SBA Loans for Landscaping Companies
Acquiring a competitor, building out a major equipment fleet, or significantly expanding operations requires substantial capital. SBA loans offer the lowest rates and longest terms available, potentially saving your landscaping company $50,000+ in financing costs on major investments.
How much funding do you need?
Drag the slider or type an amount
SBA Financing for Landscaping
SBA loans are not government loans. The Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of loans made by approved lenders, reducing risk and enabling better terms for landscaping companies.
SBA Guarantee Advantage
SBA guarantees 75-85% of loans. This government backing allows lenders to offer lower rates and longer terms while serving seasonal businesses they might otherwise consider too risky.
SBA 7(a) for Landscaping
The 7(a) program covers working capital, equipment, vehicles, and some real estate. Maximum loan is $5 million with terms up to 10 years for landscaping companies.
Seasonal Business Support
Experienced SBA lenders understand seasonal businesses. They evaluate annual performance, not just winter bank statements, and structure loans appropriately.
Equipment and Fleet
SBA commonly finances major equipment packages: multiple trucks, trailers, commercial mowers, and complete fleet buildouts with terms spreading payments over equipment life.
When SBA Financing Makes Sense
SBA loans require more effort but provide substantially better terms for major landscaping investments.
Alternative Financing Cost
A $200,000 alternative loan at 18% versus SBA at 9% costs $18,000 annually in extra interest. Over 7 years, that is $126,000 in preventable expense.
Short-Term Payment Pressure
3-5 year terms require aggressive monthly payments that strain seasonal cash flow. SBA stretches to 10 years.
Acquisition Needs
Acquiring a competitor or their client book requires substantial capital. Conventional lenders often cannot support acquisition deals.
Major Fleet Investment
Comprehensive fleet buildout (5+ trucks, trailers, mowers) requires capital that short-term financing cannot efficiently provide.
Bank Seasonal Hesitancy
Banks see seasonal revenue patterns as risk. SBA guarantee changes their willingness to lend to landscaping companies.
Real Estate for Operations
Purchasing property for equipment storage, offices, or operations requires long-term financing SBA provides.
Landscaping SBA Loan Process
Plan for 60-90 days from application to funding. The investment pays off in better terms.
Pre-Qualification
We review your situation to assess SBA eligibility and identify potential issues.
1-3 days
Documentation
Assemble tax returns, financial statements, equipment list, and use of funds breakdown.
2-4 weeks
Underwriting
Lender and SBA review your application. Expect questions about seasonal patterns and projections.
4-8 weeks
Closing
Receive commitment letter, complete closing documentation, and fund your loan.
1-2 weeks
Government-Backed Landscaping Financing
SBA loans provide the lowest cost of capital available to qualified landscaping companies. The investment in documentation and timeline pays off through dramatically better rates, terms, and monthly payments.
Lowest Interest Rates
SBA rates are capped at Prime + 2.25-2.75% for larger loans. Current rates typically 9-11%, compared to 15-22% for alternative financing.
Longest Terms
Up to 10 years for working capital and equipment. Longer terms mean manageable payments through seasonal variation.
Large Amounts
SBA 7(a) up to $5 million. Finance major acquisitions, comprehensive fleet buildouts, or significant expansion.
Seasonal Understanding
Experienced SBA lenders understand landscaping seasonality. Annual performance matters, not just winter months.
Acquisition Financing
SBA commonly finances landscaping company acquisitions, competitor purchases, and route buyouts.
No Balloon Payments
Fully amortizing loans with predictable payments. No large lump sum due at maturity.
Landscaping SBA Loan Applications
Common situations where SBA financing provides the optimal solution for landscaping companies.
Company Acquisition
Purchase a competitor or their client book. Structured SBA financing for landscaping M&A.
Typical funding: $150K-$2M
Major Fleet Buildout
Comprehensive fleet: multiple trucks, trailers, commercial mowers, and support equipment.
Typical funding: $100K-$500K
Real Estate Purchase
Purchase property for equipment storage, offices, or operations facility.
Typical funding: $200K-$2M
Partner Buyout
Buy out a partner to consolidate ownership of the landscaping company.
Typical funding: $100K-$750K
Major Expansion
Significant growth investment: new markets, service lines, or substantial capacity increase.
Typical funding: $150K-$750K
Debt Refinancing
Replace expensive alternative financing with SBA loan. Reduce monthly payments and total interest.
Typical funding: $100K-$500K
SBA vs. Alternative Landscaping Financing
Understanding the trade-offs between SBA and faster options.
| Feature | SBA 7(a) Loan | Term Loan | MCA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | Prime + 2-3% | 12-22% | Factor rate |
| Maximum Term | 10 years | 1-5 years | 6-18 months |
| Maximum Amount | $5 million | $300K-$500K | $200K |
| Seasonal Understanding | With right lender | Limited | Automatic |
| Time to Fund | 60-90 days | 1-3 weeks | 24-72 hours |
| Documentation | Extensive | Moderate | Minimal |
| Credit Requirements | 680+ | 620+ | Deposit focused |
| Best For | Major investments | Moderate needs | Speed/flexibility |
SBA Requirements for Landscaping
SBA eligibility requirements are more stringent but the terms justify the effort.
Business History
Established landscaping business with proven multi-season track record.
2+ years preferred
Personal Credit
Good personal credit required from all owners with 20%+ ownership.
680+ typically required
Business Profitability
Demonstrated profitability considering full seasonal cycle. Annual view matters.
2 years profitable
Revenue Quality
Strong peak season performance and reasonable seasonal patterns.
Quality revenue
Owner Equity
Owners must contribute equity, typically 10-20% depending on loan purpose.
10-20% equity
Business Plan
Detailed plan required especially for acquisitions or major expansion.
Comprehensive plan
Landscaping companies with strong multi-season track records and good owner credit often qualify for SBA financing.
Real Results
Cascade Landscaping Services
Full-Service Landscaping, Oregon
The Challenge
Cascade wanted to acquire a competitor with 150 residential accounts for $280,000 plus finance $120,000 in additional equipment. Alternative financing quotes required $12,000+ monthly payments.
The Solution
SBA 7(a) loan for $360,000 (90% of total) at 9.75% over 10 years. Monthly payment: $4,750 versus $12,000+ with alternative financing.
The Result
Acquisition completed successfully. Combined company grew to 280 accounts. SBA payments are easily manageable even during seasonal variation. Cascade is now evaluating a second acquisition.
“Alternative financing wanted $12,000 monthly. SBA gave us $4,750. That $7,000 monthly difference means we can actually grow rather than just service debt.”
Landscaping SBA Lending Data
Statistics on SBA financing for landscaping companies.
SBA Advantages for Landscaping Companies
Why the extra effort is worth it for major landscaping investments.
Massive Interest Savings
On a $300,000 loan, 9% vs 18% is $27,000 annually. Over 7 years, that is $189,000 in savings.
Manageable Payments
Longer terms dramatically reduce monthly payments. Manageable through seasonal variation.
Acquisition Support
SBA supports landscaping acquisitions. Buy competitors and grow your client base.
Fleet Investment
Comprehensive equipment packages financed with long terms for manageable payments.
Rate Cap Protection
SBA rate caps protect from excessive pricing even in high-rate environments.
Real Estate Option
SBA can finance property purchase for operations facility or storage.