CDC Small Business Finance Corp.
Nonprofit SBA lender: 7(a) loans $30K to $350K from Prime + 2.75% (10.0% median), 504 property loans at 6.974% fixed, startups OK, 4 to 6 weeks to fund.
Rates & Cost
What the financing costs, normalized so lenders can be compared.
Repayment Terms
How and how fast you pay it back, and how flexible it is.
Eligibility & Access
Who qualifies and what you have to put on the line.
Speed & Service
How fast you get funded and how the lender treats you.
Company Verification
Who actually stands behind the lender: legal entity, registration, and how long the business and its website have existed. Checked against public registries.
Best for: Startups and young businesses that need an SBA 7(a) loan of $30,000 to $350,000, and owner-occupants buying or building commercial property with only 10% down through the SBA 504 program, especially in California.
Not for: Borrowers who need more than $350,000 of working capital, want money within days, or have no way to show cash flow that covers the payment.
Lender List verdict: CDC Small Business Finance is a 48-year-old nonprofit SBA lender that approved 241 7(a) loans in the 12 months to June 2026, more than half of its FY2026 loans to startups. Its 7(a) loans carry a 10.0% median rate and its 504 rates are posted monthly, but expect 4 to 6 weeks and a full document package.
CDC Small Business Finance at a glance
| CDC Small Business Finance | |
|---|---|
| Lender type | Nonprofit SBA lender (7(a) Preferred Lender; makes the CDC portion of 504 loans) |
| Founded / HQ | 1978 / San Diego, California |
| Parent / owner | Momentus Capital |
| Products | SBA 7(a), SBA 504, California SBA Microloan |
| Amounts | 7(a) $30,000 to $350,000; 504 projects $250,000 to $30 million or more |
| Cost | 7(a) from Prime + 2.75% (10.0% median, last 12 months); 504 25-year fixed 6.974% (October 2026) |
| Term | 7(a) up to 10 years; 504 10, 20 or 25 years; Microloan 7 years |
| Funding speed | 4 to 6 weeks (7(a)); about 60 days (straight 504 purchase) |
| Status | Active; last 7(a) approval in the data June 25, 2026 |
What is CDC Small Business Finance?
CDC Small Business Finance is a San Diego nonprofit, founded in 1978, that makes SBA-backed loans and says it has provided $20.9 billion of small business financing to 12,700 owners. In SBA lending, CDC stands for Certified Development Company, and this lender makes the CDC portion of SBA 504 loans: the 40% second lien behind a bank.
It belongs to Momentus Capital, a group that also includes the nonprofit CDFI Capital Impact Partners, but still lends under its own name, with offices in five other cities and focus markets from Sacramento to Atlanta.
How CDC Small Business Finance loans work
CDC Small Business Finance runs three SBA programs: 7(a) loans for operating needs, 504 loans for buildings and long-life equipment, and California Microloans.
- 7(a) small business loans: $30,000 to $350,000, up to 10 years, variable or fixed, for startup costs, buying a business, equipment, inventory, payroll, franchises or refinancing debt
- 504 loans: a bank lends 50%, CDC lends 40% at a fixed rate, and you put in 10%; terms of 10, 20 or 25 years
- California Microloan: $10,000 to $50,000 over 7 years
CDC Small Business Finance's SBA programs
CDC Small Business Finance approved 167 SBA 7(a) loans worth $28.2 million in the first nine months of FY2026, almost all as an SBA Preferred Lender.
| SBA 7(a) metric | CDC Small Business Finance |
|---|---|
| FY2026 (Oct 2025 to Jun 2026) | 167 loans, $28.2M; average $169,029 |
| Last 12 months to June 30, 2026 | 241 loans, $41.2M |
| FY2025 | 356 loans, $57.6M |
| Starting rate | 9.95% average, 9.5% to 10.75% (FY2026); 10.0% median last 12 months |
| Preferred Lender (PLP) | Yes; 164 of 167 FY2026 loans |
| Borrowers | 89 of 167 FY2026 loans to startups; projects in 42 states since FY2020, led by CA, TX, AZ, FL and MI |
| Charge-offs | 146 of 1,750 loans since FY2020 (8.3%) |
Most charge-offs are on FY2020–23 loans; FY2024–26 loans show 4 so far.
Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA data, FY2020–present, as of June 30, 2026 (data.sba.gov). 504 volume is not included.
CDC Small Business Finance rates and fees
CDC Small Business Finance prices 7(a) loans from Prime + 2.75%, which is 9.75% at today's 7.00% Prime; its 7(a) loans in the 12 months to June 2026 had a 10.0% median starting rate. SBA caps variable 7(a) spreads at Prime + 6.0% for loans of $50,001 to $250,000 and Prime + 4.5% from $250,001 to $350,000.
- 7(a) charges: interest; SBA upfront guaranty fee (2% of the guaranteed share up to $150,000, 3% from $150,001 to $700,000 for FY2027 approvals); CDC does not publish its packaging fees
- 504 charges: fixed rates that already include CDC, SBA and servicing-agent fees (October 2026: 6.974% for 25 years, 6.975% for 20 years, 6.600% for 10 years; manufacturing from 6.301%); CDC fees of $3,750 to $5,000
- Prepayment: none on a 10-year 7(a); 504 loans carry a declining penalty for the first 10 years
Worked example: a $350,000, 10-year 7(a) loan at the 10.0% median costs $4,625.28 a month. Over 120 payments you repay $555,033.09, including $205,033.09 of interest. The SBA guarantees 75% ($262,500), so the 3% guaranty fee is $7,875; netting it from proceeds puts the APR near 10.55%. At the SBA ceiling for this size (11.5%), the payment would be $4,920.84.
On a $1,000,000 building bought through 504, the bank lends $500,000, CDC lends $400,000 and you bring $100,000. CDC's piece at 6.974% over 25 years costs about $2,820.49 a month, before the bank's first-lien payment.
CDC Small Business Finance requirements
CDC Small Business Finance publishes no credit-score or revenue minimum; it asks for cash flow that covers the payment and 10% down from startups and business buyers.
| Requirement | CDC Small Business Finance minimum |
|---|---|
| Personal credit score | Lender does not publish; SBA uses an SBSS of 165+ for 7(a) loans of $350K or less |
| Time in business | None; startups accepted with management or industry experience |
| Annual revenue | Lender does not publish; enough cash flow to repay |
| Equity injection | 10% for businesses under 12 months old and acquisitions; 10% down on 504 |
| Collateral / guarantee | Limited collateral does not disqualify (collateral on 143 of 167 FY2026 loans); personal guarantee from 20%+ owners (SBA rule) |
| Size | Must be small under SBA size rules; for 504, tangible net worth under $15M and average net profit $5M or less |
| 504 occupancy | Owner-occupy at least 51% of a building you buy (60% if you build) |
Pros and cons
CDC Small Business Finance's strengths are startup lending and posted 504 rates; its weaknesses are a $350,000 7(a) ceiling and unpublished fees.
Pros
- More than half of FY2026 7(a) loans went to startups
- 504 rates posted monthly and fixed for up to 25 years
- Weak collateral does not rule you out
- Preferred Lender, so most 7(a) approvals stay in-house
Cons
- 7(a) loans stop at $350,000
- No published credit minimum or packaging fees
- 4 to 6 weeks to fund a 7(a) loan
- Trustpilot shows 2.9/5 from only two reviews, both negative
CDC Small Business Finance vs. Lendistry vs. iBusiness Funding
CDC Small Business Finance caps 7(a) loans at $350,000, while Lendistry and iBusiness Funding go to $5,000,000.
| CDC Small Business Finance | Lendistry | iBusiness Funding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max 7(a) amount | $350,000 | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Pricing | From Prime + 2.75%; 10.0% median | From 8.25% (≤$350K); 11.34% FY2026 avg | As low as Prime + 2.75% |
| Min FICO | Not published | 620 | 640 |
| Min time in business | None (startups OK) | 2 years | 2+ years over $350K |
| Lender type | Nonprofit lender | CDFI lender | Platform, not a lender |
| Funding speed | 4 to 6 weeks | 5 to 20 business days (≤$350K) | 5 to 25 days |
CDC Small Business Finance alternatives on Lender List
These SBA lenders offer larger or faster 7(a) loans.
