reseller Agreement, Comfort Suites by Choice Hotels · 11 brands | 13 | $21.6M | $1.7M | 8.67% | 8% | -55% | Apply Now |
| 87 | Mission Valley BankBudget Blinds, Bruster's Real Ice Cream, Theory Preschools · 9 brands | 13 | $18.9M | $1.5M | 9.13% | 38% | -32% | Apply Now |
| 88 | Wallis BankPure Barre, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Brad Hall & Associates (Shell) Fuel Supply Agreement · 13 brands | 13 | $14.5M | $1.1M | 8.52% | 92% | +18% | Apply Now |
| 89 | Rockland Trust Companybtone FITNESS, BodyROK, Redline Athletics · 7 brands | 13 | $7.1M | $550K | 7.15% | 62% | +8% | Apply Now |
| 90 | Milestone BankBig Air, Pirtek, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers · 11 brands | 12 | $30.0M | $2.5M | 9.23% | 67% | -48% | Apply Now |
| 91 | Capital OneBahama Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Scooter's Coffee · 8 brands | 12 | $15.9M | $1.3M | 6.35% | 75% | -20% | Apply Now |
| 92 | Lexicon BankBuffalo Wild Wings Sports Bar, Medicap Pharmacy, Flip Flop Shops · 11 brands | 12 | $9.3M | $777K | 9.21% | 92% | +1,100% | Apply Now |
| 93 | Colony BankDomino's Pizza, The Back Nine, Cabinet IQ · 10 brands | 12 | $8.8M | $733K | 9.38% | 58% | -8% | Apply Now |
| 94 | Cache Valley BankFiiZ Drinks, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Crumbl · 8 brands | 12 | $5.0M | $415K | 8.54% | 75% | +500% | Apply Now |
| 95 | Accordia BankBirdie's Golf Lounge, Brooker's Founding Flavors Ice Cream, Rush Bowls · 11 brands | 12 | $4.8M | $396K | 9.33% | 75% | +300% | Apply Now |
| 96 | CRF Small Business Loan CompanyPuroClean, Cabinet IQ, Heart to Home Meals · 11 brands | 12 | $3.6M | $298K | 9.54% | 92% | +0% | Apply Now |
| 97 | First Resource BankOnce Upon A Child, Plato's Closet, Ben & Jerry's · 7 brands | 12 | $3.3M | $274K | 8.69% | 75% | +500% | Apply Now |
| 98 | United FCUThe UPS Store, Spark by Hilton, Zaxby's · 10 brands | 11 | $19.2M | $1.7M | 8.48% | 55% | -39% | Apply Now |
| 99 | Village Bank and TrustBurger King, College Hunks Hauling Junk, College Hunks Moving, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, DQ Treat · 6 brands | 11 | $7.9M | $714K | 7.74% | 45% | -35% | Apply Now |
| 100 | Stearns BankKeyrenter Property Managment, Aussie Pet Mobile, Tierra Encantada · 11 brands | 11 | $5.8M | $524K | 9.57% | 73% | -56% | Apply Now |
Lenders are grouped by the lender name in SBA’s data, so a bank that lends under more than one charter may appear more than once. “vs FY2025” compares FY2026 franchise loan count with FY2025. Search any brand, state or industry in the Lender Finder
Which Franchise Lender For Which Deal
The best SBA franchise lender depends on the project size, whether it is a new unit or a resale, real estate, and the brand. The FY2026 data sorts the top 100 into a few clear groups.
Opening Your First Unit
These lenders make most of their franchise loans to new units and close them in volume: The Huntington National Bank (729 startup loans, 85%), United Midwest Savings Bank (484 startup loans, 96%), First Bank of the Lake (253 startup loans, 94%), Wells Fargo Bank (107 startup loans, 84%), Citizens Bank (104 startup loans, 87%), VelocitySBA (92 startup loans, 87%). They underwrite on projections and brand data and are used to franchisor timelines.
Small-Ticket And SBA Express
For projects under $400K, the lenders that move fastest are the small-ticket specialists: The Huntington National Bank ($327K average), United Midwest Savings Bank ($259K average), Newtek Bank ($273K average), Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company ($211K average), Magnifi Financial CU ($314K average), Zions Bancorporation ($418K average). Expect a streamlined file, often an SBA Express structure, and a decision in weeks rather than months.
