Small business lending from bank lenders remained positive in 2017, but a slower pace than the previous year. The research report by the Office of Advocacy examines FDIC data to find that small banks devoted larger shares of their assets to small business loans, while large banks issued a higher total volume of small business loans. The report covers all small business loans (commercial loans of $1 million or less) and is not specific to SBA-guaranteed loans. It contains detailed appendix tables with information on small business loans outstanding and loan originations for all reporting banks by state. These tables also provide state rankings of bank lenders by small business lending ratios.

Advocacy’s small business lending report examines FDIC data to determine the state of bank lending to small businesses. This report, which analyzes loan data from June 2019 to June 2020, examines the small business lending market at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Small business loans (loans below $1 million) increased by nearly 40% from 2019 to 2020, largely due to the newly enacted Paycheck Protection Program. Alongside the report, the appendix tables provide bank level detail of small business lending activity and breakdowns at the state level.

Graph and download economic data for Total Business Loans and Leases Owned and Securitized by Finance Companies, Flow (DTBTXDFBAA) from Jul 1985 to Apr 2025 about securitized, owned, finance companies, companies, leases, flow, finance, financial, business, loans, and USA.

The percentage of domestic banks in the United States tightening their standards and terms for business loans in early 2023 was much higher than in the previous year. That applied to business loans for both large and middle-market firms, as well as small firms. Any figure below zero signals that over 50 percent of domestic banks had looser lending standards, while figures above zero show that at least half of domestic banks had tighter standards.

The Office of Advocacy annually publishes Small Business Lending in the United States, which provides information on the lending activities of depository lenders. Data used in the analysis come from the Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call Reports) and the reports required under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). The data cover savings banks, savings and loan associations, and commercial banks. Geographically, the report covers the U.S territories, the District of Columbia and all the states. The Small and Micro Business Lending tables use the call report data to rank all lenders by state.

Small Business Lending in the United States, published by the SBA’s Office of Advocacy annually since 1994, looks at small business lending locally and nationally using two types of data supplied by depository institutions to their respective regulating agencies—Call Reports and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) reports. The annual banking study includes cooperative banks in addition to existing depository institutions and gives a brief review on the institution lending patterns. The rankings and performance of these lenders are summarized and organized by state/territory, loan size, number of loans, and asset size of the institution. The Small Business Lending tables use the call report data to rank all lenders by state.

Graph and download economic data for Weighted-Average Effective Loan Rate for Small Business Administration (SBA) for Large Domestic Banks (DISCONTINUED) (EEBXSLNQ) from Q3 2012 to Q2 2017 about SBA, weighted-average, large, average, domestic, loans, banks, depository institutions, rate, and USA.

The interest rate of business loans to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the United States in 2022 was lower than the average for all firms, which amounted to **** percent. However, the cost of lending money to SMEs was more expensive than to large firms between 2007 and 2019. The cost of lending decreased significantly for all types of businesses in 2020 and 2021.

Advocacy’s small business lending report examines FDIC data to determine the state of bank lending to small businesses. Between June 2017 and June 2019, small business lending remained positive, though below the increase in lending to large businesses. This report examines all small business loans (commercial loans valued at $1 million or less) and is not specific to SBA-guaranteed loans. The data in the report provides a snapshot of the credit market before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the appendix tables provide rankings of top bank lenders by small business lending ratios. This year, detailed state tables are provided to spotlight the small business lending activity in each state.

Note: The Board of Governors has discontinued the Survey of Terms of Business Lending (STBL) and the associated E.2 release. The final STBL was conducted in May 2017, and the final E.2 was released on August 2, 2017. The STBL has been replaced by a new Small Business Lending Survey that commenced in February 2018. The new survey is being managed and administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Results from this new survey can be found here.

Advocacy’s small business lending report examines FDIC data to determine the state of bank lending to small businesses. Between June 2017 and June 2019, small business lending remained positive, though below the increase in lending to large businesses. This report examines all small business loans (commercial loans valued at $1 million or less) and is not specific to SBA-guaranteed loans. The data in the report provides a snapshot of the credit market before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the appendix tables provide rankings of top bank lenders by small business lending ratios. This year, detailed state tables are provided to spotlight the small business lending activity in each state.

United States Bank Loan Applications: Received data was reported at 208,652.000 NA in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 383,340.000 NA for Mar 2018. United States Bank Loan Applications: Received data is updated quarterly, averaging 208,652.000 NA from Dec 2017 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 383,340.000 NA in Mar 2018 and a record low of 202,427.000 NA in Dec 2017. United States Bank Loan Applications: Received data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.KB003: Bank Loan Applications: Small Business Lending Survey.

