Business Funding by State
Explore funding opportunities, regulations, and insights for every state.
Alabama
In 2025, Alabama remains a stable choice for businesses in the manufacturing and logistics sectors. The state offers moderate access to SBA-backed business loans, especially in cities like Birmingham and Huntsville. While it may not top the list of the best states to get a business loan, new regional development programs are helping expand capital access to rural and underserved business communities.
Alaska
Alaska's remote geography makes its business loan ecosystem unique in 2025. High average loan amounts reflect the capital-intensive nature of energy, fishing, and tourism businesses. Anchorage and Fairbanks lead in SBA approvals, while rural areas face challenges. For established operators, Alaska can offer generous funding, though new startups may face limited lender availability.
Arizona
Arizona continues to climb in business loan rankings in 2025, thanks to growth in aerospace and tech. SBA loan activity is strong in Phoenix and Tucson, with business-friendly policies fueling interest from both startups and expanding companies. Arizona remains one of the more accessible states to get a business loan, particularly in high-growth corridors.
Arkansas
Arkansas provides modest opportunities for small business loans in 2025. Agriculture and logistics remain key industries, and cities like Little Rock are working to increase financial support through local and federal lending programs. However, rural businesses may still struggle with limited access to capital. It's a better option for established industries rather than high-growth startups.
California
California continues to lead in small business financing opportunities in 2025, especially through SBA 504 loans. Its diverse economy and role as an innovation hub make it one of the best states to get a business loan for companies looking to scale. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco offer a deep network of lenders and investors. Despite high costs, access to capital remains among the best in the country.
Colorado
Colorado is one of the top-performing states for SBA loan access in 2025. Denver and Boulder are hotspots for tech startups and sustainability-focused businesses. High approval rates and strong lender networks help make Colorado one of the best states to get a business loan this year, especially for companies seeking growth capital or commercial real estate financing.
Connecticut
Connecticut has a steady business funding environment in 2025, with strong lender presence in metro areas like Stamford and Hartford. While average SBA loan amounts are healthy, overall volume trails larger states. Financial services and biotech firms benefit most from the state's targeted loan programs. Entrepreneurs in smaller towns may need to look beyond traditional SBA options.
Delaware
Delaware's small footprint doesn't stop it from offering strong business loan potential in 2025. Logistics and financial businesses benefit from proximity to the Northeast corridor. Wilmington remains the primary hub for SBA lending, but approval rates can be lower compared to top-performing states. It's a competitive environment for entrepreneurs seeking working capital.
Florida
Florida ranks among the best states to get a business loan in 2025. High volumes of both SBA 7(a) and 504 loans are distributed across metro areas like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Construction, tourism, and healthcare sectors drive demand for business funding. Though approval rates are mid-tier, the diversity of lenders makes Florida a prime location for securing both startup and growth capital.
Georgia
Georgia continues to stand out in 2025 as one of the most dynamic business loan markets. With high average SBA funding and strong fintech growth, Atlanta is a hub for both traditional and alternative lenders. The state's supportive ecosystem and access to capital make it a top contender for businesses seeking funding across sectors, from logistics to SaaS.
Kansas
Kansas ranks solidly for SBA loan access in 2025, supported by its strong manufacturing base, particularly in Wichita's aerospace sector. With an average funding amount of $520,000 and a relatively small population, business owners benefit from favorable per capita access to working capital and 504 asset-based loans. Urban centers like Kansas City and Overland Park serve as funding anchors. While not a top 5 contender, Kansas remains a dependable state to get a business loan, especially for industrial and logistics ventures.
Kentucky
Kentucky continues to see modest activity in the SBA lending space in 2025, with an average loan amount of $450,000. While the agriculture and bourbon industries anchor the state's economy, limited SBA intermediaries in rural areas create barriers for underserved businesses. However, major cities like Louisville and Lexington have seen an uptick in business loan approvals, offering improved opportunities to access working capital and equipment financing.
