Searching for trusted South Carolina SBA lenders to power your business growth? Our comprehensive directory connects South Carolina entrepreneurs with approved SBA loan providers throughout Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach 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 South 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 South Carolina small business thrive in the Palmetto State’s dynamic economic landscape.
| Lender | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Federal Savings Bank | 843-549-2526 | 1stfederalofsc.com |
| Abbeville First Bank | 864-366-2158 | abbevillefirst.com |
| AllSouth Federal Credit Union | 803-736-3110 | allsouth.org |
| Ameris Bank | 866-616-6020 | amerisbank.com |
| Arthur State Bank | 888-825-2265 | arthurstatebank.com |
| Bank of America | 888-287-4637 | bankofamerica.com |
| Bank of Greeleyville | 843-355-5551 | bog1.com |
| Bank of the Low Country | 843-549-2265 | bankofwalterboro.com |
| Bank of Travelers Rest | 864-834-9031 | bankoftravelersrest.com |
| Bank of York | 803-684-2265 | bankofyork.com |
| Beacon Community Bank | 843-936-5181 | beacon.bank |
| Business Development Corporation of SC | 803-798-4064 | businessdevelopment.org |
| Caro Federal Credit Union | 803-227-5555 | smartcaro.org |
| Carolina Bank & Trust | 843-413-9978 | carolinabank.net |
| Carolina Foothills Credit Union | 800-922-4403 | carolinafoothillsfcu.coop |
| Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union | 843-448-2133 | carolinatrust.org |
| Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union | 800-622-5305 | ctelco.org |
| Citizen’s Building & Loan | 864-877-2054 | cblbanklocal.com |
| Coastal Carolina National Bank | 866-418-9219 | myccnb.com |
| Coastal States Bank | 843-341-9958 | coastalstatesbank.com |
| Community First Bank | 877-881-2130 | c1stbank.com |
| CountyBank | 864-942-1524 | ecountybank.com |
| CPM Federal Credit Union | 800-255-1513 | cpmfed.com |
| Dedicated Community Bank | 866-725-0390 | dcbsc.com |
| Farmers and Merchants Bank of South Carolina | 803-496-3430 | fmbsc.com |
| Fifth Third Bank | 877-534-2264 | 53.com |
| First Bank | 866-435-7208 | localfirstbank.com |
| First Citizens Bank | 888-323-4732 | firstcitizens.com |
| First Community Bank | 800-829-6372 | firstcommunitysc.com |
| First Horizon | 888-382-4968 | firsthorizon.com |
| First National Bank (of Pennsylvania) | 833-226-5362 | fnb-online.com |
| First National Bank of South Carolina | 843-496-5011 | fnbsc.com |
| First Palmetto Bank | 800-922-7411 | firstpalmetto.com |
| First Piedmont Federal Savings & Loan | 864-489-6046 | firstpiedmont.com |
| First Reliance Bank | 888-543-5510 | firstreliance.com |
| Greenville Federal Credit Union | 800-336-6309 | greenvillefcu.com |
| Mutual Savings Bank | 843-838-3050 | mutualsavings.net |
| Oconee Federal Savings and Loan | 864-882-2765 | oconeefederal.com |
| Optus Bank | 803-733-8100 | optus.bank |
| Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union | 803-732-5000 | palmettocitizens.org |
| Palmetto Health Credit Union | 888-978-2101 | palmettohealthcu.org |
| Palmetto State Bank | 803-943-2671 | palmettostatebank.com |
| Pee Dee Federal Savings Bank | 843-423-2150 | pdfederalbank.org |
| People’s Bank | 864-348-6181 | peoplesbanksc.com |
| Pickens Savings & Loan | 864-878-2444 | pickens.bank |
| Pinnacle Bank | 800-262-7175 | pnfp.com |
| PNC Bank | 877-287-2654 | pnc.com |