- Lendistry — Los Angeles CDFI with SBA 7(a) loans from $10,000 to $5,000,000
- iBusiness Funding — national SBA platform with a 640 credit floor
- Busey Bank — bank SBA Preferred Lender focused on larger 7(a) loans
- Browse all SBA 504 loans, SBA 7(a) loans or SBA microloans on Lender List
Frequently asked questions about CDC Small Business Finance
Is CDC Small Business Finance Legit? Yes. CDC Small Business Finance has operated since 1978, is a nonprofit SBA Preferred Lender that also makes the CDC portion of 504 loans, and approved 1,750 SBA 7(a) loans from FY2020 to June 2026. Trustpilot shows 2.9/5 from just two reviews, so SBA data is the better guide.
Where Is CDC Small Business Finance Located? CDC Small Business Finance is headquartered at 2448 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 200, in San Diego. It also lists offices in Pasadena and Irvine, California; Arlington, Virginia; New York; and Detroit, and lends nationwide with a focus on California, Arizona, Nevada and several large metros.
Does CDC Small Business Finance Offer SBA Microloans? Yes, in California. Its California Microloan runs from $10,000 to $50,000 with a 7-year term. Owners outside California who need a small amount can use its 7(a) small business loan, which starts at $30,000. You can also apply by phone at 800-611-5170.
How Long Does CDC Small Business Finance Take to Close an SBA Loan? Plan on 4 to 6 weeks for a 7(a) loan. Prequalification takes 24 to 72 hours, and approval comes 2 to 4 weeks after you hand in the requested documents. Straight 504 building purchases usually fund within 60 days; construction projects take longer.
Does CDC Small Business Finance Lend to Startups? Yes. Startups received 89 of its 167 SBA 7(a) loans approved from October 2025 through June 2026. Expect to put in 10% of the cost, show management or industry experience and sign a personal guarantee if you own 20% or more.
Last verified 2026-10-27. Pricing and terms are provider-stated or third-party-reported and vary by offer; confirm with the lender before applying.
Best for: Startups and young businesses that need an SBA 7(a) loan of $30,000 to $350,000, and owner-occupants buying or building commercial property with only 10% down through the SBA 504 program, especially in California.
Not for: Borrowers who need more than $350,000 of working capital, want money within days, or have no way to show cash flow that covers the payment.
Lender List verdict: CDC Small Business Finance is a 48-year-old nonprofit SBA lender that approved 241 7(a) loans in the 12 months to June 2026, more than half of its FY2026 loans to startups. Its 7(a) loans carry a 10.0% median rate and its 504 rates are posted monthly, but expect 4 to 6 weeks and a full document package.
CDC Small Business Finance at a glance
| CDC Small Business Finance | |
|---|---|
| Lender type | Nonprofit SBA lender (7(a) Preferred Lender; makes the CDC portion of 504 loans) |
| Founded / HQ | 1978 / San Diego, California |
| Parent / owner | Momentus Capital |
| Products | SBA 7(a), SBA 504, California SBA Microloan |
| Amounts | 7(a) $30,000 to $350,000; 504 projects $250,000 to $30 million or more |
| Cost | 7(a) from Prime + 2.75% (10.0% median, last 12 months); 504 25-year fixed 6.974% (October 2026) |
| Term | 7(a) up to 10 years; 504 10, 20 or 25 years; Microloan 7 years |
| Funding speed | 4 to 6 weeks (7(a)); about 60 days (straight 504 purchase) |
| Status | Active; last 7(a) approval in the data June 25, 2026 |
What is CDC Small Business Finance?