Louisiana
In 2025, Louisiana remains a lower-tier state for SBA loan access. With an average SBA loan size of $410,000, capital availability is concentrated in metro regions such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The state's petrochemical and maritime industries provide some stability, but many businesses struggle with limited access to lenders, especially in rural parishes. Business owners in Louisiana may face delays or stricter approval standards when trying to get a business loan this year.
Maine
Maine holds a middle-of-the-road position in 2025 for business loan access, with strong SBA activity centered in Portland and Bangor. The seafood and small manufacturing sectors drive demand for funding, with average loans around $570,000. While urban businesses benefit from proximity to SBA-certified lenders, rural and coastal entrepreneurs may face more limited options, making early-stage planning essential to get a business loan successfully in Maine.
Maryland
Maryland is a top performer in 2025 for small business lending, supported by robust biotech and cybersecurity sectors around Baltimore and Rockville. With an average SBA loan size of $610,000, the state delivers above-average funding access and approval rates. Entrepreneurs benefit from a mature network of lenders and advisory centers. As a result, Maryland ranks among the best states to get a business loan for companies in advanced tech and health sectors.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts continues to rank high among the best states to get a business loan in 2025, particularly for tech and research-driven businesses. With average loan amounts reaching $725,000 and high volumes of 504 disbursements, business owners in Boston and Worcester benefit from mature funding ecosystems. While cost of operations is higher than average, access to capital is rarely a barrier in this innovation-heavy state.
Michigan
Michigan's small business lending outlook for 2025 is solid, with strong automotive and manufacturing activity driving loan demand. Detroit has seen expanded access to SBA lenders and redevelopment financing, bringing the average loan size to $480,000. While competition remains high, especially for working capital, Michigan offers dependable funding for growth-stage businesses across industrial and service sectors.
Minnesota
Minnesota continues to earn recognition as one of the best states to get a business loan in 2025. With average SBA loans around $520,000 and high approval volumes, businesses in Minneapolis and Saint Paul enjoy strong access to capital. Sectors such as finance, agri-tech, and healthcare are particularly well-served by an active community of lenders, intermediaries, and business advisors.
Mississippi
Mississippi ranks near the bottom in 2025 for SBA loan access, with average funding of $390,000 and limited lender infrastructure. Despite its natural resource base and energy sector presence, businesses face challenges accessing reliable financing—particularly outside Jackson. Entrepreneurs may require state-specific development loans or local partnerships to improve odds of securing capital.
Missouri
Missouri is climbing in 2025 rankings due to a recent expansion of state-linked deposit programs and consistent SBA loan performance. With average loans around $605,000 and strong transportation and warehousing sectors, cities like Kansas City and St. Louis offer reliable capital access. The state is now a favorable environment for both asset acquisition and working capital loans, making it one of the better options for business funding in 2025.
South Carolina
South Carolina offers favorable SBA lending conditions in 2025, especially for small businesses tied to tourism, trade, and advanced manufacturing. Average SBA loan amounts of $500,000 make the state attractive for mid-sized operators. Charleston and Greenville are seeing increased loan approvals and microloan activity, giving the state broader access to capital across its urban regions.
Montana
Montana's SBA lending landscape in 2025 continues to improve, with strong average loan sizes of $610,000 supporting sectors like tourism, ranching, and outdoor recreation. Billings and Missoula serve as regional lending hubs, offering access to working capital and real estate financing. However, rural communities may still face slower processing and limited microloan access. Despite this, Montana offers dependable opportunities for businesses aligned with its natural-resource-driven economy.
Nebraska
Nebraska maintains consistent SBA loan performance in 2025, with a strong agricultural economy and stable banking sector. Average SBA funding stands at $530,000, and cities like Omaha and Lincoln offer business owners broad access to 7(a) and 504 programs. The state supports a reliable loan environment, making it one of the more practical places to get a business loan for agriculture, manufacturing, or logistics-focused ventures.
