SBA Hot Topic Tuesday: SBA 7(a) Grocery Loans Top $30 Million in First Month

June 9, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

SBA Hot Topic Tuesday: SBA 7(a) Grocery Loans Top $30 Million in First Month

The SBA announced that it approved 19 loans totaling more than $30 million during the first month of its enhanced 90% Grocery Guaranty program.

Through the SBA International Trade Loan Program, the Grocery Guaranty provides a 90% federal guaranty for eligible small businesses involved in food production, processing, distribution, storage, and sales.

“After years of Biden-era price pressures and burdensome regulation that made it harder for farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to grow, the Trump Administration is advancing policies that expand production and help make America more affordable,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “The early uptake of SBA’s 90% Grocery Guarantee shows lenders are responding to that agenda by moving capital into the businesses at the heart of our food supply chain. By supporting more investment in production, processing, and distribution, this program is strengthening rural America, reinforcing food security, and supporting lower grocery costs for working families.”

The enhanced guaranty exceeds the standard 75% guaranty available under SBA’s 7(a) Loan Program, providing lenders with additional incentive to finance businesses across the domestic food supply chain.

According to the SBA, investments financed through the program can support expanded production capacity, improved processing operations, enhanced distribution networks, and additional storage infrastructure.