Searching for trusted North Carolina SBA lenders to power your business growth? Our comprehensive directory connects North Carolina entrepreneurs with approved SBA loan providers throughout Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina small business thrive in the Tar Heel State’s dynamic economic landscape.
| Lender name | Phone | Website | Speciality Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1St Colonial Community Bank | 877-785-8550 | 1stcolonial.com | 7a |
| 504 Capital Corporation | 919-645-5735 | 504 | |
| Alliance Bank & Trust Company | 704-867-5828 | alliancebanknc.com | 7a |
| American Equity Bank | 952-939-7200 | luminate.bank | 7a |
| Ameris Bank | 866-616-6020 | amerisbank.com | 7a |
| Atlantic Union Bank | 800-990-4828 | atlanticunionbank.com | 7a |
| Bank Five Nine | 888-569-9909 | bankfivenine.com | 7a |
| Bank of America | 866-283-4075 | bankofamerica.com | 7a |
| Bank of George | 702-851-4200 | bankofgeorge.com | 7a |
| Bank of Oak Ridge | 336-644-9944 | bankofoakridge.com | 7a |
| BayFirst National Bank | 833-220-2792 | bayfirstfinancial.com | 7a |
| BEFCOR | 704-414-3000 | befcor.com | 504 |
| Berkshire Bank | 800-773-5601 | berkshirebank.com | 7a |
| Blue Ridge Bank | 888-331-6521 | mybrb.com | 7a |
| Business Development Corporation | 803-798-4064 | businessdevelopment.org | 504 |
| Byline Bank | 773-244-7000 | bylinebank.com | 7a |
| Cadence Bank | 800-636-7622 | cadencebank.com | 7a |
| Capstar Bank | 888-202-3950 | capstarbank.com | 7a |
| Carolina Business Capital | 704-373-1233 | cbc504.com | 504, CA |
| Carolina Community Impact | 919-785-0718 | ccifund.org | ML, CA |
| Carolina Small Business Development Fund | 919-803-1437 | carolinasmallbusiness.org | CA |
| Celtic Bank Corporation | 801-363-6500 | celticbank.com | 7a |
| CIBC Bank USA | 877-448-6500 | us.cibc.com | 7a |
| Citizens Bank | 866-882-2265 | citizensbank24.com | 7a |
| Coastal FCU | 800-868-4262 | coastal24.com | 7a |
| Cogent Bank | 386-774-0977 | cogentbank.com | 7a |
| Community First Bank, Inc. | 864-364-6130 | c1stbank.com | 7a |
| Connectone Bank | 844-266-2548 | connectonebank.com | 7a |
| CRF Small Business Loan Company, LLC | 800-475-3050 | crfusa.com | 7a |
| Customers Bank | 833-595-0618 | customersbank.com | 7a |
| Dogwood State Bank | 855-557-6863 | dogwoodstatebank.com | 7a |
| Embassy National Bank | 800-560-9883 | embassynationalbank.com | 7a |
| Fidelity Bank | 855-547-1385 | fidelitybanknc.com | 7a |
| Fifth Third Bank | 866-671-5353 | 53.com | 7a |
| First Bank | 866-792-4357 | localfirstbank.com | 7a |
| First Bank and Trust Company | 276-623-2323 | firstbank.com | 7a |
| First Bank of The Lake | 573-348-2265 | fblake.bank | 7a |
| First Financial Bank | 800-562-6896 | ffb1.com | 7a |
| First National Bank of Pennsylvania | 833-226-5362 | fnb-online.com | 7a |
| First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company | 888-323-4732 | firstcitizens.com | 7a |
| Fund-Ex Solutions Group, LLC | 866-297-4311 | fundexsolutions.com | 7a |
| Grasshopper Bank | 888-895-9685 | grasshopper.bank | 7a |
| Harvest Small Business Finance | 919-924-7166 | harvestsbf.com | 7a |
| Hometrust Bank | 800-627-1632 | htb.com | 7a |
| Incrediblebank | 888-842-0221 | incrediblebank.com | 7a |
| Institute Capital | 919-956-8889 | CA | |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank | 212-270-6000 | jpmorgan.com | 7a |
| KS Bank, Inc. | 919-938-3101 | ksbankinc.com | 7a |
| Lendingclub Bank | 888-596-3157 | lendingclub.com | 7a |
| Live Oak Banking Company | 866-518-0286 | liveoakbank.com | 7a |
| Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company | 800-724-2440 | www3.mtb.com | 7a |
| Mechanics & Farmers Bank | 844-463-2265 | mfbonline.com | 7a |
| Mountain Bizcapital, Inc. | 828-253-2834 | mountainbizworks.org | CA, ML |
| Newtek Small Business Finance, Inc. | 877-323-4678 | newtekone.com | 7a |
| North State Bank | 877-807-9668 | northstatebank.com | 7a |
| Partner Community Capital, Inc. | 681-252-4306 | partnercap.org | 7a |
| Peoples Bank | 877-802-1212 | peoplesbanknc.com | 7a |
| Pinnacle Bank | 800-262-7175 | pnfp.com | 7a |
| PNC Bank | 888-762-2265 | pnc.com | 7a |
| Readycap Lending, LLC | 800-713-4984 | readycapital.com | 7a |
| Regions Bank | 800-734-4667 | regions.com | 7a |
| Self-Help Credit Union | 800-966-7353 | self-help.org | 7a |
| Skyline National Bank | 866-773-2811 | skylinenationalbank.bank | 7a |
| Southern Bank and Trust Company | 855-275-7226 | southernbank.com | 7a |
| Southstate Bank | 800-277-2175 | southstatebank.com | 7a |
| Stearns Bank | 800-320-7262 | stearnsbank.com | 7a |
| Surrey Bank & Trust | 336-783-3900 | surreybank.com | 7a |
| TD Bank | 888-751-9000 | td.com | 7a |
| The Bancorp Bank | 800-545-0289 | thebancorp.com | 7a |
| The Huntington National Bank | 800-480-2265 | huntington.com | 7a |
| Towne Bank | 844-638-6724 | townebank.com | 7a |
| Truist Bank | 844-487-8478 | truist.com | 7a |
| Truliant FCU | 800-822-0382 | truliantfcu.org | 7a |
| U.S. Bank | 800-872-2657 | usbank.com | 7a |
| Union Bank | 800-238-4486 | unionbank.com | 7a |
| United Community Bank | 800-822-2651 | ucbi.com | 7a |
| United Midwest Savings Bank | 800-686-2052 | umwsb.com | 7a |
