Searching for trusted Ohio SBA lenders to power your business growth? Our comprehensive directory connects Ohio entrepreneurs with approved SBA loan providers throughout Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo 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 Ohio 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 Ohio small business thrive in the Buckeye State’s diverse economic landscape.
| Lender | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | (800) 432-1000 | bankofamerica.com |
| CF Bank | (614) 334-7979 | cfbankonline.com |
| Civista Bank | (800) 432-9368 | civista.bank |
| CME Federal Credit Union | (888) 224-3108 | cmefcu.org |
| First City Bank | (614) 487-1010 | myfirstcitybank.com |
| First Commonwealth Bank | (800) 711-2265 | fcbanking.com |
| First Federal Community Bank | (614) 430-8100 | ffcb.com |
| First Financial Bank | (877) 322-9530 | bankatfirst.com |
| First Merchants Bank | (800) 205-3464 | firstmerchants.com |
| First Service Credit Union | (614) 836-0100 | firstcu.com |
| Heartland Bank | (800) 697-0049 | heartland.bank |
| Kemba Credit Union | (800) 282-6420 | kemba.org |
| LCNB National Bank | (800) 344-2256 | lcnb.com |
| North Valley Bank | (614) 754-7226 | nvboh.com |
| Ohio Healthcare Credit Union | (866) 254-4791 | ohiohealthcarefcu.com |
| Ohio State Bank | (614) 697-1000 | bankatosb.com |
| Park National Bank | (888) 791-8633 | parknationalbank.com |
| Pathways Financial Credit Union | (800) 367-7485 | pathwayscu.com |
| Peoples Bank | (800) 374-6123 | peoplesbancorp.com |
| State Bank | (877) 867-4218 | yourstatebank.com |
| Telhio Credit Union | (614) 221-3233 | telhio.org |
| United Midwest Savings Bank | (800) 686-2052 | umwsb.com |
| U.S. Bank | (800) 872-2657 | usbank.com |
| Vinton County National Bank | (800) 542-5004 | vcnbfamily.com |
| Wright-Patt Credit Union | (800) 762-0047 | wpcu.coop |
| Buckeye State Bank | (844) 225-9265 | joinbsb.com |
| First Commonwealth Bank | (800) 711-2265 | fcbanking.com |
| First Federal Community Bank | (614) 808-0536 | ffcb.com |
| Kemba Credit Union | (800) 282-5420 | kemba.org |
| Pathways Financial Credit Union | (800) 367-7485 | pathwayscu.com |
| U.S. Bank | (800) 872-2657 | usbank.com |
| Bremen Banking Center | (740) 964-5161 | vcnbfamil.com |
| First Federal Savings | (740) 345-3494 | firstfedohio.com |
| Heartland Bank | (740) 349-7888 | heartland.bank |
| Hopewell Federal Credit Union | (740) 522-8311 | hopewellfcu.org |
| Park National Bank | (740) 349-8451 | parknationalbank.com |
| Peoples Bank | (740) 366-3900 | peoplesbancorp.com |
| Pataskala Banking Co. | (740) 927-4956 | pataskalabank.com |
| TrueCore Federal Credit Union | (740) 345-6608 | truecore.org |
| Community Bank | (740) 454-1600 | thecombank.com |
| North Valley Bank | (740) 452-7920 | nvboh.com |
| Peoples Bank | (740) 588-0100 | peoplesbancorp.com |
| Civista Bank | (419) 347-5141 | civista.bank |
| First Federal Bank of Ohio | (419) 756-5494 | firstfederalbankofohio.com |
| Home Savings Bank | (419) 884-1313 | homesavings.com |
| Mechanics Bank | (419) 524-0831 | mymechanics.com |
| Park National Bank | (419) 525-8700 | parknationalbank.com |
| Sutton Bank | (419) 756-2449 | suttonbank.com |
| U.S. Bank | (800) 872-2657 | usbank.com |
| Statewide Lenders | ||
| Fifth Third Bank | (866) 671-5353 | 53.com |
| Huntington National Bank | (800) 480-2265 | huntington.com |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank | (800) 935-9935 | jpmorganchase.com |
| KeyBank | (800) 539-2968 | key.com |
| PNC Bank | (888) 762-2265 | pnc.com |
| Stearns Bank | (888) 320-2899 | stearnsbank.com |
| Wells Fargo Bank | (800) 869-3557 | wellsfargo.com |
| Certified Development Companies | ||
| Access Business Development Finance Inc. | (513) 777-2225 | accessbdf.com |
| Citywide Small Business Development Corp. | (937) 226-0457 | citywidedev.com |
| Clark County Development Corp. | (937) 322-7821 | smbusdev.org |
| Community Capital Development Corp. | (614) 645-6171 | ccdcorp.org |
| County Corp Development, dba BizCap | (937) 225-6328 | bizcap.org |
| HCDC Inc. | (513) 631-8292 | hcdc.com |
| Ohio Statewide Development Corp. | (614) 481-3214 | osdc.net |
| West Central Partnership, dba Anchor Financial Services | (419) 222-0130 | anchorsba.com |
| Community Advantage Lenders | (419) 222-0130 | anchorsba.com |
| Economic & Community Development Institute | (614) 559-0115 | ecdi.org |
| Finance Fund | (614) 221-1114 | financefund.org |
| Microlenders | ||
| Economic & Community Development Institute | (614) 559-0115 | ecdi.org |
| Export Assistance Lenders | ||
| Byline Bank | (773) 244-7000 | bylinebank.com |
| Commercial & Savings Bank | (330) 674-9015 | csb1.com |
| First Financial Savings Bank | (877) 322-9530 | bankatfirst.com |
| First Savings Bank/Q2 Business Capital | (513) 284-0459 | q2businesscapital.com |
| World Trade Finance-ExWorks Capital | (312) 443-8500 | exworkscapital.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are SBA loans and how do they work in Ohio?
