Quick answer: SBA loan referral fees typically range from 25–40% revenue share or 0.5–2 points on funded amount. A $500,000 SBA 7(a) deal might yield $2,500–$10,000; a $1,000,000 deal could yield $5,000–$20,000. Referral partners make the introduction; the broker or lender handles placement. A signed referral agreement is required.
Last updated: March 2026
SBA & Referral Compensation
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans are common commercial financing products. Brokers, CPAs, and advisors who refer SBA borrowers want to know: what can I earn? This guide covers typical SBA loan referral fee ranges, how they compare to conventional commercial loan fees, and what referral partners should expect.
Referral partners introduce borrowers to SBA lenders or brokers. When the deal closes, the partner earns a fee per the referral agreement.
SBA loans—7(a) and 504—have specific packaging requirements and fee structures. Brokers and lenders who specialize in SBA often work with referral partners who bring deal flow. The referral partner makes the introduction; the broker or lender handles application, packaging, and placement. When the deal funds, the referral partner receives compensation per the referral agreement.
Compensation typically takes two forms: revenue share (25–40% of the broker/lender fee) or points on funded amount (0.5–2 points). SBA deals can be larger than many conventional commercial loans—$500,000 to $5,000,000+—so referral fees can be substantial. See referral fee structures for how these models work. A $750,000 SBA 7(a) at 35% revenue share on 3 points yields $7,875 in referral fee. Business brokers and CPAs who refer acquisition clients often have the best fit—acquisition deals are a natural SBA use case. See how business acquisition financing works for context.
SBA referral fees vary by program, deal size, and agreement terms. The table below shows illustrative ranges at 35% revenue share, assuming broker/lender fees of 2–4 points on SBA deals.
| Deal Size | Broker Fee (2–4 pts) | Referral (35%) |
|---|---|---|
| $350,000 | $7,000–$14,000 | $2,450–$4,900 |
| $500,000 | $10,000–$20,000 | $3,500–$7,000 |
| $750,000 | $15,000–$30,000 | $5,250–$10,500 |
| $1,000,000 | $20,000–$40,000 | $7,000–$14,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $40,000–$80,000 | $14,000–$28,000 |
Actual amounts depend on the specific program. SBA 7(a) and 504 have different fee structures; 504 deals often involve CDC fees. See commercial mortgage referral fees for comparison with real estate–backed deals.
CPAs and accountants see clients who need SBA financing for acquisitions, expansion, or equipment. A referral during tax season or planning can generate significant fee income. See CPA referral partnership.
Business brokers often have buyers who need SBA financing for acquisitions. Referring those buyers to SBA specialists creates a natural revenue stream.
Commercial real estate agents may refer borrowers who need SBA 504 for owner-occupied real estate. See commercial mortgage referral fees.
Brokers with declined SBA deals can refer applications that were declined by one lender to programs that offer second look review. See declined business loans.
SBA 7(a) loans are general-purpose business loans; 504 loans are for real estate and equipment with a CDC (Certified Development Company) component. Fee structures differ. 7(a) deals may have packaging fees, broker fees, and guarantee fees; 504 deals involve CDC fees and lender fees. Referral partners typically earn a share of the broker or lender fee—the exact structure varies by program. See how business acquisition financing works for acquisition-related SBA context.
Deals declined for SBA may qualify for conventional commercial financing or alternative structures. Referring declined SBA deals to programs that offer second look can salvage opportunities. See options after business loan decline for borrower next steps.
A business broker refers a buyer who needs $750,000 for an acquisition. The SBA lender/broker earns 3 points ($22,500). The referral partner has 35% revenue share. Referral fee: $7,875. The broker made the introduction; the SBA specialist handled packaging and placement. One referral, one fee—but brokers who refer 10 such deals per year generate $78,750 in referral income. See referral partner earnings for volume-based projections.
SBA 7(a) and 504 deals typically take 45–90 days from application to funding. Packaging, SBA review, and closing coordination add time. Referral partners should expect payment within 30 days of funding—not at application or approval. See when referral commissions are paid for timing.
SBA eligibility requirements—business size, use of proceeds, credit—mean not every referral will qualify. Quality introductions improve close rates. Business brokers and CPAs who refer acquisition or expansion clients often have the best fit. See how business acquisition financing works for acquisition context and average business loan referral fee for typical ranges. SBA deals are often larger than conventional commercial loans—$500,000 to $2,000,000+—so referral fees can be substantial even at lower point structures. A $1,000,000 SBA 7(a) at 35% revenue share on 3 points yields $10,500 in referral fee.
FAQ
SBA loan referral fees typically range from 25–40% revenue share or 0.5–2 points on funded amount. A $500,000 SBA 7(a) deal might yield $2,500–$10,000 in referral fee; a $1,000,000 deal could yield $5,000–$20,000. Actual amounts depend on program and agreement.
Yes. Referral partners who introduce borrowers to SBA lenders or brokers can earn fees when deals close. Compensation structure (revenue share vs points) varies by program. A signed referral agreement is typically required.
SBA 7(a) and 504 deals typically take 45–90 days from application to funding. Packaging, SBA review, and closing coordination add time. Referral partners should expect payment within 30 days of funding—not at application or approval. See when referral commissions are paid for timing.
SBA deals often have different fee structures than conventional commercial loans. SBA 7(a) and 504 programs have specific packaging and guarantee fees. Referral partners typically earn a share of the broker/lender fee, which may be lower on a percentage basis but can be substantial on larger deal sizes.
Ready to earn SBA referral fees?
Review the referral agreement and submit SBA opportunities for evaluation. 35% revenue share when deals close.