| Uwharrie Bank | 800-438-6864 | uwharrie.com | 7a |
| Wells Fargo Bank | 800-869-3557 | wellsfargo.com | 7a |
| West Town Bank & Trust | 855-693-8290 | westtownbank.com | 7a |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are SBA loans and how do they work in North Carolina?
A: SBA loans are government-backed loans provided through approved lenders in North Carolina. The Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing risk for lenders and allowing them to offer more favorable terms to North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina businesses?
A: North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
A: To qualify for an SBA loan in North Carolina, businesses typically need:
- For-profit operation based in North Carolina
- 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 North Carolina SBA lenders support businesses in the technology and life sciences sectors?
A: North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle Park has created specialized SBA lending expertise in these sectors. Several North Carolina lenders have developed industry-specific loan packages designed for biotech startups, healthcare technology companies, agricultural technology developers, and software firms. These lenders understand the unique capital needs, regulatory considerations, and growth trajectories of technology and life sciences businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some North Carolina SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the Council for Entrepreneurial Development, and the state’s regional tech hubs to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen North Carolina’s innovation ecosystem by financing businesses that complement major research institutions like Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State, with particular attention to companies commercializing research from these institutions and creating high-skill employment opportunities throughout the state’s technology corridors. As North Carolina continues evolving as a hub for life sciences innovation that bridges research and commercial applications, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps entrepreneurs navigate the complex path from scientific discovery to market success.
Q: Are there special SBA loan programs for North Carolina’s manufacturing and advanced materials businesses?
A: Yes, North Carolina’s manufacturing heritage has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several North Carolina lenders offer tailored loan packages for furniture manufacturers, textile innovators, aerospace suppliers, automotive components producers, and advanced materials companies. These lenders understand the capital-intensive nature of manufacturing and can structure loans for equipment, facilities, and technology adoption. Some North Carolina SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina to help businesses access both financing and technical assistance. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen North Carolina’s manufacturing competitiveness by financing businesses that are modernizing production processes, implementing automation, and developing specialized products for global markets. As manufacturing evolves in North Carolina from traditional industries like furniture and textiles to advanced manufacturing in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and clean energy, these lenders have developed expertise in helping companies navigate this transition through strategic capital investments that improve productivity and create higher-skill employment opportunities throughout the state’s diverse manufacturing regions.
Q: How do North Carolina SBA lenders help businesses in the agricultural and food production sectors?
A: North Carolina’s agricultural strength has created specialized lending expertise for food and farm businesses. Several North Carolina SBA lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for specialty crop producers, food processors, farm-to-table enterprises, craft beverage makers, and agricultural technology companies. These lenders understand the seasonal nature of agriculture and can structure loans with flexible payment schedules aligned with production cycles. Some North Carolina lenders coordinate with organizations like the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, NC Farm Bureau, and NC State Extension to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen North Carolina’s agricultural economy by financing innovative businesses that are adding value to the state’s diverse agricultural products – from sweet potatoes to pork to specialty crops. As consumer interest in local food systems continues growing, these lenders have developed expertise in financing businesses that connect North Carolina’s agricultural heritage with contemporary market opportunities, helping farms and food businesses develop premium products, expand distribution, and create sustainable business models that preserve agricultural traditions while embracing innovation.
Q: Can tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation businesses in North Carolina access specialized SBA financing?
