{"id":47484,"date":"2024-09-26T09:14:22","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T13:14:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/?p=47484"},"modified":"2026-06-18T11:58:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T15:58:11","slug":"sba-preferred-lenders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/sba-preferred-lenders","title":{"rendered":"Turn Your Franchise Dreams Into Reality With This SBA Preferred Lender List"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"620\" height=\"414\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-preferred-lenders-list-620x414.jpg\" alt=\"image of sba preferred lenders forms\" class=\"wp-image-47524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-preferred-lenders-list-620x414.jpg 620w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-preferred-lenders-list-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-preferred-lenders-list-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-preferred-lenders-list-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-preferred-lenders-list-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-preferred-lenders-list-570x380.jpg 570w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-preferred-lenders-list-740x494.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-preferred-lenders-list.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While the SBA (<em>Small Business Administration<\/em>) doesn&#8217;t fund businesses directly, it does denote certain banks as <strong>SBA Preferred Lenders<\/strong>. And if <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/how-much-to-open-a-franchise\">you&#8217;re about to buy a franchise<\/a>, applying for a franchise loan through a Preferred Lender is definitely the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this post, I&#8217;m going to provide you with an up to date, comprehensive* list of SBA Preferred Lenders by state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But first, you need to know what a SBA Preferred Lender is, and why your goal should be to find one to work with in your area of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*The banking institutions on this list have been named SBA Preferred Lenders <em>as of this writing<\/em>. Always contact them directly to see what their current status is with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/sba-business-resilience-guide\">U.S. Small Business Administration<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-takeaways-from-this-sba-preferred-lender-list\">Key Takeaways From This SBA Preferred Lender List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Preferred Lenders = Faster Approvals:<\/strong> SBA Preferred Lenders can approve loans more quickly because they don\u2019t need every decision pre-cleared by the SBA. That means less waiting and a smoother financing process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local &amp; National Options:<\/strong> Many states have a mix of community banks and big national banks on the list, giving borrowers flexibility to choose between local relationships and large institutional resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Verify Current Status:<\/strong> Lender designations can change, so it\u2019s smart to confirm a bank\u2019s Preferred Lender status directly with them or the SBA before applying.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>What Is An SBA Preferred Lender?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An <strong>SBA Preferred Lender<\/strong> is a financial institution that has earned special status with the U.S. Small Business Administration due to their expertise in processing SBA loans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a nutshell, these <strong>SBA loan lenders <\/strong>are part of the Preferred Lender Program (<em>PLP<\/em>), which allows them to underwrite, approve, and close <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendio.com\/business-loans\/sba-loans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SBA small business loans<\/a> (<em>which includes franchise<\/em> <em>loans<\/em>) <strong>without waiting for SBA review<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note<\/strong>: The PLP was established by the SBA to streamline the lending process. It grants select financial institutions greater authority in handling SBA-guaranteed loans, allowing for more efficient processing and approval of loan applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, here are a few other benefits of working with a SBA Preferred Lender:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduced waiting time for bureaucratic processes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quicker credit decisions and loan approvals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In-depth knowledge of various SBA loan programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assistance throughout the application and closing process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They&#8217;re generally local institutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With those things in mind, check out the list of SBA Preferred lenders below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, choose the state you live in, and contact a couple of franchise lending banks. That way you can work towards <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/franchise-business-tip-dont-get-derailed\">your dreams of franchise business ownership<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>The SBA Preferred Lender List, State-By-State<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Alaska<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alaska Growth Capital BIDCO, Inc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Northrim Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Readycap Lending, LLC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KeyBank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Newtek Small Business Finance, Inc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Arizona<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Arizona Business Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BMO Harris Bank N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BOKF, NA dba Bank of Arizona<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Bank of Arizona<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stearns Bank N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Arkansas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Arvest Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BancorpSouth Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Centennial Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Financial Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Security Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simmons Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>California<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank of Hope<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank of the West<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Celtic Bank Corporation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citizens Business Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comerica Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>East West Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pacific Premier Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re interested in seeing the latest SBA Small Business Loan activity, <a href=\"https:\/\/data.sba.gov\/dataset\/lender-activity-reports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">check out this constantly updated page on the SBA website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Colorado<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ANB Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank of Colorado<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FirstBank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KeyBank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vectra Bank Colorado, National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Connecticut<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Liberty Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>People&#8217;s United Bank, National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TD Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Webster Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Delaware<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>M&amp;T Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PNC Bank, National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TD Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>WSFS Bank<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Florida<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BankUnited, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CenterState Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fifth Third Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Horizon Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regions Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Synovus Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TD Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Georgia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Colony Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fifth Third Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First IC Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Synovus Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Truist Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>United Community Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hawaii<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>American Savings Bank, F.S.B.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank of Hawaii<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Central Pacific Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Hawaiian Bank<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Idaho<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of Idaho<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>D.L. Evans Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Interstate Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Idaho Central Credit Union<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Washington Trust Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zions Bancorporation, N.A.