SBA Loans in Indiana: Complete 2025 Guide for Small Businesses
Indiana’s robust business environment, growing tech sector, and strategic Midwest location make it an outstanding place for entrepreneurs and established companies alike. For 2025, Indiana small businesses continue to benefit from the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs, offering government-backed financing with historically low interest rates, extended terms, and flexible requirements.
- SBA Loans in Indiana: Complete 2025 Guide for Small Businesses
- 2025 SBA Loan Programs Available in Indiana
- Indiana SBA Loan Qualification Requirements
- Top SBA Preferred Lenders in Indiana (2025)
- Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an SBA Loan in Indiana (2025)
- Indiana SBA Loan Success Stories
- Indiana SBA District Offices & Resources
- Why Choose SBA Loans in Indiana?
- Indiana Business Incentives & Economic Development Programs (2025)
- 2025 SBA Program Updates Affecting Indiana Borrowers
- Getting Started: Connect with Indiana SBA Experts
2025 SBA Loan Programs Available in Indiana
Whether you’re starting a business, acquiring an existing company, buying commercial real estate, expanding working capital, or purchasing equipment, Indiana businesses can leverage several SBA loan products:

- SBA 7(a) Loans: The flagship product, ideal for diverse purposes—working capital, business acquisition, equipment, and more.
- SBA 504 Loans: Designed for commercial real estate purchases and major fixed-asset investments.
- SBA Microloans: Small loans up to $50,000, perfect for startups and microbusinesses.
- SBA Express Loans: Streamlined process, up to $500,000.
- SBA Export Loans: For Indiana companies involved in global commerce.
Current 2025 SBA Loan Rates & Terms
- 7(a) Loans: Rates typically range from Prime + 2.25% to Prime + 2.75%. Terms: up to 10 years (working capital) and 25 years (real estate).
- 504 Loans: Fixed rates (generally 6.2–6.8% in 2025), terms up to 25 years.
- Microloans: Rates set by nonprofit lenders, often 8–11%. Terms up to 6 years.
- Express Loans: Interest rates up to Prime + 4.75%. Terms up to 7 years.
- Export Loans: Similar to 7(a) and Express rate structure, designed for exporters.
Indiana SBA Loan Qualification Requirements
- Business must operate in Indiana and be a for-profit entity.
- Acceptable credit (FICO SBSS usually 155+, personal credit 650+ preferred).
- Down payment: Most 7(a) and 504 loans require 10%–20%. Startups & business acquisition may need slightly higher down payments.
- Time in business: Startups are eligible for 7(a), Microloans, and some Express loans. Existing businesses should have 12+ months of revenue.
- No recent bankruptcies or defaulted federal debt.
- Collateral: Required above $25,000 (7(a)) and $350,000 (Express), but loans may be approved without full collateralization if cashflow supports repayment.
- Owner guarantee: 20%+ owners must personally guarantee.
Top SBA Preferred Lenders in Indiana (2025)
- Old National Bank – Headquartered in Evansville and a leading SBA lender statewide.
- Lake City Bank – Servicing small businesses across northern and central Indiana.
- Huntington National Bank – A major player for SBA 7(a), Express, and 504 loans.
- Centier Bank – Known for personalized service and flexible lending solutions.
- First Financial Bank – Specializing in small and medium business lending throughout Indiana.
- Bankable (Flagship Enterprise Center) – A trusted Indiana SBA Microloan intermediary.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an SBA Loan in Indiana (2025)
- Determine Your Financing Needs: Clarify your loan purpose: startup, acquisition, equipment, real estate, or working capital.
- Check Eligibility: Review the criteria for your chosen SBA program—credit score, business status, down payment, and collateral.
- Select a Lender: Contact Indiana-based preferred SBA lenders (see above). Consult with several to compare terms and responsiveness.
- Gather Documentation:
- Business plan, 2–3 years of financials (or projections for startups)
- Tax returns (personal & business)
- Personal financial statement
- Proof of equity injection (down payment)
- Business licenses, leases, contracts
- Lender Review: Your lender completes underwriting and submits for SBA guarantee approval.
- Approval & Closing: Upon SBA approval, sign loan documents, meet insurance/bonding requirements, and receive funds.
Indiana SBA Loan Success Stories
- Business Acquisition: Green Apple Childcare (Indianapolis) secured a $580,000 SBA 7(a) loan through Huntington National Bank to purchase a multi-site daycare operation—creating 18 new jobs within 12 months.
- Commercial Real Estate: Hoosier Dental Group (Lafayette) used a $1.1M SBA 504 loan package from Lake City Bank to buy and renovate a downtown office space, fixing overhead expenses at a competitive 6.4% rate.
- Startup Financing: Copper Mug Café (Terre Haute) launched via a $32,000 microloan from Bankable, supporting everything from espresso equipment to local marketing hires.