A: Yes, North Carolina’s diverse tourism assets benefit from specialized SBA lending expertise. Several North Carolina lenders offer tailored loan packages for hotels, restaurants, attractions, tour operators, and outdoor recreation providers from the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge Mountains. These lenders understand the seasonal nature of tourism in many parts of North Carolina and can structure loans with flexible payment schedules aligned with visitor patterns. Some North Carolina SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association and the state’s tourism development authorities to provide comprehensive support. These specialized programs have supported North Carolina’s position as a premier destination by financing businesses that enhance visitor experiences throughout the state’s diverse regions – from coastal communities to vibrant urban centers to mountain getaways. As experiential tourism continues growing, these lenders have developed expertise in financing businesses that connect visitors with North Carolina’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary traditions. From boutique hotels in Asheville to seafood restaurants on the coast to adventure outfitters in the mountains, these lenders help finance the businesses that make North Carolina a distinctive destination while creating significant employment opportunities in communities that rely on visitor spending.
Q: How do North Carolina SBA lenders support minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities?
A: North Carolina’s diverse population has led to specialized lending approaches for businesses in historically underserved communities. Several North Carolina SBA lenders have developed programs specifically focused on expanding capital access for entrepreneurs of color throughout the state. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like the Carolina Small Business Development Fund, the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) like North Carolina Central University and North Carolina A&T State University to provide culturally responsive support. Some North Carolina lenders participate in the SBA Community Advantage program and other initiatives specifically designed to increase lending in underserved markets. These specialized lending programs align with North Carolina’s commitment to inclusive economic development by providing targeted outreach, technical assistance, and financing structures that address the specific challenges minority entrepreneurs may face. From neighborhood-serving businesses in Charlotte’s historic West End to innovative startups in Durham’s Black Wall Street district to manufacturing enterprises in rural communities, these lenders help finance diverse business ventures that strengthen local economies while creating pathways to wealth creation in communities that have historically faced barriers to capital access.
Q: Are there specialized SBA loan programs for North Carolina’s rural businesses and communities?
A: Yes, North Carolina’s geographic diversity has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several North Carolina SBA lenders have developed specialized programs focused on expanding capital access for rural entrepreneurs, particularly in the state’s eastern agricultural regions, western mountain communities, and small towns throughout the Piedmont. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like the NC Rural Center, regional Councils of Government, and the USDA Rural Development office to provide comprehensive support. Some North Carolina lenders participate in programs like the USDA Business & Industry Guarantee alongside SBA programs to provide enhanced options for rural businesses. These specialized lending programs align with North Carolina’s commitment to rural economic development by providing tailored assistance that helps rural entrepreneurs overcome geographic challenges, access markets, and leverage local assets to create sustainable businesses. From value-added agricultural enterprises to manufacturing operations that provide crucial employment in small communities to tourism businesses that showcase rural heritage, these lenders help finance diverse ventures that strengthen North Carolina’s small towns and rural landscapes while creating economic opportunities that help retain talent in communities facing population challenges.
Q: How do North Carolina SBA lenders support businesses in the clean energy and sustainability sectors?
A: North Carolina’s leadership in renewable energy has created specialized lending expertise for sustainability-focused businesses. Several North Carolina lenders offer tailored loan packages for solar developers, energy efficiency contractors, sustainable building companies, and clean technology firms. These lenders understand the policy environment and incentive structures that influence clean energy economics and can structure loans accordingly. Some North Carolina SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association and the state’s Clean Energy Technology Center to provide comprehensive support. These specialized programs have supported North Carolina’s position as a southeastern leader in clean energy by financing businesses that implement renewable energy systems, develop energy-efficient technologies, and create environmental solutions. From solar installers taking advantage of North Carolina’s abundant sunshine to energy efficiency contractors helping businesses reduce costs to innovative companies developing next-generation clean technologies, these lenders help finance the businesses that are building North Carolina’s sustainable economy while addressing environmental challenges. As the state continues its energy transition, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps entrepreneurs develop solutions that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Q: How do North Carolina SBA lenders support businesses in the state’s growing financial technology sector?
A: North Carolina’s position as a banking center has created specialized lending expertise for financial technology businesses. Several North Carolina lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for fintech startups, financial service providers, and technology companies serving the banking industry. These lenders understand the unique regulatory considerations, capital needs, and growth trajectories of financial businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some North Carolina SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the Charlotte Fintech Hub, the Research Triangle Fintech District, and the state’s financial services initiatives to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen North Carolina’s fintech ecosystem by financing innovative businesses that complement the state’s established financial institutions like Bank of America and Truist, with particular attention to companies developing technologies that improve financial inclusion, streamline compliance, enhance security, and create more efficient financial services. As North Carolina continues evolving as a hub for financial innovation that bridges traditional banking and emerging technologies, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps entrepreneurs navigate this rapidly changing landscape while creating high-value employment opportunities in the state’s urban centers and beyond.
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.