Searching for trusted Idaho SBA lenders to power your business growth? Our comprehensive directory connects Idaho entrepreneurs with approved SBA loan providers throughout Boise, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Pocatello and across the state. Whether you’re exploring SBA 7(a) loans, 504 loans, microloans, or disaster assistance, our list features the most active small business lenders with competitive rates and flexible terms for Idaho businesses. Discover which local banks, credit unions, and financial institutions participate in Small Business Administration lending programs, compare their requirements, and find the ideal financing partner to help your Idaho small business thrive in the Gem State’s growing economic landscape.
| Lender Name | City | Phone | SBA Program | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altura | Rexburg, ID | 208-356-4524 | 504 & 7(a) | alturaidaho.com |
| Bank of Commerce | Idaho Falls, ID | 208-523-2020 | 7(a) | bofc.bank |
| Bank of Eastern OR | Ontario, OR | 541-676-9884 | 7(a) | beobank.com |
| Bank of Idaho | Idaho Falls, ID | 888-396-8757 | 7(a) | bankofidaho.com |
| Banner Bank | Boise, ID | 509-527-3636 | 7(a) | bannerbank.com |
| CapEd Federal CU | Meridian, ID | 208-884-0150 | 7(a) | capedcu.com |
| Capital Matrix | Boise, ID | 208-383-3473 | 504 | capitalmatrix.org |
| Chase Bank | Boise, ID | 208-373-3131 | 7(a) | chase.com |
| Citizens Community Bank | Pocatello, ID | 208-232-5373 | 7(a) | chase.com |
| Community Bank | Joseph, OR | 800-472-4292 | 7(a) | communitybanknet.com |
| D.L. Evans Bank | Boise, ID | 208-331-1399 | 7(a) | dlevans.com |
| Eastern Idaho Development Corporation | Pocatello, ID | 208-234-7541 | 504 | eidevco.org |
| First Federal Savings Bank | Meridian, ID | 208-985-2555 | 7(a) | bankfirstfed.com |
| First Interstate Bank | Boise, ID | 855-342-3400 | 7(a) | firstinterstatebank.com |
| Frontier Community Resources | Twin Falls, ID | 208-732-5727 | 504 & 7(a) | frontiercr.org |
| Hillcrest Bank | Boise, ID | 855-629-7618 | 7(a) | hillcrestbank.com |
| Idaho Central Credit Union | Meridian, ID | 208-846-7000 | 7(a) | iccu.com |
| Idaho First Bank | Boise, ID | 208-493-5650 | 7(a) | idahofirstbank.com |
| Idaho Trust Bank | Boise, ID | 800-549-3333 | 7(a) | idahotrust.com |
| Ireland Bank | Malad City, ID | 208-766-2211 | 7(a) | ireland-bank.bank |
| Jannus | Boise, ID | 208-336-5533 | Microloans | eojannus.org |
| KeyBank | Boise, ID | 888-539-4249 | 7(a) | key.com |
| MOFI | Boise, ID | 844-728-9234 | Microloans | mofi.org |
| Mountain America Credit Union | Boise, ID | 208-6082716 | 7(a) | macu.com |
| Mountain West Bank | Boise, ID | 208-887-5073 | 7(a) | mountainwestbank.com |
| Northwest Bank | Boise, ID | 208-332-0700 | 7(a) | northwest-bank.com |
| Northwest Business Development Association | Boise, ID | 509-458-8555 | 504 | nwbusiness.org |
| Old West FCU | John Day, OR | 541-575-0264 | 7(a) | oldwestfcu.org |
| Panhandle Area Council | Boise, ID | 208-772-0584 | 504 | pacidaho.org |
| Sunwest Bank | Boise, ID | 800-330-9890 | 7(a) | sunwestbank.com |
| U.S. Bank | Boise, ID | 833-926-0592 | 7(a) | usbank.com |
| Umpqua Bank | Boise, ID | 866-486-7782 | 7(a) | umpquabank.com |
| Washington Federal | Boise, ID | 800-324-9375 | 7(a) | wafdbank.com |
| Washington Trust | Boise, ID | 800-788-4578 | 7(a) & Export | watrust.com |
| Wells Fargo | Boise, ID | 208-519-3300 | 7(a) | wellsfargo.com |
| Zions Bank | Boise, ID | 208-334-5523 | 7(a) | zionsbank.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are SBA loans and how do they work in Idaho?
A: SBA loans are government-backed loans provided through approved lenders in Idaho. The Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing risk for lenders and allowing them to offer more favorable terms to Idaho small businesses. The lender provides the funds while the SBA guarantees repayment up to a certain percentage, typically 75-85% depending on the program. This structure enables Idaho entrepreneurs to access capital with lower down payments, longer repayment terms, and competitive interest rates compared to conventional business loans.
Q: What types of SBA loans are available to Idaho businesses?
A: Idaho businesses can access various SBA loan programs including:
- SBA 7(a) loans: The most common program for general business purposes with loans up to $5 million
- SBA 504 loans: For major fixed asset purchases like real estate or equipment
- SBA Microloans: Smaller loans up to $50,000 for startups and smaller businesses
- SBA Express loans: Faster approval process with loans up to $500,000
- SBA Disaster loans: Special assistance for businesses affected by declared disasters
Q: What are the minimum requirements to qualify for an SBA loan in Idaho?
