Searching for trusted Kentucky SBA lenders to power your business growth? Our comprehensive directory connects Kentucky entrepreneurs with approved SBA loan providers throughout Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Covington 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky small business thrive in the Bluegrass State’s diverse economic landscape.
| 7(a) Lenders | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Abound Credit Union | (800) 285-5669 | aboundcu.com |
| Bank of Cadiz | (270) 522-6066 | bankofcadiz.com |
| Bank of Columbia | (270 ) 384-6433 | bankcolumbia.com |
| Bank of the Bluegrass | (859) 685-3046 | bankofthebluegrass.com |
| Truist (formerly BB&T) | (770) 369-9945 | bbt.com |
| Bedford Loan Deposit Bank | (502) 222-4546 | bedfordbank.com |
| Central Bank | (502) 901-6961 | centralbank.com |
| CFSB (Community Financial Services Bank) | (270) 527-6029 | cfsbky.com |
| Citizens Bank & Trust Co. | (270) 465-8193 | cbtky.com |
| Citizens Bank of Kentucky | (606) 264-3047 | wercitizens.bank |
| Citizens Deposit Bank | (270) 628-9199 | cdbt.com |
| Citizens Union Bank | (859) 361-8764 | cubbank.com |
| Clinton Bank | (270) 653-4001 | clintonbankky.com |
| Commercial Bank of Grayson County | (606) 474-7811 | cbgrayson.com |
| Community Trust Bank Inc. | (606) 437-3216 | ctbi.com |
| C-Plant Federal Credit Union | (270) 450-7031 | cplant.com |
| Cumberland Valley National Bank | (859) 269-0271 | cvnb.com |
| Eclipse Bank | (502) 500-2702 | eclipsebank.com |
| Edmonton State Bank | (270) 659-3555 | edmontonstatebank.com |
| Farmers National Bank of Lebanon | (270) 692-3177 | farmersnational.bank |
| Fifth Third Bank | (419) 259-6925 | 53.com |
| First & Farmers National Bank | (606) 677-2212 | firstandfarmers.com |
| First & Peoples Bank and Trust Co. | (606) 833-5923 | firstandpeoplesbank.com |
| First Community Bank of the Heartland | (270) 653-4301 | fcbheartland.com |
| First Financial Bank | (513) 901-6941 | bankatfirst.com |
| First Kentucky Bank Inc. | (270) 251-4960 | firstkentucky.com |
| First National Bank of Grayson | (606) 474-2000 | fnbgrayson.com |
| First Southern National Bank | (859) 792-7115 | fsnb.net |
| First State Bank of the Southeast | (606) 248-9509 | ourfsb.bank |
| FNB Bank Inc | (270) 251-6058 | growwithfnb.com |
| Forcht Bank | (859) 263-6552 | forchtbank.com |
| Franklin Bank & Trust Company | (270) 586-7121 | fbtco.com |
| German American Bank | (270) 663-4705 | germanamerican.com |
| Hancock Bank & Trust | (270) 467-3317 | www.first-online.bank |
| Heartside Bank | (606) 242-1034 | hearthsidebank.com |
| Heritage Bank USA | (270) 887-8405 | bankwithheritage.com |
| Heritage Bank, Inc. | (859) 261-2430 | heritagebank-ky.com |
| Hometown Bank of Corbin | (606) 526-2718 | ahometownbank.com |
| Huntington Bank | (859) 514-6022 | huntington.com |
| Independence Bank | (270) 869-0791 | 1776bank.com |
| JP Morgan Chase Bank | (270) 926-5701 | chase.com |
| Kentucky Bank | (859) 737-8179 | kybank.com |
| Limestone Bank | (270) 524-7283 | limestonebank.com |
| Magnolia Bank Inc. | (270) 765-4072 | magnoliabank.com |
| Monticello Banking Co. | (606) 348-1215 | mbcbank.com |
| Morgantown Bank & Trust | (270) 288-0882 | morgantownbank.com |
| Old National Bank | (502) 540-7314 | oldnational.com |
| Paducah Bank & Trust Co. | (270) 575-6618 | paducahbank.com |
| Peoples Bank | (216) 910-0560 | peoplesbancorp.com |
| Peoples Bank of Kentucky | (606) 845-2461 | peoplesbankofky.com |
| Peoples Exchange Bank | (859) 737-6850 | pebank.com |
| Peoples Bank Mt. Washington | (502) 538-7301 | peoples.com |
| Planters Bank Inc. | (270) 886-9030 | plantersbankonline.com |
| PNC Bank Inc. | (513) 841-0024 | pnc.com |
| Regions Bank | (270) 441-1543 | regions.com |
| Republic Bank & Trust Co | (502) 329-4510 | republicbank.com |
