The Small Business Administration has resumed full operation of its loan programs after the federal government shutdown, restoring access to capital for thousands of small businesses nationwide. The agency estimates that the 43-day shutdown — the longest in American history — prevented it from delivering $5.3 billion in SBA-guaranteed loans to 10,000 small businesses, disrupting plans for hiring, expansion, and day-to-day operations.
According to the SBA’s latest announcement, the shutdown halted approvals within the agency’s flagship 7(a) and 504loan programs, both of which provide federally guaranteed financing that many small businesses rely on for working capital, equipment, real estate, and growth initiatives. During the lapse in funding, more than 10,000 business owners awaiting commercial loan closings were forced into difficult decisions, including cutting hours, laying off workers, or postponing expansion projects.
The resumed programs come after Congress reached a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler noted that the shutdown inflicted widespread harm across the small-business landscape, including an estimated $12 billion in lost revenue among federal contractors affected by furloughs and stop-work orders. With operations restored, the SBA has returned to supporting what it describes as a historically strong economic environment under President Donald J. Trump.
Prior to the shutdown, small-business confidence had reached its highest point since 2017, buoyed by rising wages, low inflation, and over $15 trillion in private-sector investment. In fiscal year 2025, the SBA guaranteed a record 84,400 loans totaling $45 billion, reflecting the strong demand for capital as job creators prepared to invest in the future.
With the agency now fully reopened, small businesses can once again access SBA-guaranteed financing to support their operations, invest in new opportunities, and continue contributing to economic growth. The SBA will continue providing updates as it works to help business owners regain access to the capital they were unable to receive during the funding lapse.