How to Find Lenders Who Speak Spanish

Applying for a business loan is easier in the language you think in. Many lenders have Spanish-speaking loan officers, but they rarely advertise it on their SBA pages. Here is how to find them.

Where to look

1. Start with active SBA lenders. Our lender finder shows which lenders funded the most SBA loans in your state. Call the top five and ask for a Spanish-speaking business banker.
2. Branches in Hispanic neighborhoods. Banks usually staff these with bilingual employees; ask the branch manager to connect you with a business lender.
3. Credit unions and CDFIs serving Latino communities often operate fully in Spanish. See CDFIs.
4. Your SBDC. Many SBDC advisors speak Spanish and know which local lenders do too. See free help in Spanish.
5. Hispanic chambers of commerce often have bank members with bilingual staff.

What to ask on the first call

• Do you have a business loan officer who speaks Spanish?
• Can I receive documents or summaries in Spanish? (Final legal documents are often only in English; ask for a summary or an explanation.)
• Can I bring an interpreter or a family member to meetings?
• How many SBA loans did you make last year?

Your rights

You can ask questions as many times as you need. You can take documents home to review before signing. You can bring someone you trust. Never sign anything with blank spaces.

Use our glossary

Even with a Spanish-speaking banker, many documents will be in English. Keep our bilingual glossary handy, and read how to talk to a banker.

Frequently asked questions

Do banks have Spanish-speaking business loan officers?

Many do, but they rarely advertise it. Call the lender and ask directly for a Spanish-speaking business banker.

Can I get loan documents in Spanish?

Final legal documents are often only in English, but you can ask for a Spanish summary or explanation and take documents home to review.

Can I bring someone to translate?

Yes. You can bring a trusted family member, friend or interpreter to any lender meeting.