Hotels, Multi-Unit And Real Estate
The largest franchise loans go to hotel flags and multi-unit operators buying the building. The dollar leaders at $1.5M and up were GBank ($4.0M average), US Metro Bank ($2.7M average), Bank of Hope ($2.6M average), Port 51 Lending LLC ($2.8M average), Open Bank ($2.5M average), Commonwealth Business Bank ($2.7M average). These lenders pair the 7(a) with 25-year real estate terms and, above $5M, a conventional pari passu loan.
Fastest Growing Franchise Lenders
Lenders that at least nearly doubled their franchise volume from FY2025: Fifth Third Bank (+480%), Newtek Bank (+419%), CenTrust Bank, A Division of SmartBiz Bank (+320%), Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB (+241%), Climate First Bank (+236%), Commonwealth Business Bank (+229%). A lender building a franchise book is often the most competitive on rate and the most willing to take a new brand.
Brand Programs
The top brands each have a short list of lenders that fund most of their units. The UPS Store, the most financed brand in FY2026 with 165 loans, is funded mainly by The Huntington National Bank and Newtek Bank. Search your brand in the SBA Franchise Directory to see its lenders.
What GoSBA Does
We know which of these lenders is buying which brand, size and state this quarter. You send one package, we take it to the three or four lenders that fit, and you choose the best offer. The lender pays us after closing, so it costs you nothing.
Not Sure Which Lender Fits Your Franchise?
Tell us the brand, the location and the rough budget. We come back within one business day with the lenders that are funding deals like yours right now.
The Most Financed Franchise Brands In FY2026
Brands ranked by SBA 7(a) loans approved in FY2026. Each links to its lender ranking where we have a page.
Check any of the 3,641 brands on the SBA Franchise Directory
How We Ranked These Lenders
We used SBA’s 7(a) FOIA loan file as of September 30, 2026, kept every loan approved in FY2026 (October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026) that carries an SBA franchise code, removed cancelled loans, and counted loans by lender name. Dollars are gross approval amounts. Startup share counts loans where SBA recorded the business as a startup or under two years old. Average rate is the simple average of the initial interest rate at approval; most SBA loans are variable, so it reflects the prime rate during the year. Brand counts use the franchise name SBA recorded. The ranking is by loan count because it measures how often a lender actually closes franchise deals; a dollar ranking would be dominated by a handful of hotel lenders. Nothing here is a rate quote or a recommendation to use a particular lender.
SBA Franchise Lender FAQ
Which bank is best for SBA franchise loans?
By volume, The Huntington National Bank made the most SBA franchise loans in FY2026 (861), followed by Live Oak Banking Company and United Midwest Savings Bank. The best lender for you depends on the brand, project size and whether you are opening or buying. The ranking above shows each lender’s startup share, average loan and top brands.
How many franchise loans did the SBA approve in FY2026?
7,205 SBA 7(a) loans totaling $6.56 billion went to franchise owners in FY2026, 15% of all 7(a) loans. 67% of them financed a new unit.
Do all SBA lenders do franchise loans?
Most SBA lenders will consider one, but only about 100 close them regularly. 533 lenders made at least one franchise loan in FY2026, and the top 100 made 84% of them. A lender that has funded your brand before is faster and more predictable.
Does my franchise have to be on the SBA Franchise Directory?
Yes. Under SOP 50 10 8.1, a lender can only close an SBA loan for a brand listed on the SBA Franchise Directory. Search your brand in our directory tool to check its status and see which lenders fund it.
How much do I need down for a franchise SBA loan?
At least 10% of the total project cost on a new unit, and the lender cannot waive it. Savings, gifts and retirement funds count. Some lenders and some brands want more.
What does GoSBA charge?
Nothing. We are paid by the lender after your loan closes. GoSBA funded $320M across 126 loans in 2025, working with 50+ lenders.
Keep reading: SBA Franchise Directory Search · Top 100 SBA Lenders · SBA Loans To Buy An Existing Franchise · SBA Lender Finder
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