Compare · SBA loans
SBA loans vs private commercial financing: an honest comparison
An honest comparison of SBA 7(a)/504 loans and private commercial financing from Westford: eligibility, amounts, speed and when the SBA route is the better choice.
SBA-guaranteed loans are made by participating banks under U.S. Small Business Administration programs. Westford Capital Group is a private commercial lender, not an SBA lender. They are different products on different paths — and for some U.S. small businesses, SBA is the better fit.
Use this page to decide which route to try first.
| SBA-guaranteed loan | Westford commercial financing | |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Participating bank, SBA guarantee | Westford Capital Group (private lender) |
| Geography | U.S. businesses only | USA, Europe, Australia, Asia |
| Amount | Set by SBA program limits | USD 50,000 – 250M |
| Collateral | Program rules; often required where available | Secured or unsecured options |
| Speed | Varies by bank; often several weeks+ | Under USD 10M: typically less than 14 days |
When SBA usually fits better
- Small U.S. business that meets SBA size standards
- Time is not critical and you can work through bank and SBA paperwork
- You want the longest available tenor on owner-occupied real estate
When private commercial financing fits better
- You need funds quickly — Westford typically closes facilities under USD 10M in less than 14 days
- The requirement exceeds SBA program limits or the business is outside the USA
- You want an unsecured structure or a facility tailored to project or asset cash flows
- The business does not meet SBA eligibility rules
Next steps: check the eligibility checker, review indicative rates, run the calculator or apply. Prefer to talk? Call +1 (302) 579-5439 or book a deal officer.
Indicative information only; not an offer of credit. All facilities are subject to credit approval, KYC and documentation.
People also ask
Is Westford an SBA lender?
No. Westford Capital Group is a private commercial lender. We do not originate SBA-guaranteed loans.
Are SBA loans cheaper?
SBA-guaranteed loans are often priced attractively because of the government guarantee. Private financing trades some price for speed, size and flexibility. Compare written offers side by side.
Can I apply to both?
Yes. Many borrowers pursue an SBA application and a private facility in parallel and choose based on the final terms and timing.
How fast does Westford close?
For facilities under USD 10 million with complete documents, Westford typically closes in less than 14 days. Larger or project-level facilities follow a diligence timetable agreed up front.
USD 1M+ facilities
Senior desk hours — Asheville & Dubai
Asheville, NC desk (HQ)
Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM local
Dubai desk · Business Bay – Bay Square
Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM local
Call +1 (302) 579-5439 or WhatsApp, or hold a 45-minute deal-officer slot below.
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