Rise Business Funding

SBA Loans in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville's economy is one of the most dynamic in the Southeast, anchored by healthcare, hospitality, music, and a thriving small business community. Whether you run a restaurant on Broadway, a clinic in Midtown, or a boutique in East Nashville, SBA loans in Nashville, Tennessee can provide the long-term, affordable capital your business needs to grow.

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Funding in 30 to 90 Days

Typical funding time is 30 to 90 days, depending on the lender and your documents.

Funding Up to $5M

Amounts go up to $5M, based on your revenue and credit profile.

Nashville, TN Focused

We work with businesses across Davidson County and greater Nashville, from Germantown to Antioch

About SBA Loans in Nashville

A Nashville general contractor secures a permit to break ground on a mixed-use project in the Germantown corridor, then discovers the project timeline runs eighteen months and the draw schedule does not align with payroll. That gap is exactly what an SBA 7(a) loan is structured to close. With terms extending up to ten years on working capital and up to twenty-five years on commercial real estate, SBA loans give construction businesses across the Nashville-Murfreesboro-Franklin MSA the runway to carry costs between draws without draining reserves. Davidson County filed 47,037 new business applications in 2023, the highest rate in Tennessee at 23.6 per 1,000 residents, and a significant share of that activity tied directly to construction and real estate growth. If your business operates in that space, construction business loans and real estate business loans backed by SBA programs offer the long-term structure that project-based work demands.

The same logic applies along Nashville's I-40/I-65/I-24 freight corridors. Transportation and warehousing businesses added 7,160 net jobs in Q4 2024 alone, making the sector Tennessee's second-largest net job gainer that quarter. Owner-operators and mid-size carriers moving goods through those corridors routinely need capital for fleet expansion or facility deposits before revenue from new contracts arrives. Trucking business loans structured as SBA 7(a) facilities let you finance equipment at favorable rates and preserve cash for fuel, insurance, and driver payroll. For businesses that need shorter-cycle capital alongside an SBA loan, equipment financing or a business line of credit can run parallel without disrupting your primary facility.

Agriculture and food processing businesses in Middle Tennessee face a different timing challenge. Harvest cycles in August through October compress cash needs into a narrow window. An SBA loan paired with a business term loan gives nursery and livestock operators the capital stack to handle both seasonal inventory buildups and longer-term infrastructure investment. Rise Business Funding works with businesses across all three of these sectors to match SBA loan structures to the specific timing, collateral, and revenue profile your operation brings to underwriting.

Financing Options in Nashville

SBA 7(a) Loans

The SBA 7(a) loan is the most widely used SBA product, offering flexible use of funds for working capital, equipment, business acquisitions, and real estate. Repayment terms can extend up to 25 years for real estate and 10 years for other uses. Lenders in our network work with Nashville businesses across all major industries.

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SBA 504 Loans

SBA 504 loans are ideal for Nashville businesses purchasing commercial real estate or making large fixed-asset investments. They feature long repayment terms and are structured through a Certified Development Company alongside a lender. This product suits businesses investing in Nashville's competitive commercial corridors.

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SBA Microloans

SBA microloans provide up to $50,000 to small and early-stage businesses that may not yet qualify for larger programs. They are distributed through nonprofit intermediary lenders and often come with technical assistance resources. Nashville-area startups and micro-enterprises benefit from this accessible entry point into SBA financing.

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Term Loans

Conventional term loans through lenders in our network complement SBA options by offering fast processing and flexible eligibility for Nashville businesses that need predictable monthly payments. Use funds for expansion, staffing, renovation, or equipment purchases. Terms range from short to multi-year based on the lender and use of proceeds.

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Business Line of Credit

A revolving line of credit gives Nashville businesses on-demand access to working capital between busy seasons or irregular cash flow periods. Draw and repay as needed, only paying interest on what you use. This product pairs well with SBA term financing to cover day-to-day operating expenses.

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Equipment Financing

Nashville businesses in food service, healthcare, construction, and transportation often need specialized equipment to operate and grow. Equipment financing through our lender network uses the equipment itself as collateral, which can make qualification more accessible. Preserve cash flow while acquiring the tools your business depends on.

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Requirements to Qualify

Personal FICO Score

600+

The SBA sets no official credit minimum. Lenders in our network that offer SBA loans look for a score of 600 or above, and a stronger score earns better rates.

Monthly Revenue

Varies by lender

Revenue must demonstrate your ability to repay the loan over the full term. Lenders evaluate cash flow projections, not just current revenue.

Time in Business

2+ years

The SBA microloan program accepts startups, but 7(a) and 504 programs strongly prefer businesses with at least 2 years of operating history.

Additional Requirement

Exhausted Other Options

SBA requires that you demonstrate an inability to get comparable financing through non-government sources. You must also operate a for-profit business in the U.S.

How Rise Works

1

Submit Your Application

Complete our secure online application in minutes and share your recent business bank statements. No hard credit pull is required to apply, and there are no upfront fees.

2

Get Matched and Get a Decision

Rise Business Funding reviews your application and matches you with lenders in our network suited to your business. The lender then underwrites your application in full.

3

Receive Your Funds

Once you accept an offer and finalize documents with the lender, funds go to your business bank account. Typical funding time is 30 to 90 days.

Why Business Owners Choose Rise Business Funding

  • Funding in 30 to 90 Days

    Typical funding time is 30 to 90 days, depending on the lender and your documents.

  • Free to Apply, No Obligation

    Applying costs nothing, and you're never obligated to accept an offer.

  • Compare Before You Commit

    See the options you qualify for side by side, then pick the one whose payments fit your cash flow.