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Illinois<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Busey Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fifth Third Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Midwest Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Byline Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>More SBA Preferred Lenders\/Franchise Lending Banks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Indiana<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fifth Third Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Financial Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Merchants Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>German American Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lake City Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Old National Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PNC Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: if you&#8217;re working with a franchise consultant, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/what-everybody-ought-to-know-about-franchise-consultants\">read this<\/a>. Now, let&#8217;s get back to the list of SBA loan lenders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Iowa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank Iowa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bankers Trust Company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust Company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Northwest Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kansas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commerce Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emprise Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intrust Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kentucky<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Central Bank &amp; Trust Co.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fifth Third Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PNC Bank, National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Republic Bank &amp; Trust Company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stock Yards Bank &amp; Trust Company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Louisiana<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home Bank, National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IBERIABANK<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regions Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whitney Bank<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Androscoggin Savings Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bangor Savings Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Camden National Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KeyBank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Machias Savings Bank<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maryland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>M&amp;T Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PNC Bank, National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sandy Spring Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TD Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Massachusetts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Berkshire Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eastern Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rockland Trust Company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TD Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Michigan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chemical Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comerica Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fifth Third Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Huntington National Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Level One Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PNC Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Minnesota<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bremer Bank, National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Huntington National Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Old National Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mississippi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BancorpSouth Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community Bank of Mississippi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hancock Whitney Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regions Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trustmark National Bank<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Missouri<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Bank of the Lake<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Commerce Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enterprise Bank &amp; Trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simmons Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Montana<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First Interstate Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Security Bank of Missoula<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Glacier Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nebraska<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First National Bank of Omaha<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Great Western Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Union Bank and Trust Company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"620\" height=\"414\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-loan-form-620x414.jpg\" alt=\"sba lender small business and franchise business loan application form\" class=\"wp-image-47525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-loan-form-620x414.jpg 620w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-loan-form-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-loan-form-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-loan-form-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-loan-form-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-loan-form-570x380.jpg 570w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-loan-form-740x494.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-loan-form.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2>More SBA Preferred Lenders&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nevada<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank of George<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>City National Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nevada State Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>New Hampshire<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bar Harbor Bank &amp; Trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citizens Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eastern Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TD Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>New Jersey<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>M&amp;T Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PNC Bank, National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TD Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Valley National Bank<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>New Mexico<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of Albuquerque, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;d like more information on SBA Small Business Loans, the SBA has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/funding-programs\/loans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a detailed webpage<\/a> to learn all about their loan programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Disclosure, although I wasn&#8217;t a paid contributor, I wrote around 100 different educational articles on franchising for the U.S. Small Administration&#8217;s website. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/person\/joel-libava\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">You can see them here<\/a>.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, back to this list of SBA Preferred Lenders, by state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>There Are Some Repeats On This SBA Preferred Lender List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you may have noticed, some of the same SBA loan lenders appear in almost all the states. That means they have a presence there. And maybe some local branches!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s continue with Preferred SBA Lenders list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>New York<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KeyBank National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>M&amp;T Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NBT Bank, National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TD Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>North Carolina<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank of America, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Citizens Bank &amp; Trust Company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First National Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PNC Bank, National Association<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Truist Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo Bank, National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>North Dakota<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alerus Financial, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank of North Dakota<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bell Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First International Bank &amp; Trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank National Association<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ohio<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Huntington National Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KeyBank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PNC Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Oklahoma<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>American Bank and Trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arvest Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BancFirst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chickasaw Community Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First National Bank &amp; Trust<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Oregon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Columbia State Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KeyBank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pacific West Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>U.S. Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/is-it-getting-riskier-to-use-your-401k-to-fund-your-startup-business\">Here&#8217;s an interesting and popular way to finance a franchise\/small business<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Citizens Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FNB Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PNC Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>S&amp;T Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rhode Island<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bank Rhode Island<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citizens Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Washington Trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>South Carolina<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>South State Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TD Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>United Community Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>South Dakota<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First Bank &amp; Trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Great Western Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Midland States Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tennessee<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First Tennessee Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regions Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SunTrust Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Texas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BBVA USA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Capital One<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frost Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Texas Capital Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Utah<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Zions Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mountain America Credit Union<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KeyBank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vermont<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Community Bank, N.A.