What Documents Are Needed for an SBA Loan?

Chasing down the right documents can be one of the most frustrating parts of an SBA loan application. We break down everything you will need for each program, so you do not waste time or risk rejection.

At Small Business Funding, we prepare SBA-backed business loan packages every day. We know which documents lenders expect and how to organize them so your file is complete. Use this guide as a checklist to see what each SBA loan program requires and where we can help.

Core SBA Loan Documents

Most SBA loan applications require the same foundation of paperwork.

SBA Forms

• SBA Form 1919: Borrower Information Form
• SBA Form 413: Personal Financial Statement (20%+ owners)
• SBA Form 912: Statement of Personal History
• SBA Form 148: Unconditional Guarantee (required from all owners with 20%+ equity)

Business Financial Statements

• Business tax returns for the last three years
• Current income statement and balance sheet (dated within 180 days)
• Historical income statements and balance sheets (last three fiscal years)
• Cash flow projections (minimum one year, required for all startups)
• Accounts receivable and accounts payable aging reports
• Business debt schedule

Personal Financial Documents

• Personal tax returns (three years)
• Personal bank statements (up to one year)
• Proof of personal income

Business Details & Supporting Docs

• Business plan (especially important for startups)
• Business licenses and registrations (Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreements, Franchise Agreements)
• Franchise Disclosure Document (if applicable) and SBA Franchise Addendum
• Resumes of key management
• Collateral documentation (if required)
• Lease agreement (if applicable)
• Use of loan funds (invoices, purchase orders, or quotes)
• Business history and overview
• Loan application history

TIP: Many denials happen because files are incomplete. We package every document in the exact format lenders expect so you do not miss a step.

Documents by SBA Loan Program

SBA 7(a) Loans (Standard, Small, Express)

• All core documents above
• Loan purpose breakdown (working capital, real estate, refinancing, or equipment)
• For Express loans, shorter forms may be used, but financials and business plan are still required

TIP: Express loans are faster, but only if your documents are clean. We streamline the file so it does not stall in review.

SBA Microloans

• Core documents (with more flexible requirements)
• Business plan is especially important
• Proof of ability to repay
• Collateral documentation (varies by lender)

TIP: Many microloan lenders require mentoring or training. We prepare your business plan so you move through that step with ease.

SBA 504 Loans

• Core documents plus:
• Project cost breakdown
• Purchase or lease agreements for property or equipment
• Environmental impact report (if property is involved)
• Appraisal reports for real estate
• Resumes of management team
• Bylaws or partnership agreements

TIP: Environmental and appraisal documents are a common cause of delay in 504 loans. We help you gather them early so approval stays on track.

SBA CAPLines

• Core documents plus:
• Contracts, invoices, or purchase orders tied to the line of credit
• Detailed cash flow projections

TIP: Seasonal or contract-based businesses often struggle to prove repayment ability. We help highlight your cash flow cycle in the right way.

SBA Export Loans (Export Express, Export Working Capital, International Trade Loan)

• Core documents plus:
• Export contracts or purchase orders
• Export business plan
• Documentation of foreign buyers and trade activity

TIP: Export lenders want to see clear proof of foreign buyers. We organize these documents so your funding is not delayed.

Key Things Lenders Also Check

• Collateral and personal guarantees (20%+ owners usually required)
• Personal credit score (often 650 or higher, but requirements vary)
• Proof you cannot obtain affordable credit elsewhere
• Time in business (lenders prefer two years, though startups may qualify for some programs)
• SBA eligibility (for-profit, U.S.-based, within SBA size standards)

TIP: Even if you fall short on one of these areas, we know how to position your application so lenders still consider it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting financial statements older than 180 days
• Inconsistencies between tax returns and profit-and-loss statements
• Forgetting to sign SBA forms or personal financial statements
• Missing debt schedules
• Not including franchise documents if you are applying under a franchise

TIP: We check every file for errors before it reaches the lender so you avoid costly delays or denials.

How Submissions Work

Your SBA loan package is submitted to an SBA-approved lender, not directly to the SBA. The lender reviews your documents, requests clarifications, and then submits the package to the SBA for final guarantee approval.

TIP: Because we work with SBA-preferred lenders, your application moves faster through review and has fewer chances to get stalled.

Bottom Line

SBA loans open doors to affordable, long-term financing—but only if you submit the right paperwork. Each loan type has its own checklist, and leaving out even one document can cost you approval.

Small Business Funding helps you prepare, organize, and submit every required document in the right format. With our guidance, your application is not just complete—it is ready for approval.