Small Businesses Can Now Get Up to $10 Million in SBA-Backed Loans
The government has made it possible for some small businesses to borrow more money to grow, buy equipment, and expand.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a new rule on May 18, 2026. The rule took effect on July 4, 2026.
Before this change, eligible businesses could combine SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for a total of up to $5 million.
Now, some businesses may be able to combine the two loan programs to get up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing.
This means businesses that qualify may have more money available to help them grow.
What Can Businesses Use the Money For?
Business owners may use these loans for things such as:
Businesses in industries such as construction, trucking, energy, food production, and manufacturing may find this change helpful.
How Do the Two Loan Programs Work?
The SBA has two loan programs that can help small businesses.
The 7(a) Loan Program
This program can help businesses buy equipment, purchase property, pay business costs, and grow. The maximum loan amount under the 7(a) program is generally $5 million.
The 504 Loan Program
This program helps businesses pay for large items that support growth, such as buildings, land, and certain types of equipment. It offers long-term loans with fixed interest rates.
Under the new rule, eligible businesses that get a 7(a) loan first may also qualify for a 504 loan.
They may be able to borrow up to $5 million through each program, for a total of $10 million.
However, getting both loans is not automatic. Businesses must meet the rules and qualify for the financing.
What Does This Mean for Small Business Owners?
Imagine you own a manufacturing company and want to buy new machines and expand your building.
You may need a large amount of money to pay for both projects.
The new rule may give qualified businesses more ways to get the money they need.
It may help some business owners buy equipment, grow their operations, serve more customers, and create jobs.
Where Can You Learn More?
If you own a small business and need money to buy equipment or expand, learn about the SBA's loan programs and speak with a qualified lender about your options.
Important: These are loans, not free government grants. Businesses must repay the money and meet the lender's requirements. The amount you can borrow depends on your business and the loan rules.
These loans are tedious and lengthy in application and processing, it can take even one to two years from approval to disbursement. Alternatively there is an option to get your funding quicker in as little as 72hrs. READ BELOW!.
Need Equipment for Your Business? You May Not Have 90 Days to Wait for Funding
The SBA has expanded access to larger loans for eligible small businesses. But if you need equipment soon, a faster financing option may help you act on opportunities before they disappear.
Imagine you've just landed a major contract.
Your construction company needs another excavator. Your trucking business needs an additional vehicle. Your manufacturing company needs a new production machine. Or your restaurant needs to upgrade its kitchen equipment before the busy season.
There's just one problem: you need money to make the purchase.
You could spend weeks preparing an application for a traditional business loan and wait for the lender to review your financial records, request more documents, and complete the approval and closing process.
Or you could explore a financing option designed to help businesses obtain equipment more quickly.
For many business owners, the difference in timing could matter.
The SBA's $10 Million Loan Opportunity Comes With a Waiting Period
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced an increase in the combined borrowing limit for eligible businesses using its 7(a) and 504 loan programs.
The change may help qualifying businesses access larger amounts of financing for expansion, equipment, property, and other approved business purposes.
But there's something business owners should consider before choosing their financing route: getting approved for a loan and receiving the money are two different steps.
SBA loans often require detailed financial documents, underwriting, eligibility reviews, and closing procedures. Depending on the loan program and lender, the process can take considerable time.
According to NerdWallet's published guidance, a standard SBA 7(a) loan can take approximately 60–90 days from application to funding. SBA 504 loans can also take around 60–90 days or longer.
Even after approval, there may be additional waiting time before the funds reach your business account.
That timeline may work for a business planning a long-term expansion months in advance.
But what if you need equipment now to fulfill a contract, increase production, or serve more customers?
Waiting for financing could mean waiting to move your business forward.
Meet ROK Financial: An Alternative for Businesses That Need Equipment Funding Faster
ROK Financial offers equipment financing designed to help small businesses obtain the machinery, vehicles, technology, and other assets they need without paying the entire purchase price upfront.
Rather than starting with a lengthy traditional SBA loan process, you can explore equipment financing options through ROK Financial's online application.
Here's what ROK Financial offers for its equipment financing program:
Financing from $10,000 to $5 million, subject to qualification and approval.
Application to approval and disbursement of funds in 2–5 days, depending on the application, lender, and transaction.
Terms from approximately 1 to 6 years, depending on the financing option.
A simple online application to begin exploring potential offers.
Financing for many equipment types, including commercial vehicles, construction machinery, medical equipment, restaurant equipment, manufacturing machinery, and technology.
ROK Financial uses a network of financing providers to help match businesses with potential funding options.
Final approval, rates, repayment terms, and funding speed depend on your financial profile, equipment, documentation, and lender requirements.
Why Waiting Could Cost Your Business an Opportunity
Consider a contractor who has an opportunity to accept a new project but needs another piece of heavy equipment.
If the contractor waits several months for financing, the project may already be awarded to another company.
A trucking business facing a similar situation may need another vehicle to meet delivery demands. A manufacturer may need a machine to increase output and meet customer orders.
In these situations, financing speed can be an important part of the decision.
ROK Financial's equipment financing timeline of 2–5 days may offer a faster route than the typical 60–90-day SBA loan process.
Of course, faster financing isn't automatically better for every business. Compare the total borrowing cost, interest rate, fees, repayment schedule, and any required down payment before accepting an offer.
The goal is to secure financing that helps your business grow without creating repayment obligations you cannot comfortably manage.
Don't Forget About Potential Year-End Tax Benefits
As December 31, 2026, approaches, business owners may also want to review the tax treatment of qualifying equipment purchases.
Depending on current tax law and your circumstances, certain equipment may qualify for Section 179 expensing or bonus depreciation.
These provisions may allow eligible businesses to deduct some or all of the cost of qualifying equipment under the applicable rules.
However, purchasing equipment does not automatically guarantee a tax deduction, and a deduction is not the same as a government grant or free money.
Ask your accountant whether the equipment qualifies, whether it must be placed in service by a particular date, and how financing affects your specific tax situation.
If the purchase makes business sense, exploring financing early may give you more time to compare options and complete the transaction.
Which Financing Route Makes Sense for You?
An SBA loan may be appropriate if your business qualifies and you prioritize its particular rates, terms, and program benefits.
ROK Financial may be worth exploring if your immediate priority is to obtain equipment financing through a process designed to move more quickly.
You don't need to guess which option is right for your business. Start by identifying the equipment you need, how soon you need it, and what monthly payment your business can afford.
Then compare the available offers carefully.
Take the Next Step Before Your Opportunity Passes
If your business needs a commercial vehicle, production machine, medical device, restaurant appliance, or other essential equipment, don't assume a lengthy loan process is your only option.
Explore ROK Financial's equipment financing program to learn about potential funding amounts, terms, and next steps.
Get started here:
Explore Equipment Financing With ROK Financial
A short online application can be your first step toward exploring financing options that may help you acquire the equipment your business needs.
Disclosure:
This is a sponsored advertorial for informational purposes only. ROK Financial's funding timelines are not guarantees. All financing is subject to lender approval, eligibility, documentation, and applicable terms. SBA loan processing times vary by program and lender. Compare rates, fees, repayment obligations, and total borrowing costs before making a financing decision. Tax benefits depend on applicable law and individual circumstances; consult a qualified tax professional.
LendingB2B.com is an affiliate network of ROK Financial and may receive commission on processed loans through links from our website.
Read the original announcement from the
SBA:
https://legacy.sba.gov/article/2026/05/18/sba-doubles-cumulative-7a-504-loan-limit-10-million