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KeyBank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Northfield Savings Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TD Bank<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Atlantic Union Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Berkshire Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SunTrust Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Washington<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Banner Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Columbia State Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Citizens Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>West Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BB&amp;T (now Truist)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First United Bank &amp; Trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>United Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wisconsin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BMO Harris Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Associated Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>North Shore Bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wells Fargo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2>SBA Lenders: A Quick Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There you have it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re getting serious about becoming the owner of a franchise business-or any small business, I encourage you to contact a local SBA Preferred Lender.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get the ball rolling, so you can get in business for yourself and start making money!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>FAQ&#8217;s<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761761756506\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is an SBA Preferred Lender?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">An SBA Preferred Lender is a financial institution with special designation from the U.S. Small Business Administration to streamline loan approvals. These lenders can underwrite, approve, and close SBA loans\u2014including franchise loans\u2014without waiting for SBA review on each application. This means faster credit decisions, reduced delays, and a smoother financing process.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761761774293\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why should I use an SBA Preferred Lender instead of a regular bank?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The key advantage is speed. Preferred Lenders have delegated authority from the SBA, so they make loan decisions much faster without government approval at every step. You&#8217;ll also benefit from their specialized expertise in SBA loan programs and franchise financing, getting better guidance through the application and closing process.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761761798797\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I find an SBA Preferred Lender in my state?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Start by identifying lenders in your state from a comprehensive list organized by location (like the lenders listed on this post). Many states have both large national banks (like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase) and local community banks with Preferred Lender status. Contact several lenders directly to confirm their current status and compare programs.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761761834601\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do SBA Preferred Lender designations ever change?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, lender designations can change as banks join or leave the program. Always verify a bank&#8217;s current Preferred Lender status directly with the institution or through the SBA before applying. Banks may merge, rebrand, or adjust their lending focus, so confirmation is essential.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While the SBA (Small Business Administration) doesn&rsquo;t fund businesses directly, it does denote certain banks as SBA Preferred Lenders. And if you&rsquo;re about to buy a franchise, applying for a franchise loan through a Preferred Lender is definitely the way to go. In this post, I&rsquo;m going to provide you with an up to date, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":47524,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2123,25],"tags":[1693,2305],"class_list":["post-47484","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-franchise-business","category-franchise-financing","tag-sba","tag-sba-preferred-lenders"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>SBA Preferred Lenders List By State &#8212; The Franchise King\u00ae<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Skip months of SBA loan delays. Our curated list of Preferred Lenders can cut your approval time. Find your state&#039;s top SBA lenders now.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/sba-preferred-lenders\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Turn Your Franchise Dreams Into Reality With This SBA Preferred Lender List\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Skip months of SBA loan delays. Our curated list of Preferred Lenders can cut your approval time. Find your state&#039;s top SBA lenders now.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/sba-preferred-lenders\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Franchise King\u00ae\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-09-26T13:14:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-18T15:58:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sba-preferred-lenders-list.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"667\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Joel Libava\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/sba-preferred-lenders#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/sba-preferred-lenders\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Joel Libava\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b560fd324f6df9be52ac875e631beb66\"},\"headline\":\"Turn Your Franchise Dreams Into Reality With This SBA Preferred Lender List\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-09-26T13:14:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-18T15:58:11+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/sba-preferred-lenders\"},\"wordCount\":1905,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/sba-preferred-lenders#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sba-preferred-lenders-list.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"sba\",\"SBA Preferred Lenders\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Buying A Franchise Business\",\"Franchise Financing\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"copyrightYear\":\"2024\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/#organization\"}},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/sba-preferred-lenders\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/sba-preferred-lenders\",\"name\":\"SBA Preferred Lenders List By State &#8212; The Franchise King\u00ae\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/sba-preferred-lenders#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/sba-preferred-lenders#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sba-preferred-lenders-list.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-09-26T13:14:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-18T15:58:11+00:00\",\"description\":\"Skip months of SBA loan delays. 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Finally, he's been in franchising close to 25 years.\",\"email\":\"joel@thefranchiseking.com\",\"telephone\":\"2168312610\",\"legalName\":\"Franchise Selection Specialists Inc.\",\"foundingDate\":\"2002-01-20\",\"taxID\":\"20-1184045\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"1\",\"maxValue\":\"10\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.thefranchiseking.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b560fd324f6df9be52ac875e631beb66\",\"name\":\"Joel Libava\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0c74981307dba3f4970cdf8359a1b2fc6ffe7721a2e3d1001acd9ac59db6ed61?s=96&d=mm&r=pg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0c74981307dba3f4970cdf8359a1b2fc6ffe7721a2e3d1001acd9ac59db6ed61?s=96&d=mm&r=pg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0c74981307dba3f4970cdf8359a1b2fc6ffe7721a2e3d1001acd9ac59db6ed61?s=96&d=mm&r=pg\",\"caption\":\"Joel Libava\"},\"description\":\"I\u2019m The Franchise King\u00ae, Joel Libava. 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These lenders can underwrite, approve, and close SBA loans\u2014including franchise loans\u2014without waiting for SBA review on each application. This means faster credit decisions, reduced delays, and a smoother financing process.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/sba-preferred-lenders#faq-question-1761761774293","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/sba-preferred-lenders#faq-question-1761761774293","name":"Why should I use an SBA Preferred Lender instead of a regular bank?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The key advantage is speed. Preferred Lenders have delegated authority from the SBA, so they make loan decisions much faster without government approval at every step. 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Contact several lenders directly to confirm their current status and compare programs.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/sba-preferred-lenders#faq-question-1761761834601","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.thefranchiseking.com\/sba-preferred-lenders#faq-question-1761761834601","name":"Do SBA Preferred Lender designations ever change?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, lender designations can change as banks join or leave the program. Always verify a bank's current Preferred Lender status directly with the institution or through the SBA before applying. 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