| South Central Bank Inc. | (502) 901-6961 | southcentralbank.com |
| Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co. | (513) 824-6158 | syb.com |
| The Cecilian Bank | (270) 737-1593 | thececilianbank.com |
| Town & Country Bank and Trust Co. | (502) 348-3911 | mytcbt.bank |
| Traditional Bank | (859) 498-0414 | traditionalbank.com |
| U.S. Bank | (502) 533-8770 | usbank.com |
| United Citizens Bank & Trust Co. | (502) 732-6669 | unitedcitizensbank.com |
| United Cumberland Bank | (606) 376-5031 | unitedcumberland.com |
| WesBanco | (270) 769-5139 | wesbanco.com |
| Whitaker Bank, Inc. | (800) 650-6717 | whitakerbank.com |
| Wilson & Muir Bank & Trust Co. | (502) 479-7203 | wilsonmuirbank.com |
| National and Regional 7(a) Lenders | ||
| Fidelity Bank | (404) 553-2350 | fidelitybank.com |
| Key Bank | key.com | |
| Live Oak Banking Co | (877) 890-5867 | liveoakbank.com |
| Wells Fargo Bank | (612) 667-1503 | wellsfargo.com |
| 504 Lenders | ||
| Capital Access Corporation-Kentucky | (502) 584-2175 | cac-ky.org |
| Community Ventures | (859) 231-0054 | cvky.org |
| HCDC Business Lending | (513) 458-2215 | alloydev.org |
| Premier Capital | (317) 201-6272 | 504partner.com |
| Purchase Area Development District | (270) 247-7171 | purchaseadd.org |
| Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corp. | (606) 677-6102 | southeastkentucky.com |
| Small Business Growth Corp. | (217) 787-7557 | growthcorp.com |
| Community Advantage Lenders | ||
| Community Ventures | (859) 231-0054 | cvky.org |
| Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation | (606) 864-5175 | khic.org |
| Microlenders | ||
| Community Ventures | (859) 231-0054 | cvky.org |
| Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation | (606) 864-5175 | khic.org |
| Mountain Association | (859) 986-2373 | maced.org |
| Purchase Area Development District | (270) 247-7171 | purchaseadd.org |
| Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corp. | (606) 677-6102 | southeastkentucky.com |
| Export Assistance Lenders | ||
| Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company | (513) 824-6158 | syb.com |
| Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) | ||
| Kentucky PTAC | (859) 251-6019 | kyptac.ecenterdirect.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are SBA loans and how do they work in Kentucky?
A: SBA loans are government-backed loans provided through approved lenders in Kentucky. The Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing risk for lenders and allowing them to offer more favorable terms to Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky businesses?
A: Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
A: To qualify for an SBA loan in Kentucky, businesses typically need:
- For-profit operation based in Kentucky
- 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 Kentucky SBA lenders support businesses in the bourbon and spirits industry?
A: Kentucky’s iconic bourbon industry has created specialized SBA lending expertise in this sector. Several Kentucky lenders have developed industry-specific loan packages designed for craft distilleries, cooperages, tourism experiences, and ancillary businesses supporting the bourbon trail. These lenders understand the unique capital needs and aging inventory considerations of spirits production and can structure loans accordingly. Some Kentucky SBA lenders coordinate with the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and state tourism agencies to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped fuel Kentucky’s bourbon renaissance by financing the ecosystem of small businesses that complement the major distilleries, with particular attention to craft producers revitalizing historic distilling traditions and creating unique visitor experiences that drive tourism throughout the Bluegrass region.