Tennessee-Specific Resources

Nashville-area business owners have access to a strong network of local and state-level resources that complement private SBA financing. The SBA Tennessee District Office in Nashville serves all 95 counties through more than 120 approved lending partners, which collectively approved over $670 million in SBA-backed loans in Fiscal Year 2025. Pathway Lending, a Nashville-based Treasury-certified CDFI endorsed by the Tennessee Bankers Association, offers term loans and commercial real estate financing with an average small business loan size of $202,000. Fund Tennessee's LendTN program channels $47 million in SSBCI 2.0 funding through CDFIs statewide, with at least 58% of loaned dollars directed toward socially and economically disadvantaged borrowers. The Tennessee Small Business Development Center network provides free loan-packaging support that can strengthen your SBA application. These programs are valuable starting points, and Rise Business Funding's SBA loan products are designed to work alongside them.

SBA Tennessee District Office

The SBA Tennessee District Office serves the entire state of Tennessee. It connects local small businesses to SBA 7(a) loans, 504 loans and microloans through participating lenders, and to free counseling through Small Business Development Centers, SCORE chapters and Women's Business Centers.

sba.gov

Nashville Mayor's Office of Economic and Community Development

The City of Nashville supports local business growth through economic development programs, incentive information, and connections to city resources for businesses operating in Davidson County.

nashville.gov

SCORE Nashville Chapter

SCORE Nashville pairs business owners with experienced volunteer mentors who provide free guidance on financing strategies, business planning, and preparing loan applications for Nashville-area lenders.

nashville.score.org

Wilson Bank & Trust

Wilson Bank & Trust offers SBA loans, term loans and lines of credit to small businesses in Nashville.

wilsonbank.com
Statewide programs for Tennessee businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

About Funding in Nashville

How do I get SBA loans in Nashville, Tennessee?

To access SBA loans in Nashville, Tennessee, you can apply through Rise Business Funding's online platform, which matches you with SBA-approved lenders in our network. You will need to meet basic eligibility requirements including a FICO score of 600 or higher, steady monthly revenue that meets your lender's requirement, which varies by lender, and two or more years in business. After submitting your application, Rise Business Funding reviews your profile and connects you with lenders suited to your business type and funding need, streamlining the traditional SBA application process.

What credit score do I need for an SBA loan in Nashville?

Most lenders in our network require a minimum personal FICO score of 600 to consider an SBA loan application. Higher credit scores, generally 680 and above, tend to unlock better terms and higher loan amounts. Lenders also review your business credit history, time in business, and revenue when making SBA loan decisions. If your score is below 600, Rise Business Funding can help identify alternative financing options available through our lender network while you work to strengthen your credit profile.

What is the difference between an SBA 7(a) loan and an SBA 504 loan?

The SBA 7(a) loan is the most flexible SBA product, covering working capital, equipment, business acquisitions, and real estate with repayment terms of up to 25 years for real estate and 10 years for other uses. The SBA 504 loan is specifically designed for purchasing commercial real estate or major fixed assets, and is structured through a Certified Development Company. Nashville businesses investing in commercial property along growing corridors like Charlotte Pike or Nolensville Road often consider the 504 program, while those needing general working capital typically start with the 7(a) program.

How fast can I get funded through an SBA loan in Nashville?

SBA loan timelines vary by product and lender. Standard SBA 7(a) loans can take several weeks from application to funding, as the government guarantee process involves additional underwriting steps. SBA Express loans, offered by some lenders in our network, provide faster decisions for loans up to a certain threshold. Rise Business Funding helps Nashville business owners identify the fastest appropriate SBA product for their situation and provides access to non-SBA alternatives if speed is the primary priority.

What documents are required for an SBA loan application in Nashville?

Lenders in our network typically require business and personal tax returns from the past two to three years, recent bank statements, a profit and loss statement, a balance sheet, a business plan or use-of-funds statement, and government-issued identification. For SBA 504 applications involving commercial real estate, property appraisals and additional legal documents may be needed. Rise Business Funding helps Nashville business owners understand which documents to gather before connecting them with the appropriate lender, reducing delays in the review process.

Can a Nashville LLC or sole proprietor qualify for an SBA loan?

Yes. LLCs, sole proprietors, corporations, and partnerships can all qualify for SBA loans in Nashville, Tennessee, provided they meet the lender's eligibility requirements. Sole proprietors should be prepared to provide personal financial statements and tax returns in addition to business documentation. The SBA requires that the business operate for profit, be based in the United States, and meet size standards defined by industry. Rise Business Funding works with business owners across all legal entity types in the Nashville metro area.

Are there Nashville-specific SBA programs or incentives I should know about?

While SBA loan programs are federally administered and consistent nationwide, Nashville-area businesses can benefit from local support resources that improve their chances of SBA approval. The SBA Tennessee District Office in Nashville provides direct lender referrals and advising tailored to Tennessee businesses. The Tennessee SBDC network offers free application preparation assistance. Metro Nashville's Office of Economic and Community Development also connects qualifying businesses with community lenders and technical assistance programs. These local resources, combined with Rise Business Funding's lender network, give Nashville entrepreneurs strong preparation support.

What can SBA loan funds be used for in Nashville?

SBA loan funds can be used for a wide range of business purposes, including working capital, purchasing or renovating commercial real estate, acquiring equipment, refinancing existing debt under qualifying conditions, inventory purchases, and business acquisitions. Nashville businesses in healthcare, food service, retail, and professional services commonly use SBA financing to fund expansions, build-outs, or long-term capital investments. Lenders in our network will confirm eligible uses during the underwriting process. Visit our business funding calculator to estimate funding ranges based on your revenue and business profile.

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