A: SBA loans are government-backed loans provided through approved lenders in Ohio. The Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing risk for lenders and allowing them to offer more favorable terms to Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio businesses?
A: Ohio 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 Ohio?
A: To qualify for an SBA loan in Ohio, businesses typically need:
- For-profit operation based in Ohio
- 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 Ohio SBA lenders support businesses in the advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors?
A: Ohio’s manufacturing heritage has created specialized SBA lending expertise in these sectors. Several Ohio lenders have developed industry-specific loan packages designed for automotive suppliers, precision manufacturers, additive manufacturing companies, and industrial technology developers. These lenders understand the unique capital needs, equipment requirements, and growth trajectories of manufacturing businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Ohio SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership, JobsOhio, and the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing ecosystem by financing businesses that support major employers like Honda, Ford, and GE Aviation, with particular attention to companies implementing advanced technologies that improve productivity and competitiveness. As Ohio’s manufacturing sector continues evolving from traditional production to Industry 4.0 adoption, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps manufacturers invest in automation, robotics, and digital technologies while creating higher-skill employment opportunities throughout the state’s diverse manufacturing regions from Cincinnati to Cleveland to Toledo.
Q: Are there special SBA loan programs for Ohio’s healthcare and biomedical businesses?
A: Yes, Ohio’s strength in healthcare has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several Ohio lenders offer tailored loan packages for medical practices, healthcare technology developers, biomedical researchers, and healthcare service providers. These lenders understand the unique regulatory considerations, capital needs, and growth trajectories of healthcare businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Ohio SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like BioOhio, the Cleveland Clinic Innovations, and regional healthcare collaboratives to help businesses access both financing and industry support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Ohio’s position as a healthcare innovation hub by financing businesses that complement the state’s world-class medical institutions like the Cleveland Clinic, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. From medical device manufacturers in Northeast Ohio to digital health startups in Columbus to specialized service providers throughout the state, these lenders have developed expertise in helping healthcare entrepreneurs navigate the complex healthcare landscape while developing solutions that improve patient outcomes and create high-value employment opportunities in this growing sector.
Q: How do Ohio SBA lenders help businesses in the logistics and transportation sectors?
A: Ohio’s strategic location has created specialized lending expertise for logistics businesses. Several Ohio SBA lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for trucking companies, warehousing operations, distribution centers, and transportation technology providers. These lenders understand the unique equipment needs and operational considerations of logistics businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Ohio lenders coordinate with organizations like the Ohio Trucking Association, regional port authorities, and logistics councils to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Ohio’s position as a logistics powerhouse by financing businesses that leverage the state’s central location and extensive transportation infrastructure. From trucking companies in Toledo to distribution centers in Columbus to intermodal facilities in Cincinnati, these lenders have developed expertise in financing the facilities, equipment, and technologies that enable efficient movement of goods. As e-commerce continues transforming retail distribution and supply chain patterns, these lenders help logistics businesses adapt through strategic capital investments that improve efficiency and create employment opportunities throughout Ohio’s transportation corridors.
Q: Can technology and software development businesses in Ohio access specialized SBA financing?
A: Yes, Ohio’s growing technology presence benefits from specialized SBA lending expertise. Several Ohio lenders offer tailored loan packages for software developers, information technology firms, cybersecurity companies, and other technology innovators from Cincinnati’s startup scene to Columbus’s technology corridor to Cleveland’s health tech cluster. These lenders understand the unique growth patterns of technology businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Ohio SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like Ohio Tech, the Ohio Innovation Fund, and regional technology councils to provide comprehensive support. While early-stage startups typically rely on venture capital, SBA loans become viable options as tech companies reach revenue generation and scaling phases. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Ohio’s technology ecosystem by financing businesses that leverage the state’s strong university research, talent pool, and lower operating costs compared to coastal tech hubs. From healthcare IT in Cleveland to financial technology in Cincinnati to enterprise software in Columbus, these lenders help finance diverse technology ventures that are transforming Ohio’s economy while creating high-skill employment opportunities that attract and retain tech talent in the state.
