Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program

Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program is a government startup scheme in the US. SBA licenses and regulates privately managed investment funds (SBICs) and lets them add SBA-guaranteed borrowing to their private capital; the SBICs then invest debt and equity in US small businesses. SBA says SBICs typically target mature, profitable businesses, so the programme suits growth-stage companies more than early startups.

What it offers

• “SBICs invest in small businesses in the form of debt and equity.” — sba.gov
• “A typical SBIC loan ranges from $250,000 to $10 million, with an interest rate between 9% and 16%.” — sba.gov
• “Typical investments range from $100,000 to $5 million.” — sba.gov
• “Loan interest rates are typically between 10% and 14%. Investments range from $250,000 to $10 million.” — sba.gov
• “The SBA doesn't invest directly into small businesses, but it does provide funding to qualified SBICs with expertise in certain sectors or industries.” — sba.gov
• “SBA capital comes in the form of, a government-guaranteed loan to the fund to match privately raised capital.” — sba.gov
• “Find an investor for your business from among more than 300 Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) licensed by SBA.” — sba.gov

Who can apply

• “At least 51% of your employees and assets must be within the U.S.” — sba.gov
• “Qualify as a small business according to SBA size standards.” — sba.gov
• “Farmland, real estate, and financing are some of the industries that don't qualify.” — sba.gov
• “Tangible net worth of less than $24 million and average net income after Federal income taxes for the preceding two completed years of less than $8 million.” — sba.gov
• “each SBIC has its own investment profile in terms of targeted industry, geography, company maturity, and the types and size of financing they provide” — sba.gov

Stages

Growth

How to apply

Apply or read the rules on the official site.

About this listing

TrustList compiled this listing from Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program's official pages in September 2026. The quotes above are its own words. Amounts, deadlines and eligibility rules change, so check the official site before you rely on them.