Best North Carolina SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in North Carolina
SBA Loans in North Carolina
North Carolina businesses received $1.20B in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 1,905 businesses in 2025, supporting 20,621 jobs. With 134 active SBA lenders competing for business in North Carolina, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in North Carolina is $631K at 10.29%, which is 0.03% below the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in North Carolina is Live Oak Banking Company, with the most-funded industry being Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels.
SBA Loans in North Carolina by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in North Carolina, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 23% of North Carolina SBA loans (406 loans totaling $277.9M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 27% (235 loans, $319.1M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 35% (957 loans). If you’re buying a business in North Carolina, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
North Carolina vs. National Average
How does North Carolina’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
North Carolina10.29%
National Avg10.32%
✅ North Carolina’s avg rate is 0.03% lower than the national average
North Carolina$631K
National Avg$478K
North Carolina’s avg loan is 1.3x the national average
A rate lower than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for North Carolina 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 North Carolina (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in North Carolina 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 | Live Oak Banking Company | $134.9M | 124 | 9.46% |
| 2 | GBank | $68.4M | 26 | 8.88% |
| 3 | The Huntington National Bank | $64.8M | 141 | 9.91% |
| 4 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $63.1M | 119 | 11.24% |
| 5 | Pinnacle Bank | $54.1M | 45 | 9.27% |
| 6 | First Bank | $46.4M | 39 | 10.14% |
| 7 | Dogwood State Bank | $41.0M | 33 | 9.95% |
| 8 | Northeast Bank | $39.6M | 242 | 11.04% |
| 9 | The Fidelity Bank | $27.8M | 27 | 9.78% |
| 10 | Bank of America, National Association | $26.0M | 43 | 8.02% |
| 11 | Bank of Oak Ridge | $22.8M | 24 | 9.83% |
| 12 | First Community Bank | $21.1M | 39 | 6.77% |
| 13 | Celtic Bank Corporation | $21.0M | 45 | 10.66% |
| 14 | Leader Bank, National Association | $19.8M | 9 | 9.56% |
| 15 | Wells Fargo Bank National Association | $19.5M | 73 | 11.18% |
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 North Carolina have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand North Carolina’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 North Carolina-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 North Carolina
One 5-minute application. 134 lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in North Carolina
SBA lending in North Carolina reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in North Carolina in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 46 | $130.6M |
| Full-Service Restaurants | 91 | $68.8M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 70 | $46.7M |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | 45 | $31.4M |
| All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 28 | $29.8M |
| Child Day Care Services | 35 | $25.3M |
| New Single-Family Housing Construction (except Operative Builders) | 40 | $24.1M |
| Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars | 41 | $24.0M |
| General Automotive Repair | 30 | $22.5M |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 37 | $21.0M |
| Residential Remodelers | 48 | $20.9M |
| Offices of Dentists | 15 | $19.7M |
| Other Personal Care Services | 26 | $17.2M |
| All Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 27 | $16.8M |
| Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units | 16 | $16.5M |
If your business operates in one of North Carolina’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 North Carolina
SBA lending activity within North Carolina is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in North Carolina the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | 286 | $193.6M |
| Raleigh | 137 | $96.1M |
| Durham | 64 | $48.7M |
| Wilmington | 69 | $47.0M |
| Greensboro | 55 | $32.1M |
| Cary | 45 | $25.9M |
| Winston Salem | 39 | $25.4M |
| Asheville | 40 | $24.3M |
| Fayetteville | 30 | $23.0M |
| Mooresville | 32 | $22.0M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in North Carolina
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top North Carolina 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 North Carolina-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 North Carolina in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in North Carolina?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in North Carolina?
Who is the top SBA lender in North Carolina?
What industries get the most SBA loans in North Carolina?
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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.
