How to Speed Up Your SBA Loan Approval (and What’s Within Your Control)

If you’re a small business owner waiting on your SBA loan, you’re not alone. Even though SBA loans are one of the best financing options available—with long terms, competitive rates, and government backing—the approval process can feel slow and uncertain. The good news? There are several things you can do to help move your loan along faster.

While some parts of the process are out of your hands, many delays come from avoidable issues—missing documentation, unclear financials, or slow responses. Here’s what’s actually in your control and how to keep your SBA loan application on track.

Work with an SBA Preferred Lender (PLP)

The fastest approvals happen when you work with a lender who specializes in SBA financing. As a PLP lender, Quaint Oak Bank is authorized to make lending decisions in-house without waiting for the SBA to review and approve every detail.

If you’re comparing lenders, ask whether they’re part of the SBA Preferred Lender Program. It’s one of the simplest ways to shorten your timeline from the start.

Submit a Complete, Accurate Application

Missing paperwork is the number-one reason SBA approvals stall. Before you apply, gather and double-check these items:

• Business tax returns (three years)
• Personal tax returns (three years) for all owners with 20% or more ownership
• Year-to-date financial statements — profit & loss and balance sheet
• Business debt schedule
• Personal financial statement
• Detailed use-of-funds breakdown
• Business plan and financial projections (especially for startups)

Providing a full, well-organized package allows your lender’s underwriting team to start immediately—rather than sending requests for missing documents later.

Be Ready to Respond Quickly

Once your loan is in review, time is your biggest ally, or your biggest obstacle. Every day you wait to respond to a document request can delay your closing.

Set aside time each day to check your email for lender communications. If you’re traveling or have a busy schedule, delegate this responsibility to someone who can act quickly on your behalf.

At Quaint Oak Bank, your Commercial Relationship Manager will reach out directly if anything is missing. The faster you reply, the sooner your loan can move to final approval.

Quaint Oak Bank Pro Tip: Upload requested documents in the format (PDF, Excel, etc.) and naming convention your lending partner most prefers. Staying organized helps your team keep your file moving instead of wasting time sorting through uploads.

Clarify Ownership and Collateral Early

The SBA requires clarity around ownership and collateral before a loan can fund. Delays often occur when business ownership percentages aren’t documented correctly or when collateral, such as real estate or equipment, needs verification.

Avoid slowdowns by:

• Confirming each owner’s percentage in writing
• Ensuring all owners complete personal financial statements
• Providing clear documentation for collateral, including titles, appraisals, or leases if applicable

This level of preparation helps underwriting proceed without pause.

Keep Communication Consistent

Regular communication is one of the simplest ways to keep momentum. Check in weekly with your lender with purpose.

Your Quaint Oak Bank lending team is relationship-driven. We believe that open communication builds trust and that partnership mindset is part of what helps our SBA loans close efficiently.

Avoid Mid-Process Changes

Try not to alter your loan request once the process begins. Changes to the loan amount, ownership structure, or use of funds can require a re-review. If adjustments are necessary, talk with your loan officer right away so they can manage expectations and keep the file moving.

Be Transparent About Challenges

Every business has ups and downs. If your financials show a loss year or cash-flow fluctuation, be upfront about it. Lenders value honesty and context more than perfection. Providing a clear explanation and a corrective plan such as a new contract, equipment upgrade, or cost-cutting initiative shows that you have foresight and a strategy for stability.

Quaint Oak Bank Pro Tip: Choose a financial partner who’s as invested in your growth as you are. The right bank doesn’t just look at your numbers; it listens to your story. As your lending partner, our team takes the time to understand your business goals, challenges, and opportunities so we can craft financing solutions that truly fit.

Understand the Typical Timeline

Here’s a realistic look at the process:

Stage	Non-PLP Lender	PLP Lender (e.g. Quaint Oak Bank)	What You Can Do
	1–2 weeks	1–2 weeks	Gather a complete, accurate package before submission
	2–3 weeks	2–3 weeks	Respond quickly to questions or document requests
	1–2 weeks	Skipped — PLP lenders approve internally	—
	1–2 weeks	1–2 weeks	Provide signatures, insurance certificates, and final documentation promptly

Typical Total Timeframe:

• PLP Lenders (like Quaint Oak Bank): 30–45 days
• Non-PLP Lenders: 6–10 weeks

Partner with a Lender Who Prioritizes Your Progress

When you partner with a bank that values your long-term growth not just the transaction, you get more than financing. You gain a team that understands your business and advocates for your success.

At Quaint Oak Bank, we’ve been helping entrepreneurs since 1926. As an SBA Preferred Lender, we combine national lending capability with a personal, relationship-driven approach. Our experienced SBA specialists streamline each step so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.

Ready to Speed Up Your SBA Loan Approval?

You can’t control every part of the SBA process, but you can control how prepared, responsive, and organized you are. Working with a Preferred Lender, submitting a complete application, and keeping communication open will do more than speed up approval: it builds the foundation for a trusted financial partnership.

Our goal is simple: to help business owners like you move forward with confidence. If you’re ready to explore SBA financing, connect with our experienced commercial lending team today.