CDC Small Business Finance is a San Diego nonprofit, founded in 1978, that makes SBA-backed loans and says it has provided $20.9 billion of small business financing to 12,700 owners. In SBA lending, CDC stands for Certified Development Company, and this lender makes the CDC portion of SBA 504 loans: the 40% second lien behind a bank.
It belongs to Momentus Capital, a group that also includes the nonprofit CDFI Capital Impact Partners, but still lends under its own name, with offices in five other cities and focus markets from Sacramento to Atlanta.
How CDC Small Business Finance loans work
CDC Small Business Finance runs three SBA programs: 7(a) loans for operating needs, 504 loans for buildings and long-life equipment, and California Microloans.
- 7(a) small business loans: $30,000 to $350,000, up to 10 years, variable or fixed, for startup costs, buying a business, equipment, inventory, payroll, franchises or refinancing debt
- 504 loans: a bank lends 50%, CDC lends 40% at a fixed rate, and you put in 10%; terms of 10, 20 or 25 years
- California Microloan: $10,000 to $50,000 over 7 years
CDC Small Business Finance's SBA programs
CDC Small Business Finance approved 167 SBA 7(a) loans worth $28.2 million in the first nine months of FY2026, almost all as an SBA Preferred Lender.
| SBA 7(a) metric | CDC Small Business Finance |
|---|---|
| FY2026 (Oct 2025 to Jun 2026) | 167 loans, $28.2M; average $169,029 |
| Last 12 months to June 30, 2026 | 241 loans, $41.2M |
| FY2025 | 356 loans, $57.6M |
| Starting rate | 9.95% average, 9.5% to 10.75% (FY2026); 10.0% median last 12 months |
| Preferred Lender (PLP) | Yes; 164 of 167 FY2026 loans |
| Borrowers | 89 of 167 FY2026 loans to startups; projects in 42 states since FY2020, led by CA, TX, AZ, FL and MI |
| Charge-offs | 146 of 1,750 loans since FY2020 (8.3%) |
Most charge-offs are on FY2020–23 loans; FY2024–26 loans show 4 so far.
Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA data, FY2020–present, as of June 30, 2026 (data.sba.gov). 504 volume is not included.
CDC Small Business Finance rates and fees
CDC Small Business Finance prices 7(a) loans from Prime + 2.75%, which is 9.75% at today's 7.00% Prime; its 7(a) loans in the 12 months to June 2026 had a 10.0% median starting rate. SBA caps variable 7(a) spreads at Prime + 6.0% for loans of $50,001 to $250,000 and Prime + 4.5% from $250,001 to $350,000.
- 7(a) charges: interest; SBA upfront guaranty fee (2% of the guaranteed share up to $150,000, 3% from $150,001 to $700,000 for FY2027 approvals); CDC does not publish its packaging fees
- 504 charges: fixed rates that already include CDC, SBA and servicing-agent fees (October 2026: 6.974% for 25 years, 6.975% for 20 years, 6.600% for 10 years; manufacturing from 6.301%); CDC fees of $3,750 to $5,000
- Prepayment: none on a 10-year 7(a); 504 loans carry a declining penalty for the first 10 years
Worked example: a $350,000, 10-year 7(a) loan at the 10.0% median costs $4,625.28 a month. Over 120 payments you repay $555,033.09, including $205,033.09 of interest. The SBA guarantees 75% ($262,500), so the 3% guaranty fee is $7,875; netting it from proceeds puts the APR near 10.55%. At the SBA ceiling for this size (11.5%), the payment would be $4,920.84.
On a $1,000,000 building bought through 504, the bank lends $500,000, CDC lends $400,000 and you bring $100,000. CDC's piece at 6.974% over 25 years costs about $2,820.49 a month, before the bank's first-lien payment.