| Regions Bank | 800-734-4667 | regions.com |
| Security Federal Bank | 803-641-3000 | securityfederalbank.com |
| South Atlantic Bank | 843-839-0100 | southatlantic.bank |
| South Carolina Federal Credit Union | 843-797-8300 | scfederal.org |
| South State Bank | 800-277-2175 | southstatebank.com |
| Southern First Bank | 877-679-9694 | southernfirst.com |
| SPC Credit Union | 843-332-4506 | spccu.org |
| Spratt Savings Bank | 803-385-5102 | sprattsavingsandloan.com |
| Synovus Bank | 888-796-6887 | synovus.com |
| TD Bank, National Association | 888-751-9000 | tdbank.com |
| The Bank of Clarendon | 803-433-4451 | bankofclarendon.com |
| The Citizens Bank | 843-657-2001 | tcbsc.bank |
| The Commercial Bank | 864-369-7326 | thecommercialbanksc.com |
| The Conway National Bank | 843-248-5721 | conwaynationalbank.com |
| Truist Bank (Formerly BB&T and SunTrust) | 844-487-8478 | truist.com |
| Unified Bank | 888-275-5566 | unifiedbank.com |
| United Bank | 800-327-9862 | bankwithunited.com |
| United Community Bank | 800-822-2651 | ucbi.com |
| Upstate Federal Credit Union | 888-578-6943 | upstatefcu.org |
| Wells Fargo Bank, National Association | 800-869-3557 | wellsfargo.com |
| Out of State Lenders | ||
| 1st Colonial Community Bank | 877-785-8550 | 1stcolonial.com |
| BankUnited, National Association | 877-779-2265 | bankunited.com |
| Byline Bank | 773-244-7000 | bylinebank.com |
| CBB Bank | 213-884-4200 | cbb-bank.com |
| Embassy National Bank | 770-822-9111 | embassynationalbank.com |
| Evolve Bank & Trust | 866-395-2754 | getevolved.com |
| FinWise Bank | 801-545-6030 | finwisebank.com |
| First Bank Financial Centre | 888-569-9909 | fbfcwi.com |
| First Bank of the Lake | 573-348-2265 | firstbanklake.com |
| First Financial Bank | 866-604-7946 | bankatfirst.com |
| First IC Bank | 770-407-1474 | firsticbank.com |
| Firstrust Savings Bank | 800-220-2265 | firstrust.com |
| Five Star Bank | 877-226-5578 | five-starbank.com |
| Florida Capital Bank | 800-318-3159 | floridacapitalbank.com |
| GBank | 702-851-4200 | g.bank |
| Georgia Banking Company | 866-711-4530 | geobanking.com |
| Harvest Small Business Finance | 949-534-0240 | harvestsbf.com |
| Home Trust Bank | 800-627-1632 | htb.com |
| Independence Bank | 888-824-8873 | independence-bank.com |
| JP Morgan Chase | 800-935-9935 | chase.com |
| Lending Club | 888-596-3157 | lendingclub.com |
| Live Oak Banking Company | 866-518-0286 | liveoakbank.com |
| Manufacturers and Traders Trust-M&T Bank | 800-724-2440 | mtb.com |
| Metro City Bank | 770-455-4989 | metrocitybank.bank |
| Newtek Small Business Finance | 855-763-9835 | newtekone.com |
| North State Bank | 919-855-9925 | northstatebank.com |
| Pacific City Bank | 213-210-2000 | paccity.net |
| Promise One Bank | 678-385-0800 | promiseone.bank |
| Renasant Bank | 877-367-5371 | renasantbank.com |
| South Coast Bank & Trust | 912-264-8887 | southcoastbankandtrust.com |
| Stearns Bank National Association | 888-320-2899 | stearnsbank.com |
| The Bancorp Bank | 800-545-0289 | thebancorp.com |
| The Bank of South Carolina | 843-724-1500 | banksc.com |
| The Mint National Bank | 281-359-6468 | themint.bank |
| Touchmark National Bank | 770-407-6700 | touchmarknb.com |
| United Midwest Savings Bank | 844-531-9722 | umwsb.com |
| West Town Bank & Trust | 855-693-8290 | westtownbank.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are SBA loans and how do they work in South Carolina?