Snapshot img

Unsecured Business Loans Market Size 2025-2029

The unsecured business loans market size is forecast to increase by USD 4023.4 billion at a CAGR of 11.3% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing number of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) seeking financing solutions to fuel their business expansion. SMEs represent a large and diverse segment of the global economy, and their demand for unsecured business loans is on the rise due to the ease of accessibility and flexibility these loans offer. Moreover, strategic partnerships between market participants are playing a crucial role in market growth. These collaborations enable lenders to expand their reach and offer more competitive pricing and services to borrowers. However, the market is not without challenges. Compliance and regulatory requirements related to unsecured business loans remain a significant hurdle for lenders, particularly in light of increasing regulatory scrutiny and the need to ensure transparency and fair lending practices. Navigating these challenges while capitalizing on the market's growth opportunities requires a deep of the regulatory landscape and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Companies seeking to succeed in the market must focus on building strong relationships with regulatory bodies, investing in technology to streamline compliance processes, and offering competitive pricing and services to borrowers.

What will be the Size of the Unsecured Business Loans Market during the forecast period?

Request Free SampleThe market in the United States continues to experience significant activity, driven by the increasing demand for flexible financing solutions among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and first-time borrowers. Consumer preferences for convenience and quick approval processes have led to the rise of digital lending platforms, enabling businesses to access working capital without the need for collateral or extensive documentation. Despite the growing popularity of unsecured loans, regulatory issues and creditworthiness remain key challenges for both new firms and MSMEs. Interest rates and qualification criteria vary widely among lenders, with some offering rewards and benefits to attract borrowers. The online enterprises have disrupted the traditional loan application process, allowing businesses to apply for unsecured loans from anywhere, at any time. Unsecured business loans are increasingly being used for working capital needs, with the market predicted to grow at a steady pace in the coming years. However, the risk associated with these loans is higher than secured loans, making creditworthiness a critical factor for lenders. Credit cards and income are common sources of unsecured financing for businesses, but unsecured business loans offer more flexibility and convenience in terms of loan servicing and repayment terms.

How is this Unsecured Business Loans Industry segmented?

The unsecured business loans industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. End-userSMEsLarge enterprisesTypeShort term loanMedium term loanLong term loanGeographyNorth AmericaUSCanadaMexicoEuropeFranceGermanyUKAPACChinaIndiaJapanSouth AmericaBrazilMiddle East and Africa

By End-user Insights

The smes segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.Unsecured business loans have become an essential financing solution for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the US, providing them with quick access to cash flow for various business needs without requiring collateral. These loans offer flexibility, convenience, and faster approval processes compared to traditional banking options. SMEs increasingly prefer unsecured business loans for working capital requirements, new projects, and business expansion plans. The regulatory environment and financial literacy programs have encouraged the growth of unsecured financing, with government support and tax incentives also playing a role. Digitization and automation have streamlined the loan application process, reducing documentation and administrative burden. Fintech solutions, including digital lending platforms, have emerged as alternative financing options, offering borrowers more flexibility and convenience. Fintech companies employ credit scoring algorithms, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to assess creditworthiness and manage risk. However, regulatory issues and default risk remain concerns for both borrowers and financial institutions. Unsecured business loans cater to a diverse range of businesses, from MSMEs to online enterprises, and can be used for purchasing shares, loan servicing, and purchasing real estate. Alternativ

Loans to Private Sector in the United States increased to 2814.70 USD Billion in May from 2808.70 USD Billion in April of 2025. This dataset provides - United States Loans to Private Sector - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The Survey of Small Business and Farm Lending (SSBFL) is currently comprised of the Survey of Terms of Bank Lending to Farmers (FR 2028B), Prime Rate Supplement of the Survey of Terms of Lending (FR 2028S), and the Small Business Lending Survey (FR 2028D). The FR 2028B collects information on farm loans made by commercial banks during a representative week. The collected data include price and nonprice terms. The respondents provide information on the stated rate of interest on the loan and the frequency with which interest is compounded, and other important loan terms, including loan size, commitment status, maturity, collateralization, the purpose of the loan and loan risk ratings. The FR 2028S, a companion report, collects institutions' prime interest rate for the days reported. The FR 2028D collects information on the availability and cost of loans to small businesses from domestically chartered commercial banks during each quarter. The survey provides unique quantitative and qualitative information on small business commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, including amounts, interest rates, terms, bank credit standards, applications and quality of applicants, and loan demand. The Survey of Terms of Business Lending (FR 2028A) has been discontinued. The final data collection for the FR 2028A was for the May 2017 survey week.

Less than **** of applications for loans by small businesses in the United States were approved in the fourth quarter of 2024. The approval rate of loans to small businesses in the U.S. has remained slightly above or under the ** percent mark, except during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those figures only refer to commercial and industrial loans to non-farm small businesses.

Graph and download economic data for Average Loan Size of Loans Backed by Small Business Administration (SBA), Domestic Banks (DISCONTINUED) (EABXDBNQ) from Q3 2012 to Q2 2017 about SBA, domestic, loans, banks, depository institutions, and USA.

The historical tables present the CSBFP statistical information on the loans and claims since April 1, 1999. Loans and claims are shown by province and territory, size of loans, asset type, industry sector, age of business, business size, type of borrower and type of operation. A summary of all financial activities per fiscal year as well as revenues and expenses are also available.

Semi-annual business debt for all supplier types, by financing characteristics and by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), displayed in millions of dollars unless otherwise specified.

This report provides statistics on Year to Date (YTD) SBA Business Loan Approval Activity comparisons for Fiscal Years