CDC Small Business Finance requirements
CDC Small Business Finance publishes no credit-score or revenue minimum; it asks for cash flow that covers the payment and 10% down from startups and business buyers.
| Requirement | CDC Small Business Finance minimum |
|---|---|
| Personal credit score | Lender does not publish; SBA uses an SBSS of 165+ for 7(a) loans of $350K or less |
| Time in business | None; startups accepted with management or industry experience |
| Annual revenue | Lender does not publish; enough cash flow to repay |
| Equity injection | 10% for businesses under 12 months old and acquisitions; 10% down on 504 |
| Collateral / guarantee | Limited collateral does not disqualify (collateral on 143 of 167 FY2026 loans); personal guarantee from 20%+ owners (SBA rule) |
| Size | Must be small under SBA size rules; for 504, tangible net worth under $15M and average net profit $5M or less |
| 504 occupancy | Owner-occupy at least 51% of a building you buy (60% if you build) |
Pros and cons
CDC Small Business Finance's strengths are startup lending and posted 504 rates; its weaknesses are a $350,000 7(a) ceiling and unpublished fees.
Pros
- More than half of FY2026 7(a) loans went to startups
- 504 rates posted monthly and fixed for up to 25 years
- Weak collateral does not rule you out
- Preferred Lender, so most 7(a) approvals stay in-house
Cons
- 7(a) loans stop at $350,000
- No published credit minimum or packaging fees
- 4 to 6 weeks to fund a 7(a) loan
- Trustpilot shows 2.9/5 from only two reviews, both negative
CDC Small Business Finance vs. Lendistry vs. iBusiness Funding
CDC Small Business Finance caps 7(a) loans at $350,000, while Lendistry and iBusiness Funding go to $5,000,000.
| CDC Small Business Finance | Lendistry | iBusiness Funding | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max 7(a) amount | $350,000 | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Pricing | From Prime + 2.75%; 10.0% median | From 8.25% (≤$350K); 11.34% FY2026 avg | As low as Prime + 2.75% |
| Min FICO | Not published | 620 | 640 |
| Min time in business | None (startups OK) | 2 years | 2+ years over $350K |
| Lender type | Nonprofit lender | CDFI lender | Platform, not a lender |
| Funding speed | 4 to 6 weeks | 5 to 20 business days (≤$350K) | 5 to 25 days |
CDC Small Business Finance alternatives on Lender List
These SBA lenders offer larger or faster 7(a) loans.
- Lendistry — Los Angeles CDFI with SBA 7(a) loans from $10,000 to $5,000,000
- iBusiness Funding — national SBA platform with a 640 credit floor
- Busey Bank — bank SBA Preferred Lender focused on larger 7(a) loans
- Browse all SBA 504 loans, SBA 7(a) loans or SBA microloans on Lender List
Frequently asked questions about CDC Small Business Finance
Is CDC Small Business Finance Legit? Yes. CDC Small Business Finance has operated since 1978, is a nonprofit SBA Preferred Lender that also makes the CDC portion of 504 loans, and approved 1,750 SBA 7(a) loans from FY2020 to June 2026. Trustpilot shows 2.9/5 from just two reviews, so SBA data is the better guide.
Where Is CDC Small Business Finance Located? CDC Small Business Finance is headquartered at 2448 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 200, in San Diego. It also lists offices in Pasadena and Irvine, California; Arlington, Virginia; New York; and Detroit, and lends nationwide with a focus on California, Arizona, Nevada and several large metros.
Does CDC Small Business Finance Offer SBA Microloans? Yes, in California. Its California Microloan runs from $10,000 to $50,000 with a 7-year term. Owners outside California who need a small amount can use its 7(a) small business loan, which starts at $30,000. You can also apply by phone at 800-611-5170.
How Long Does CDC Small Business Finance Take to Close an SBA Loan? Plan on 4 to 6 weeks for a 7(a) loan. Prequalification takes 24 to 72 hours, and approval comes 2 to 4 weeks after you hand in the requested documents. Straight 504 building purchases usually fund within 60 days; construction projects take longer.
Does CDC Small Business Finance Lend to Startups? Yes. Startups received 89 of its 167 SBA 7(a) loans approved from October 2025 through June 2026. Expect to put in 10% of the cost, show management or industry experience and sign a personal guarantee if you own 20% or more.
Last verified 2026-10-27. Pricing and terms are provider-stated or third-party-reported and vary by offer; confirm with the lender before applying.
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