Nevada
Nevada ranks mid-tier in 2025 for SBA loan access, with average funding amounts around $480,000. Las Vegas and Reno drive most of the lending activity, fueled by a resilient hospitality and entertainment industry. While rural businesses may face lender scarcity, urban entrepreneurs benefit from a diverse network of SBA-preferred lenders and alternative capital providers.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers above-average SBA lending conditions in 2025, especially for manufacturing and small-scale tech businesses. With an average loan size of $600,000, the state provides strong access to capital through regional banks and credit unions centered in Manchester and Nashua. Its business-friendly tax policies and lender accessibility make it one of the more competitive states in the Northeast for business funding.
New Jersey
New Jersey continues to excel in SBA loan approvals in 2025, with average loan sizes around $526,000 and strong lender infrastructure. Entrepreneurs in pharmaceutical, logistics, and retail sectors find reliable access to both working capital and fixed asset loans. With concentrated economic activity in Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey remains one of the best states to get a business loan this year.
New Mexico
New Mexico is developing steadily in SBA lending for 2025, though it still trails top-performing states. Average loan funding is $425,000, with most activity centered in Albuquerque. Renewable energy and aerospace are emerging growth areas, and businesses tapping local programs may find valuable support in navigating SBA and state-backed loan channels.
New York
New York remains a powerhouse for business lending in 2025, with strong SBA performance and an average loan size of $500,000. NYC leads in financial services and fintech, while upstate cities like Buffalo and Rochester benefit from revitalization funding. Despite competitive markets, New York stands among the best states to get a business loan, especially for well-prepared applicants with growth-stage plans.
North Carolina
North Carolina continues to rank well in SBA lending for 2025, with $510,000 in average funding and a strong small business ecosystem. Charlotte and Raleigh are major lending centers, supported by rapid growth in tech, biotech, and professional services. The state offers reliable access to both 7(a) and 504 programs, making it a top-tier environment for securing business capital.
North Dakota
North Dakota offers a unique small business lending landscape in 2025 thanks to its publicly owned Bank of North Dakota. Average SBA loan amounts reach $585,000, and lending is well-distributed even in rural areas. With a strong support network and stable economic sectors like banking, energy, and agriculture, North Dakota is an excellent choice for accessing business loans.
Ohio
Ohio ranks competitively in 2025 SBA lending, with key industries including healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. The average loan size is $490,000, and funding access is strong in metro areas like Columbus and Cleveland. While rural businesses face more challenges, Ohio provides a balanced environment for startups and growing companies looking to secure business capital.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma presents a steady business loan environment in 2025, especially for energy and aerospace sectors. With average SBA loan amounts around $460,000, the state offers dependable access through regional banks in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. While smaller towns may see fewer options, urban centers benefit from growing lender networks and government-linked deposit programs.
Oregon
Oregon continues to rise in 2025 as a strong state for SBA-backed lending, with robust tech and clean-energy industries driving capital demand. The average loan size of $550,000 reflects healthy lender participation, especially in Portland. Startups and green ventures are particularly well-positioned to get a business loan here, backed by local and federal financial support.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania maintains consistent SBA loan performance in 2025, with funding driven by strong manufacturing and logistics sectors. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh anchor most business loan approvals, while average funding remains at a competitive $480,000. Business owners benefit from well-established financial institutions, making it a practical state to secure working capital and equipment loans.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island shows solid SBA lending activity in 2025, led by healthcare, education, and small manufacturing enterprises. With average loan amounts around $540,000, entrepreneurs in Providence benefit from regional lender coverage and support for minority- and women-owned businesses. Though smaller in size, Rhode Island remains competitive in its ability to fund new ventures through SBA channels.
South Dakota
South Dakota performs well in SBA metrics for 2025, supported by a strong finance and agricultural base. With average loans of $590,000 and a business-friendly tax structure, cities like Sioux Falls offer entrepreneurs reliable capital access. Rural business owners may need to rely on regional banks, but the state remains a hidden gem for securing business loans efficiently.
Tennessee
Tennessee offers mixed SBA lending performance in 2025. While Nashville is a growing hub for healthcare and small tech firms, rural regions face capital access gaps. Average loan funding stands at $435,000. Efforts to boost access through state economic partnerships are underway, positioning Tennessee to improve its standing among the best states to get a business loan.
