How to Get a $1 Million Business Loan

A $1 million business loan is for established companies acquiring, buying property, or scaling at a major level. The SBA 7(a) program reaches $5 million, so seven figures is well within range—we help you compare SBA, real estate, and large term loans.

  • $1M for acquisition, real estate, or large expansion
  • SBA 7(a) up to $5M; 504 for property and equipment
  • Long, low-rate terms to keep payments manageable
  • One application, multiple lenders

Quick Answer: Qualifying for $1 Million

A seven-figure loan is reserved for established businesses with a proven track record. Lenders generally expect 3+ years in business, strong and growing revenue (often $100,000+ per month), a 680+ credit score, substantial collateral, and a personal guarantee. The good news: the SBA 7(a) program goes up to $5 million, so $1 million is a common, well-supported size with long terms and competitive rates.

$1 Million Business Loan at a Glance

$1MLoan amount
3+ yrTime in business
Up to 25 yrTerms (real estate)
$100K+/moRevenue (typical)
680+Credit (preferred)

Best Loan Types for $1 Million

At seven figures, almost every option is a structured, collateral-backed facility. The right one depends on what you're financing and your timeline:

Loan typeBest forSpeedNotes
SBA 7(a) loanAcquisition, expansion, flexible use45-90+ daysUp to $5M; low rate; terms to 10 years
SBA 504 / CRE loanProperty and heavy fixed assets45-90+ daysTerms to 25 years; lowest payments
Large term loanStrong borrowers needing speed1-3 weeksHigher rate; faster than SBA
Equipment financingMajor equipment or full lines1-3 weeksAsset-secured; preserves cash
Bridge loanSecuring a deal before permanent financing1-4 weeksShort-term; refinance into SBA/CRE

What Businesses Use $1 Million For

$1 million is transformational, balance-sheet capital. Common uses include:

Acquiring a Company

Buy a sizable business or competitor, often through SBA 7(a) up to $5M.

Commercial Real Estate

Purchase or build owner-occupied property with SBA 504 or a CRE loan.

Large-Scale Expansion

Enter new markets, add locations, or scale operations significantly.

Major Equipment

Finance a full production line, fleet, or capital equipment program.

Construction

Fund ground-up construction or a major facility build-out.

Recapitalization

Consolidate seven figures of obligations into one long, low-rate facility.

What a $1 Million Business Loan Costs (Example Payments)

These are illustrative estimates showing how term length affects the payment—not a quote. Model your own scenario in the calculator.

TermExample APRApprox. monthly payment
60 months~11%~$21,740
120 months (SBA 7a-style)~10%~$13,220
180 months~9.5%~$10,440
300 months (real estate)~9%~$8,390

At seven figures, debt-service coverage is everything. Lenders test whether your cash flow comfortably covers the payment—which is why long SBA and real estate terms, with their lower monthly payments, are so often used at this level.

Calculate Your $1 Million Payment

Enter $1,000,000 as the amount, then adjust the rate and term to estimate your monthly payment (fill in at least three of the four fields). These results are estimates, not an offer—apply for real terms.

Requirements for a $1 Million Business Loan

This is full commercial underwriting. Most lenders look for:

  • 3+ years in business—a multi-year, analyzable track record
  • Strong, growing revenue—often $100,000+ per month with solid margins
  • 680+ FICO—700+ for the best SBA and bank pricing
  • Substantial collateral and a personal guarantee—real estate, equipment, or business assets
  • Healthy debt-service coverage—cash flow that clearly covers the new payment
  • Complete documentation—multi-year tax returns, financial statements, debt schedule, and use of funds

Need to act before full underwriting completes? A bridge loan can secure the opportunity and refinance into SBA or CRE later. Apply to see your options.

How to Apply

01

Define the Deal

Clarify whether the $1 million funds an acquisition, property, expansion, or recapitalization—and the right structure.

02

Prepare Complete Financials

Assemble multi-year tax returns, financial statements, a debt schedule, and collateral and use-of-funds documentation.

03

Apply Once

One application reaches multiple lenders so you can compare seven-figure structures and timelines.

04

Underwrite & Close

Move through full underwriting, appraisal, and closing, then receive funding.

$1 Million Business Loan FAQs

How do I qualify for a $1 million business loan?

Lenders generally expect 3+ years in business, strong growing revenue (often $100,000+/month), a 680+ FICO, substantial collateral, and a personal guarantee. Complete financials, tax returns, and a documented use of funds are required.

Can the SBA fund a $1 million business loan?

Yes—the SBA 7(a) program goes up to $5 million, so $1 million is well within range. SBA 504 can fund even larger real estate and equipment projects. Expect 45-90+ days to close.

What is the monthly payment on a $1 million business loan?

It depends on rate and term. As an illustration, $1,000,000 over 10 years near 10% APR is roughly $13,220/month; over 25 years (real estate) near 9% it's closer to $8,390. Estimate your payment.

How long does it take to fund?

SBA and CRE loans of this size typically take 45-90+ days through underwriting, appraisal, and closing. Large term loans can move faster for exceptionally strong borrowers.

What can a $1 million business loan be used for?

Common uses include acquiring a sizable business, buying commercial real estate, large-scale expansion or construction, major equipment, and recapitalizing existing debt.

Looking for a Different Amount?

Match the loan size to your plan. Explore other amounts and loan types:

Apply for a $1 Million Business Loan

Acquiring a company, buying property, or scaling at a major level? We can help you compare a $1 million loan across SBA, real estate, and conventional lenders. Submit one application and we'll guide you from underwriting through funding.