- Equipment Financing: Summit Manufacturing (Fort Wayne) obtained a $320,000 SBA 7(a) loan for advanced CNC machinery, allowing them to win new contracts and double revenue within 18 months.
- Working Capital: Pioneer Tech Solutions (Bloomington) used a $250,000 SBA Express Loan through Centier Bank for payroll, software subscriptions, and inventory expansion as new contracts ramped up in 2024–2025.
Indiana SBA District Offices & Resources
- SBA Indiana District Office (Indianapolis):
8500 Keystone Crossing, Suite 400, Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: (317) 226-7272
Website: sba.gov/indiana - Small Business Development Centers (ISBDC): Free business advising, planning, and funding guidance – isbdc.org
- SCORE Central Indiana: Free mentoring from experienced business professionals – SCORE Central Indiana
- Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC): Help Indiana businesses pursue government contracts.
Why Choose SBA Loans in Indiana?
- Low Down Payments: As little as 10% for real estate and business acquisition.
- Longer Repayment Terms: Up to 25 years for real estate and equipment.
- Competitive, Capped Interest Rates: SBA sets maximum spreads over Prime.
- Flexible Use of Funds: Especially for SBA 7(a) loans, applicable to most legitimate business needs.
- No Balloon Payments: Predictable monthly costs for easier cash flow management.
- Government Guarantee: Reduces lender risk, making it easier to get funded even if you lack perfect collateral or a long business history.
Indiana Business Incentives & Economic Development Programs (2025)
- Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC): Offers grants, workforce training incentives, and tax credits for job creation and capital investment—visit iedc.in.gov.
- Hoosier Business Investment Tax Credit (HBITC): For equipment and facility investments by Indiana businesses.
- Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit: Supports Indiana-based startups raising outside capital.
- EDGE Tax Credit: For job-generating projects relocating or expanding in Indiana.
- State and Local Enterprise Zones: Tax benefits for new or expanding businesses in targeted urban/rural zones.
2025 SBA Program Updates Affecting Indiana Borrowers
- Higher Maximum SBA Express Loan Amounts: Still $500,000 for 2025, with responsive two-day turnaround on most Indiana applications.
- Streamlined Review for Loans Under $500,000: Quicker approvals, less documentation for working capital and equipment.
- Expanded Export Working Capital Loans: Ideal for Indiana’s logistics, manufacturing, and ag-tech exporters.
- Digital Application Portals: Most top Indiana SBA lenders now support online prequalification and document submission—boosting speed and convenience.
Getting Started: Connect with Indiana SBA Experts
Successful SBA lending in Indiana hinges on smart planning and strong partnerships. Connect with local banks, SBDCs, SCORE mentors, and the SBA Indiana District Office early in your business journey for the best results. Whether you’re launching, growing, or acquiring a business, 2025 offers an ideal SBA lending environment with Indiana’s most motivated lenders.
Need capital? GHC Funding offers flexible funding solutions to support your business growth or real estate projects. Discover fast, reliable financing options today!
Test Your Expertise: The Complexities of the 1031 Exchange
As a sophisticated real estate investor, you understand that the 1031 Exchange is a cornerstone strategy for tax deferral and wealth accumulation. But beyond the basics, the intricacies of the 1031 Exchange rules can pose significant challenges. This quiz is designed to test your in-depth knowledge and highlight critical nuances that separate casual investors from true experts in 1031 Exchange transactions.
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⚡ Key Flexible Funding Options
GHC Funding everages financing types that prioritize asset value and cash flow over lengthy financial history checks:
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Bridge Loans: These are short-term loans used to "bridge the gap" between an immediate need for capital and securing permanent financing (like a traditional loan or sale). They are known for fast closing and are often asset-collateralized, making them ideal for time-sensitive real estate acquisitions or value-add projects.
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DSCR Loans (Debt Service Coverage Ratio): Primarily for real estate investors, these loans are underwritten based on the property's rental income vs. debt obligation ($\text{DSCR} = \text{Net Operating Income} / \text{Total Debt Service}$), not the borrower's personal income or tax returns. This offers flexibility for those with complex finances.
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SBA Loans: The Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees loans offered by partner lenders. While providing excellent terms (long repayment, lower rates), the application process is typically slower than private/bridge funding, often making them less suitable for immediate needs. SBA eligibility heavily relies on the DSCR metric for repayment assessment.
🌐 Learn More
For details on GHC Funding's specific products and to start an application, please visit their homepage:
The Ultimate DSCR Loan for Rental Property Quiz
Are you looking to expand your real estate investment portfolio? A DSCR loan might be the perfect tool to help you achieve your goals without relying on traditional income documentation. Test your knowledge with this quiz to see if you're ready to master the intricacies of a DSCR loan for rental property.
This guide equips Indiana entrepreneurs with all you need to pursue SBA loans in 2025. From startup dreams to major acquisitions or real estate purchases, local resources and SBA lenders are ready to help you build your business future.