Main Street Monday: Waived SBAExpress Guaranty Fees, Faster SBA Loan Processing for Veterans 

November 10, 2025

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher, Coleman Report

Main Street Monday: Waived SBAExpress Guaranty Fees, Faster SBA Loan Processing for Veterans 

With a salute to those who serve our country, this week’s Main Street Monday focuses on the veteran-specific eligibility and fee relief features under the Veterans Advantage portion of the SBA 7(a) loan program.

SBA Express Loans up to $500,000 carry no upfront guarantee fee for businesses owned and controlled by veterans. 

This fee waiver, combined with priority processing and lender-level incentives, makes the program one of the most veteran-friendly options available through the SBA.

Eligibility includes:

 • Veterans (other than those dishonorably discharged)

 • Service-disabled veterans

 • Active duty military service members participating in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

 • Reservists and National Guard members

 • Current spouses of any of the above

 • Widowed spouses of service members or veterans who died while in service or from a service-connected disability

The SBA has formally recognized the importance of giving special consideration to veterans in its loan programs. Pages 111 and 327 of SOP 50 10 8 for the 7(a) and 504 programs state:

“SBA recognizes the importance of giving special consideration to veterans in its loan programs. SBA will prioritize processing applications from businesses that are owned by veterans when those loans are processed by SBA under non-delegated procedures. For loans processed under delegated procedures, SBA encourages Lenders to give special consideration to veterans during application processing.”

With the government backlog impacting Citrus Heights and other offices when operations resume, this directive moves veteran applications to the top of the pile.

In addition to funding support, veterans can access specialized training and counseling through the Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) and the Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs). These programs provide guidance on business planning, financing strategies, and SBA certification.

Many lenders further enhance SBA’s veteran initiatives with additional fee and rate reductions. 

At First Bank of the Lake, headquartered in Missouri, veteran borrowers receive a 0.50 percent rate discount along with waived packaging fees. 

“First Bank of the Lake is proud to support veteran-owned small businesses through the SBA loan process. Whether you’re launching a new business, buying into a franchise, or expanding an existing business, our team is here to guide you through the SBA veterans financing process with clarity, support, and unmatched experience. Our SBA loan group includes former service members who understand the financial challenges veterans face and how to overcome them.”

Veteran Lending Snapshot

For FY 2025 just over 3,300 loans went to veterans, totaling more than $1.34 billion in SBA financing. 

  • Other Veterans: 2,257 approvals — $919,369,500 (2.9% of total)
  • Service-Disabled Veterans: 1,047 approvals — $418,402,300 (1.3% of total)
  • Vietnam Era Veterans: 5 approvals — $2,951,000 (0.0% of total)