In fiscal years 2021–2026, 250 lenders made 4,231 SBA loans in Tennessee, totaling $2.6 billion. The average loan was $605,494, and 43% went to startups or businesses under two years old.
By program: 3,210 7(a) loans, 1,021 SBA Express and 0 504 (counting both the CDC and partner bank on each project).
Top 10 most active SBA lenders in Tennessee
| # | Lender | SBA loans | Average | To startups | Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | U.S. Bank, National Association Cincinnati, OH | 501 | $190,052 | 42% | 7(a), Express |
| 2 | The Huntington National Bank Columbus, OH | 433 | $400,341 | 69% | 7(a), Express |
| 3 | Newtek Bank, National Association Miami, FL | 279 | $379,884 | 23% | 7(a), Express |
| 4 | Northeast Bank Lewiston, ME | 227 | $138,489 | 13% | 7(a) |
| 5 | Pinnacle Bank Nashville, TN | 217 | $1,087,366 | 43% | 7(a), Express |
| 6 | Readycap Lending, LLC Berkeley Heights, NJ | 170 | $225,736 | 20% | 7(a), Express |
| 7 | BayFirst National Bank Saint Petersburg, FL | 164 | $186,664 | 2% | 7(a) |
| 8 | Live Oak Banking Company Wilmington, NC | 146 | $1,476,233 | 40% | 7(a), Express |
| 9 | United Midwest Savings Bank National Association De Graff, OH | 130 | $260,269 | 88% | 7(a) |
| 10 | Regions Bank Birmingham, AL | 89 | $805,316 | 22% | 7(a), Express |
Lenders that fund the most startups in Tennessee
- The Huntington National Bank — 300 startup loans (69% of its loans)
- U.S. Bank, National Association — 212 startup loans (42% of its loans)
- United Midwest Savings Bank National Association — 114 startup loans (88% of its loans)
- Pinnacle Bank — 93 startup loans (43% of its loans)
- Wells Fargo Bank National Association — 70 startup loans (88% of its loans)
SBA loans by industry in Tennessee
- Restaurants & Lodging628 loans
- Construction504 loans
- Retail Stores474 loans
- Personal Services & Repair473 loans
- Professional Services369 loans
- Health Care339 loans
- Cleaning, Landscaping & Admin324 loans
- Fitness & Entertainment227 loans
- Manufacturing212 loans
- Trucking & Transportation143 loans
- Wholesale & Distribution139 loans
- Real Estate & Rental114 loans
- Education & Childcare74 loans
- Agriculture & Fishing60 loans
- Media & Technology53 loans
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Which lenders make the most SBA loans in Tennessee?
Based on public SBA data for fiscal years 2021–2026, the most active were U.S. Bank, National Association, The Huntington National Bank, Newtek Bank, National Association. Also compare their average loan size and how much they lend to startups.
How many SBA loans were made in Tennessee?
4,231 SBA loans totaling $2.6 billion in fiscal years 2021–2026, with an average of $605,494.
Can I get an SBA loan in Tennessee with a green card?
No. Since March 2026, all owners must be U.S. citizens or nationals for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans. CDFIs and some credit unions are good alternatives.
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Data: approved loans published by the SBA. Past lending does not guarantee your approval. We are not a lender and are not affiliated with the SBA.