Texas
Texas remains one of the most active states for SBA lending in 2025, with loan volumes spread across energy, tech, and manufacturing. Cities like Austin and Dallas serve as SBA hotspots, with average loan amounts around $500,000. Texas's size allows for wide variance in access, but overall it remains a leading state to get a business loan thanks to its diverse economy and deep pool of lenders.
Utah
Utah consistently ranks among the best states to get a business loan in 2025, thanks to a robust fintech ecosystem and high SBA approval rates. With average loan sizes around $615,000 and a strong lender presence, Salt Lake City leads business funding for both startups and growing enterprises. Utah's small size and concentrated innovation hubs make capital highly accessible across sectors.
Vermont
Vermont's small business lending environment in 2025 is niche but effective. With an average SBA loan amount of $505,000 and a focus on craft industries, agriculture, and eco-tourism, Burlington serves as the key access point for capital. Though lender options are fewer statewide, Vermont remains a viable option for purpose-driven and community-focused businesses.
Virginia
Virginia continues to offer a strong SBA lending environment in 2025, especially in defense contracting, government services, and cybersecurity. Average SBA loan amounts reach $530,000, and the D.C. metro area supports a dense lender ecosystem. Entrepreneurs in Richmond and Norfolk can access capital through a wide variety of banks, fintechs, and economic development partners, making Virginia a reliable state to get a business loan.
Washington
Washington remains a top-tier state for SBA funding in 2025, with average loans of $575,000 and a strong base in aerospace, clean energy, and technology. Seattle leads SBA loan activity with growing access to both 7(a) and 504 loans. Business owners benefit from a forward-thinking economic environment and well-integrated local lending channels.
West Virginia
West Virginia faces challenges in SBA lending in 2025, with average loan sizes around $400,000 and limited lender density outside metro areas. Mining and energy businesses may qualify for targeted funds, but access to working capital remains uneven. Entrepreneurs may benefit most from pairing SBA programs with local development authorities or mission-based lenders.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin performs well in 2025 SBA rankings, with a $540,000 average funding amount and high access in both rural and metro areas. Manufacturing and food production remain leading industries, and businesses in Milwaukee and Madison benefit from strong local lender competition. The state is among the best places in the Midwest to get a business loan, especially for companies in traditional and industrial sectors.
Wyoming
Wyoming rounds out the 2025 rankings with modest SBA loan volume but strong average funding at $495,000. Energy and natural resource firms drive loan demand, especially in Cheyenne and Casper. While lender options are limited due to population size, businesses that qualify often secure favorable terms through SBA 504 and USDA-backed programs.
Hawaii
Hawaii presents unique challenges for SBA lending in 2025, with geographic isolation contributing to slower loan processing and limited lender availability. Average SBA loan sizes hover around $450,000, mostly serving businesses in tourism, hospitality, and retail. Honolulu leads in access, but many entrepreneurs rely on hybrid financing options or niche programs to get a business loan in this state.
Idaho
Idaho offers a favorable SBA lending climate in 2025, with average loans at $495,000 and increasing capital access in metro areas like Boise. The state benefits from a growing logistics and agri-tech sector, and ranks well for SBA 504 loan approvals. Startups and rural businesses may face more limited options, but overall Idaho remains a strong choice to get a business loan this year.
Illinois
Illinois continues to be a high-performing state for SBA-backed business loans in 2025, driven by Chicago's financial services, logistics, and healthcare sectors. With average loan amounts of $515,000, the state has wide lender availability and diverse funding options. Businesses in urban and suburban regions benefit from a mature loan infrastructure, making Illinois one of the better places to secure working capital.
Indiana
Indiana holds a solid position in the 2025 SBA lending landscape, with average funding of $485,000 and strong industrial output. Manufacturing, life sciences, and logistics drive capital demand, especially in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. The state maintains competitive approval rates, making it one of the more consistent options to get a business loan in the Midwest.