Q: Are there special SBA loan programs for Kentucky’s agricultural and equine businesses?
A: Yes, Kentucky’s agricultural heritage has influenced local SBA lending practices. While the SBA doesn’t directly fund primary agricultural production, Kentucky SBA lenders support value-added agricultural businesses, equine service providers, farm equipment suppliers, and agribusiness operations. These lenders understand the unique aspects of Kentucky agriculture and can structure loans to accommodate seasonal patterns. Several Kentucky lenders coordinate with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture to help businesses access both financing and technical assistance. Some lenders have developed expertise in financing specialized equine facilities, thoroughbred industry support businesses, and innovative agricultural ventures that are diversifying beyond traditional tobacco production into new high-value crops and sustainable farming practices.
Q: How do Kentucky SBA lenders help businesses in the manufacturing and automotive sectors?
A: Kentucky’s strong manufacturing presence has created specialized lending expertise for production businesses. Several Kentucky SBA lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for automotive suppliers, metal fabricators, food processors, and other manufacturing specialties. These lenders understand the capital-intensive nature of manufacturing and can structure loans for equipment, facilities, and working capital needs. Some Kentucky lenders coordinate with organizations like the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the Kentucky Automotive Industry Association to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Kentucky’s manufacturing competitiveness by financing the small and mid-sized businesses that form critical links in supply chains for major employers like Ford, Toyota, and GE Appliances, with particular attention to technology adoption that keeps Kentucky manufacturers globally competitive.
Q: Can healthcare and medical services businesses in Kentucky access specialized SBA financing?
A: Yes, Kentucky’s evolving healthcare landscape benefits from specialized SBA lending expertise. Several Kentucky lenders offer tailored loan packages for medical practices, rural health clinics, behavioral health providers, and specialized care facilities. These lenders understand healthcare reimbursement models and can structure loans to accommodate the cash flow patterns typical in this sector. Some Kentucky SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the Kentucky Rural Health Association and the Kentucky Hospital Association to provide comprehensive support. These specialized programs align with Kentucky’s efforts to address healthcare challenges in both urban centers and rural communities, with particular attention to innovative delivery models that improve access in the state’s medically underserved Appalachian region and other rural areas facing physician shortages and facility needs.
Q: How do Kentucky SBA lenders support businesses in the logistics and distribution industry?
A: Kentucky’s strategic location has created specialized lending expertise for logistics businesses. Several Kentucky SBA lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for transportation companies, warehousing operations, fulfillment centers, and logistics service providers. These lenders understand the capital-intensive nature of logistics businesses and can structure loans to accommodate equipment acquisition and facility needs. Some Kentucky lenders coordinate with organizations like the Kentucky Trucking Association and regional economic development agencies to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Kentucky’s position as a logistics hub by financing the businesses that capitalize on the state’s central location and proximity to major population centers, with particular attention to the growing e-commerce fulfillment sector that leverages Kentucky’s extensive interstate network and air cargo capabilities centered around the UPS Worldport in Louisville.
Q: Are there specialized SBA loan programs for Kentucky’s tourism and hospitality businesses?
A: Yes, Kentucky’s diverse tourism assets have influenced local SBA lending practices. Several Kentucky lenders offer tailored loan packages for lodging properties, restaurants, attractions, and outdoor recreation businesses. These lenders understand the seasonal nature of tourism in many parts of Kentucky and can structure loans with flexible payment schedules aligned with visitor patterns. Some Kentucky SBA lenders coordinate with the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and regional tourism organizations to help businesses access both financing and industry support. These specialized programs have supported Kentucky’s growing tourism economy by financing businesses along the bourbon trail, in horse country, throughout the state park system, and in emerging adventure tourism destinations in Eastern Kentucky, with particular attention to businesses that extend visitor stays and increase tourism spending in previously overlooked communities.
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.