Q: How do Ohio SBA lenders support minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities?
A: Ohio’s diverse population has led to specialized lending approaches for businesses in historically underserved communities. Several Ohio SBA lenders have developed programs specifically focused on expanding capital access for entrepreneurs of color throughout the state’s urban centers and beyond. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council, the Urban League, and minority business assistance centers to provide culturally responsive support. Some Ohio 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 Ohio’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 Cleveland’s Glenville district to innovative startups in Cincinnati’s Uptown Innovation Corridor to manufacturing enterprises in Toledo’s opportunity zones, 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 Ohio’s food and agricultural businesses?
A: Yes, Ohio’s agricultural strength has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several Ohio SBA lenders have developed expertise in financing specialty food producers, craft beverage makers, agricultural technology companies, and farm-to-table enterprises. These lenders understand the seasonal nature of agriculture and can structure loans with flexible payment schedules aligned with production cycles. Some Ohio lenders coordinate with organizations like the Center for Innovative Food Technology, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and the Ohio Farm Bureau to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Ohio’s food economy by financing innovative businesses that add value to the state’s agricultural products – from specialty grains to dairy to fruits and vegetables. From craft breweries in Columbus to specialty food manufacturers in Cleveland to agricultural technology developers in rural communities, these lenders help finance food and agricultural enterprises that connect Ohio’s farming heritage with contemporary market opportunities. As consumer interest in local food systems continues growing, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps entrepreneurs develop premium products, expand distribution, and create sustainable business models throughout Ohio’s diverse food landscape.
Q: How do Ohio SBA lenders support businesses in the clean energy and advanced energy sectors?
A: Ohio’s evolving energy landscape has created specialized lending expertise for sustainability-focused businesses. Several Ohio lenders offer tailored loan packages for solar installers, energy efficiency contractors, advanced materials developers, and clean technology firms. These lenders understand the policy environment and market dynamics that influence clean energy economics and can structure loans accordingly. Some Ohio SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the Energy Optimizers, the Ohio Energy Project, and regional sustainability initiatives to provide comprehensive support. These specialized programs have supported Ohio’s energy transition by financing businesses that implement renewable energy systems, develop energy-efficient technologies, and create environmental solutions. From solar companies in Cincinnati to energy efficiency contractors in Cleveland to battery technology developers in Columbus, these lenders help finance the businesses that are building Ohio’s clean energy economy while addressing environmental challenges. As Ohio continues balancing its traditional energy strengths with growing clean energy opportunities, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps entrepreneurs develop solutions that improve sustainability while creating employment opportunities throughout the state.
Q: How do Ohio SBA lenders support businesses in rural communities and small towns?
A: Ohio’s geographic diversity has led to specialized lending approaches for businesses outside major metropolitan areas. Several Ohio SBA lenders have developed programs specifically focused on expanding capital access for rural entrepreneurs, particularly in Appalachian counties and other regions facing economic transition. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like the Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth, the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association, and rural development agencies to provide comprehensive support. Some Ohio lenders participate in USDA Rural Development programs alongside SBA programs to provide enhanced options for rural businesses. These specialized lending programs align with Ohio’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 manufacturing operations that provide crucial employment in small communities to tourism businesses that showcase rural heritage to value-added agricultural enterprises that create new market opportunities, these lenders help finance diverse ventures that strengthen Ohio’s small towns and rural landscapes while creating economic opportunities that help retain population and attract new investment to communities facing demographic and economic challenges.
Q: How do Ohio SBA lenders support businesses in the state’s growing aerospace and aviation sectors?
A: Ohio’s rich aviation heritage has created specialized lending expertise for aerospace businesses. Several Ohio lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for aerospace suppliers, aviation service providers, unmanned aerial systems developers, and advanced materials companies serving this sector. These lenders understand the unique regulatory considerations, capital needs, and growth trajectories of aerospace businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some Ohio SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the Ohio Aerospace Institute, the Dayton Development Coalition, and NASA Glenn Research Center to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen Ohio’s aerospace ecosystem by financing innovative businesses that build on the state’s legacy from the Wright Brothers to today’s cutting-edge research. From precision component manufacturers in Dayton to avionics developers in Cincinnati to maintenance and repair operations near Ohio’s airports, these lenders help finance diverse aerospace ventures that leverage the state’s engineering talent, research institutions, and manufacturing capabilities. As commercial space and unmanned aerial systems continue growing, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps Ohio entrepreneurs maintain the state’s leadership in flight while creating high-value employment opportunities in this prestigious sector.
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.