A: SBA loans are government-backed loans provided through approved lenders in South Carolina. The Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing risk for lenders and allowing them to offer more favorable terms to South 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 South 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 South Carolina businesses?
A: South 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 South Carolina?
A: To qualify for an SBA loan in South Carolina, businesses typically need:
- For-profit operation based in South 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 South Carolina SBA lenders support businesses in the manufacturing and advanced materials sectors?
A: South Carolina’s manufacturing renaissance has created specialized SBA lending expertise in these sectors. Several South Carolina lenders have developed industry-specific loan packages designed for automotive suppliers, aerospace components manufacturers, textile innovators, and advanced materials developers. These lenders understand the unique capital needs, equipment requirements, and growth trajectories of manufacturing businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some South Carolina SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and regional economic development alliances to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen South Carolina’s manufacturing ecosystem by financing businesses that support major employers like BMW, Boeing, and Michelin, with particular attention to companies implementing advanced technologies that improve productivity and competitiveness. From automotive suppliers in the Upstate to aerospace manufacturers in Charleston to textile innovators in the Midlands, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps manufacturers invest in equipment, facilities, and workforce development while creating high-quality employment opportunities throughout the state’s diverse manufacturing regions.
Q: Are there special SBA loan programs for South Carolina’s tourism and hospitality businesses?
A: Yes, South Carolina’s tourism strength has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several South Carolina lenders offer tailored loan packages for hotels, restaurants, attractions, tour operators, and recreational service providers from Myrtle Beach to Charleston to Hilton Head Island. These lenders understand the seasonal nature of tourism in many parts of South Carolina and can structure loans with flexible payment schedules aligned with visitor patterns. Some South Carolina SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, and destination marketing organizations to help businesses access both financing and industry support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen South Carolina’s position as a premier tourism destination by financing businesses that enhance visitor experiences throughout the state’s distinctive regions. From boutique hotels in Charleston’s historic district to family attractions along the Grand Strand to golf resorts in Hilton Head, these lenders have developed expertise in helping hospitality entrepreneurs balance seasonal cash flow considerations while developing compelling visitor experiences that drive South Carolina’s multi-billion-dollar tourism economy.
Q: How do South Carolina SBA lenders help businesses in the agriculture and food production sectors?
A: South Carolina’s agricultural heritage has created specialized lending expertise for food and farm businesses. Several South Carolina SBA lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for specialty crop producers, food processors, agritourism operations, 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 South Carolina lenders coordinate with organizations like the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, Clemson Extension, and the South Carolina Farm Bureau to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen South Carolina’s food economy by financing innovative businesses that add value to the state’s diverse agricultural products – from peaches to peanuts to seafood. From specialty food manufacturers in the Lowcountry to farm wineries in the Midlands to agritourism destinations in the Upstate, these lenders have developed expertise in financing food businesses that connect South Carolina’s agricultural traditions 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 South Carolina’s diverse agricultural landscape.
Q: Can technology and innovation businesses in South Carolina access specialized SBA financing?
A: Yes, South Carolina’s growing technology presence benefits from specialized SBA lending expertise. Several South Carolina lenders offer tailored loan packages for software developers, information technology firms, life sciences companies, and other innovation-driven businesses from Charleston’s Digital Corridor to Greenville’s NEXT innovation district to Columbia’s technology initiatives. These lenders understand the unique growth patterns of technology businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some South Carolina SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the South Carolina Research Authority, the South Carolina Innovation Hub, and university technology transfer offices 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 South Carolina’s technology ecosystem by financing businesses that leverage the state’s research institutions, talent pool, and quality of life advantages. From healthcare IT developers in Greenville to cybersecurity firms in Charleston to agricultural technology companies in the Midlands, these lenders help finance diverse technology ventures that are creating high-skill employment opportunities while diversifying South Carolina’s economy beyond its traditional manufacturing and tourism strengths.
Q: How do South Carolina SBA lenders support minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities?
