Headline maximumUS$5 million 7(a) loan, maximum amount
Open to a solo founder4Loan, Cash grant, Free services
Application windowOpen for applicationsMicroloans and 7(a) loans are arranged through lenders and have no application rounds. SBIR and STTR deadlines are set by each agency and are not listed here.
Why the headline figure is out of reach: It is a loan made by a lender with an SBA guarantee, not a grant, and it must be repaid. Eligibility depends on what the business does, its credit history and where it operates.
What a solo founder can apply for in these programsAmounts and conditions are quoted from the official pages
Loan
Microloans
Up to US$50,000; the average is about US$13,000
Lent by SBA-approved nonprofit intermediaries, which make all credit decisions and set the terms. The business must be small under SBA size requirements. The money cannot be used to pay existing debts or buy real estate. Source
Loan
7(a) loans
Up to US$5 million
A loan from a lender, guaranteed by the SBA. It can cover working capital, equipment, real estate and refinancing. Your lender helps decide which type of loan fits. Source
Cash grant
SBIR and STTR (America's Seed Fund)
Equity-free awards from 11 federal agencies
For American small businesses developing a technology. The official overview page gives no dollar figure; each participating agency selects and funds proposals. Source
Free services
SCORE mentoring
Free advice from volunteer business mentors
By email, telephone and video, on an ongoing basis. SCORE is a nonprofit partner of the SBA and also runs workshops and online courses. Source
How to applyAs stated on the official pages
Microloan: work with an SBA-approved intermediary lender in your area.
7(a) loan: apply through a lender, who helps choose the type of loan.
Eligibility conditions
Both loan programs must be repaid, and the lender, not the SBA, makes the credit decision.
A business must count as small under SBA size requirements and must not be an ineligible type.
SBIR and STTR fund technology development, not general business costs.
Applications and source
Status
Microloans and 7(a) loans are arranged through lenders and have no application rounds. SBIR and STTR deadlines are set by each agency and are not listed here.
Agency
SBA-approved lenders for the loans, and the participating federal agencies for SBIR and STTR.