SBA Lenders in Texas: Find the Best Lender for Your Small Business

SBA loans are a highly appealing financing choice for entrepreneurs because of their low interest rates, extended repayment periods, and adaptable eligibility criteria. With numerous lenders in Texas providing SBA loans, what’s the best way to select the ideal one?

In this guide, we’ll break down the top SBA lenders in Texas, what makes the best SBA lenders in Texas stand out, and how to choose the right partner to finance your business dreams.

What Are SBA Loans?

An SBA loan is a loan partially guaranteed by the Small Business Administration and issued by approved financial institutions. These loans are specifically designed to support small businesses with favourable terms like:

Lower interest rates
Longer repayment terms
Smaller down payments
Flexible credit requirements

Texas businesses frequently rely on SBA loans to get off the ground or to scale strategically, and the right lender can make all the difference.

SBA Loans in Texas Meaning

Why Work With SBA Lenders in Texas?

Here’s why choosing local SBA lenders in Texas matters:

Regional Expertise: Local lenders understand market conditions and specific challenges in different parts of Texas.
Faster Turnaround Times: Many Texas SBA lenders have streamlined approval processes for local businesses.
Personal Relationships: Texas banks often pride themselves on building long-term relationships with their clients.
Community Investment: SBA lenders in Texas are typically focused on supporting the local economy and small business growth.

Top SBA Lenders in Texas (2024 Rankings)

Ranking of SBA Lenders in Texas

Not all SBA lenders are created equal. Some processes high volumes of loans efficiently, while others offer more personalised service. Based on approval volume, customer reviews, turnaround time, and specialisation, here are some of the top SBA lenders in Texas:

1. Frost Bank

Headquartered in: San Antonio, TX
SBA Loan Focus: SBA 7(a) and 504
Highlights: Local roots, strong small business network, excellent customer service

Frost Bank is consistently ranked among the best SBA lenders in Texas. Known for its hands-on approach and deep understanding of Texas industries, Frost is a top choice for business owners seeking long-term financial relationships.

2. Live Oak Bank

Headquartered in: Wilmington, NC (operates nationwide)
SBA Loan Focus: High-volume SBA 7(a) lender
Highlights: Fast, streamlined process; nationwide lender with industry specialization

While not Texas-based, Live Oak Bank services hundreds of Texas businesses and ranks among the top SBA lenders by loan volume in the state.

3. Comerica Bank

Headquartered in: Dallas, TX
SBA Loan Focus: 7(a), 504, and custom SBA lines
Highlights: Strong regional presence, robust SBA expertise

With deep Texas roots and a broad branch network, Comerica Bank is a reliable partner for small businesses looking for tailored lending solutions.

4. Wells Fargo Bank

Texas Footprint: Major statewide presence
SBA Loan Focus: 7(a) and 504
Highlights: Strong infrastructure, efficient processing, large-scale lending

Wells Fargo has the resources and systems to move fast on SBA loan applications, especially for businesses with strong financials looking for large loan amounts.

5. VelocitySBA

Location: National lender with Texas coverage
SBA Loan Focus: SBA 7(a)
Highlights: Rapid digital processing, flexible underwriting

VelocitySBA is gaining popularity in Texas thanks to its modern approach to SBA lending and fast loan processing timelines ideal for time-sensitive opportunities.

How to Choose the Best SBA Lender in Texas?

Choose the Best SBA Lender in Texas

Not every lender will be the right fit for every business. Here's how to identify the best SBA lenders in Texas for your unique situation:

1. Understand Your Business Needs

Before applying, determine how much funding you need, what you’ll use it for, and how quickly you need it. For example:

Need real estate funding? Look for SBA 504 specialists.
Need working capital quickly? Prioritize lenders known for fast SBA 7(a) loan approvals.

2. Compare Interest Rates and Terms

Different lenders offer different interest rates, loan terms, and fee structures—even for the same SBA programs. Always compare multiple offers.

3. Check Experience and Industry Focus

Some lenders specialize in certain sectors, such as restaurants, construction, or healthcare. A lender with industry experience can offer insights and flexible underwriting criteria.

4. Evaluate Customer Service and Support

Strong communication is vital in SBA lending. Read reviews, ask about your loan officer’s experience, and make sure they provide clear expectations and timelines.

Benefits of SBA Loans Through Texas Lenders

If you're still wondering why working with SBA lenders in Texas is better than opting for traditional bank loans, here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	SBA Loans	Traditional Business Loans
Interest Rates	Lower, government-backed	Higher, market-based
Repayment Terms	Up to 25 years	Shorter terms
Down Payments	Often lower (10%–20%)	Typically 20% or more
Collateral	Maybe flexible	Usually required
Approval Criteria	More flexible	Strict financial benchmarks

For many small businesses, these advantages can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

Industries in Texas That Benefit from SBA Lending

Texas’s diverse economy means SBA loans can support a wide range of industries. Here are a few that commonly benefit:

Oil & Gas Services
Construction & Contracting
Restaurants & Hospitality
Medical & Dental Practices
Tech Startups
Franchise Businesses
Logistics & Transportation

The best SBA lenders in Texas often have niche expertise in one or more of these fields.

Texas Industries Benefits from SBA Loans

Apply for an SBA Loan in Texas (Update 2025)

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to secure funding through SBA lenders in Texas:

Choose Your SBA Loan Type: 7(a), 504, or Microloan.
Prepare Financial Documents: Business plans, tax returns, financial statements, credit history, and projections.
Find the Right Lender: The SBA’s revamped Lender Match tool (2025) now offers faster pre-qualification and direct referrals to top-performing Texas lenders based on industry and funding goals.
Submit Your Application: Work with your lender to complete all SBA forms and requirements.
Wait for Approval: Depending on the lender, approval can take a few days to several weeks.
Get Funded: Upon approval, funds will be disbursed directly to your business account.

SBA Loan Success Stories in Texas

Thousands of small businesses in Texas have scaled thanks to SBA financing. For example:

A family-owned restaurant in Houston expanded to a second location using a $350,000 SBA 7(a) loan from Frost Bank.
A medical equipment company in Dallas secured a $2 million 504 loan via Comerica Bank to purchase a new warehouse.
A tech startup in Austin received a $150,000 SBA loan from VelocitySBA within 30 days, just in time to launch its new product line.

These stories highlight how the best SBA lenders in Texas go beyond financing—they become long-term business partners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a small business owner in Texas looking for funding, SBA loans offer one of the most affordable and accessible financing options on the market. But to unlock their full potential, you need to partner with the right lender.

Whether you want personal service from a Texas-based bank like Frost, speed from a national lender like Live Oak, or flexibility from a digital-first lender like VelocitySBA, the top SBA lenders in Texas offer options tailored to your needs.