A: South Carolina’s diverse population has led to specialized lending approaches for businesses in historically underserved communities. Several South 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 South Carolina Minority Business Development Agency, the South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce, and the South Carolina Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to provide culturally responsive support. Some South 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 South 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 Charleston’s historically Black communities to innovative startups in Columbia’s opportunity zones 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 South Carolina’s maritime and port-related businesses?
A: Yes, South Carolina’s coastal economy has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several South Carolina SBA lenders have developed expertise in financing marine service providers, port-related logistics companies, seafood businesses, and coastal tourism enterprises. These lenders understand the unique regulatory considerations, seasonal patterns, and equipment needs that affect maritime businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some South Carolina lenders coordinate with organizations like the South Carolina Ports Authority, the South Carolina Marine Association, and coastal chambers of commerce to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen South Carolina’s maritime economy by financing businesses that leverage the state’s strategic port assets and 187 miles of coastline. From logistics companies serving the Port of Charleston to boat builders in the Lowcountry to seafood processors along the coast, these lenders help finance enterprises that connect South Carolina to global markets while creating distinctive coastal businesses. As port activity continues expanding with deepening projects and infrastructure improvements, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps maritime businesses grow alongside South Carolina’s increasing role in international trade and coastal tourism.
Q: How do South Carolina SBA lenders support businesses in rural communities and small towns?
A: South Carolina’s geographic diversity has led to specialized lending approaches for businesses outside major metropolitan areas. Several South Carolina SBA lenders have developed programs specifically focused on expanding capital access for rural entrepreneurs, particularly in counties facing economic transition. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like the South Carolina Rural Resource Coalition, the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development, and regional councils of government to provide comprehensive support. Some South Carolina lenders participate in USDA Rural Development programs alongside SBA programs to provide enhanced options for rural businesses. These specialized lending programs align with South 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 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 South Carolina’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 South Carolina SBA lenders support businesses in the aerospace and defense sectors?
A: South Carolina’s growing aerospace presence has created specialized lending expertise for aviation-related businesses. Several South Carolina lenders offer industry-specific loan packages designed for aerospace suppliers, maintenance and repair operations, aviation service providers, and defense contractors. These lenders understand the unique regulatory considerations, certification requirements, and capital needs of aerospace businesses and can structure loans accordingly. Some South Carolina SBA lenders coordinate with organizations like the South Carolina Aerospace Task Force, the South Carolina Military Base Task Force, and regional aerospace initiatives to provide comprehensive support. These specialized lending programs have helped strengthen South Carolina’s aerospace ecosystem by financing businesses that complement major employers like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and military installations throughout the state. From precision component manufacturers in Charleston to avionics developers in the Upstate to maintenance operations near the state’s airports and military bases, these lenders help finance diverse aerospace ventures that leverage South Carolina’s engineering talent, manufacturing capabilities, and strategic location. As the state continues positioning itself as an aerospace hub, these lenders provide crucial capital that helps entrepreneurs participate in this high-value sector while creating quality employment opportunities throughout South Carolina’s aerospace corridor.
Q: How do South Carolina SBA lenders support women-owned businesses and female entrepreneurs?
A: South Carolina’s growing female entrepreneurship has influenced local SBA lending practices. Several South Carolina SBA lenders have developed specialized programs focused on expanding capital access for women entrepreneurs throughout the state. These lenders often coordinate with organizations like the South Carolina Women’s Business Center, the National Association of Women Business Owners’ South Carolina chapters, and women’s business networks to provide comprehensive support tailored to women business owners’ needs. Some South Carolina lenders participate in SBA programs specifically designed to increase lending to women-owned businesses and may offer specialized mentoring and networking opportunities alongside financing. These specialized lending programs align with South Carolina’s efforts to support female entrepreneurship by providing targeted outreach and financing structures that address the unique challenges women business owners may face. From professional service firms to retail operations to manufacturing enterprises, these lenders help finance diverse business ventures led by women entrepreneurs who contribute significantly to South Carolina’s economic vitality. As women continue launching and scaling businesses across sectors from healthcare to technology to hospitality, these lenders have developed expertise in helping female entrepreneurs access the capital needed to grow their businesses and create economic opportunities throughout South Carolina’s 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.