A: To qualify for an SBA loan in Idaho, businesses typically need:
- For-profit operation based in Idaho
- Owner-occupied (not primarily for investment)
- Good personal credit (typically 650+ FICO score)
- Sufficient cash flow to support loan payments
- No recent bankruptcies, foreclosures, or defaults on government loans
- Reasonable owner equity investment (typically 10-30% depending on the program)
- Operating history of at least 2 years (though some lenders work with startups)
Q: How do Idaho SBA lenders support agricultural and food processing businesses?
A: Idaho’s strong agricultural heritage has created specialized SBA lending expertise for value-added agriculture and food processing. Several Idaho lenders have developed industry-specific loan packages designed for potato processors, dairy operations, specialty grain producers, and emerging specialty food manufacturers. These lenders understand the seasonal cash flow patterns common in Idaho agriculture and can structure loans with flexible payment schedules aligned with harvest cycles. Some Idaho SBA lenders coordinate with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the University of Idaho’s Food Technology Center to help businesses access both financing and technical assistance. These specialized lending programs have supported Idaho’s evolution from commodity production to higher-value food processing and specialty agricultural products.
Q: Are there special SBA loan programs for Idaho’s rural businesses?
A: Yes, Idaho’s predominantly rural character has led to robust support for small-town entrepreneurs. Several Idaho SBA lenders participate in the USDA Rural Development Business & Industry Guarantee program alongside SBA programs to provide enhanced options for rural businesses. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like the Idaho Rural Partnership and regional economic development agencies to provide comprehensive support. Some Idaho lenders have developed specialized programs for businesses in remote communities, offering tailored financing solutions that address the unique challenges of rural business operations, including broadband access, workforce development, and market connectivity. These programs are particularly important in supporting economic diversification in Idaho’s natural resource-dependent rural communities.
Q: How do Idaho SBA lenders help businesses in the outdoor recreation and tourism industry?
A: Idaho’s spectacular natural resources have created specialized lending expertise for outdoor recreation businesses. Several Idaho lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for outfitters, guides, equipment retailers, lodging operations, and adventure tourism providers. These lenders understand the seasonal nature of Idaho’s tourism economy and can structure loans with flexible payment schedules aligned with peak visitor seasons. Some Idaho SBA lenders coordinate with the Idaho Department of Commerce Tourism Division and the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association to help businesses access both financing and industry support. These specialized lending programs have helped build Idaho’s growing reputation as an outdoor recreation destination by supporting the ecosystem of small businesses that enhance visitor experiences.
Q: Can technology and innovation businesses in Idaho access specialized SBA financing?
A: Yes, Idaho’s growing technology sector benefits from specialized SBA lending expertise. Several Idaho lenders have dedicated innovation banking divisions that understand the unique capital needs of software developers, aerospace suppliers, microelectronics manufacturers, and clean technology companies. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like Trailhead Boise, the Idaho Technology Council, and Idaho National Laboratory’s technology transfer programs to provide comprehensive support. While early-stage startups typically rely on angel investment, SBA loans become viable options as tech companies reach revenue generation and scaling phases, with Idaho lenders offering specialized packages for equipment, talent acquisition, and working capital needs during growth periods.
Q: How do Idaho SBA lenders support businesses in the mining and natural resources sector?
A: Idaho’s rich natural resource heritage has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several Idaho lenders have developed expertise in financing businesses that support the mining, timber, and energy sectors, including equipment suppliers, environmental services firms, and specialized contractors. These lenders understand the cyclical nature of resource-based industries and can structure loans to accommodate market fluctuations. Some Idaho SBA lenders coordinate with the Idaho Department of Lands and industry associations to help businesses navigate both financing and regulatory requirements. These specialized lending programs have helped Idaho’s natural resource industries evolve toward more sustainable and technology-enhanced operations by supporting the ecosystem of innovative small businesses serving these traditional sectors.
Q: Are there specialized SBA loan programs for Idaho’s manufacturing businesses?
A: Yes, Idaho’s diverse manufacturing sector benefits from specialized SBA lending expertise. Several Idaho lenders offer tailored loan packages for manufacturers in the state’s key sectors, including food processing, wood products, recreational equipment, and advanced manufacturing. The SBA 504 program is particularly popular for manufacturing facilities and equipment-intensive operations. Some Idaho lenders have developed expertise in financing automation and technology upgrades that help Idaho manufacturers remain competitive in global markets. These lenders often coordinate with TechHelp (Idaho’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership) and the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance to provide comprehensive support. These specialized programs align with Idaho’s efforts to grow and diversify its manufacturing base beyond traditional resource processing into higher-value production.
Q: What other resources are available for SBA loans?
A: Other resources provided by Bigger Bottom Line include:
Q: How do I get assistance in getting an SBA or other business loan?
A: Contact the experts! We can assist from advising which lenders to submit to all the way through to developing & submitting a complete business loan package and anything in between. Contact us now for a free evaluation.