2. Wells Fargo Bank

Wells Fargo, a prominent national banking institution, is likely a familiar sight in your local area. That’s why it’s surprising that their selection of small business financing options is relatively modest given their size.

However, they've secured a notable position on this list due to the substantial volume of loans they successfully process and issue.

Business financing options offered:

• SBA 7a Loans & 504 Loans
• 2 Business Lines of Credit
• Practice Financing

3. The Huntington National Bank

Huntington National Bank is more than just a prominent small business lender in Georgia; it's also the foremost provider of SBA 7a loans in the entire US.

Such an accomplishment places them among the top 10 lenders in nearly all other states, reflecting their dedication to supporting small businesses.

Beyond SBA loans, Huntington National Bank offers a wide range of financial solutions for small enterprises. This includes options like equipment leasing, agricultural loans, and a variety of real estate financing choices.

Business financing options offered:

• SBA 7a Loans

• Equipment Leasing

• Church Lending

• Greek House Financing

• Agricultural Loans

• Warehouse Lending

• Real Estate Loans, Term Loans, and Lines of Credit

4. BayFirst National Bank

BayFirst National primarily specializes in SBA loans. On their website, you'll find phrases like “Lightning Fast Business Loans!” and “In-house team, quick funding” emphasizing their approach. A key strength is their internal underwriting team, ensuring both rapidity and proficiency in their services.Given the typically extended timeframe for funding SBA loans, this aspect of their operations offers them a significant edge.

Business financing options offered:

• SBA Loans

• Commercial Real Estate Loans

• Commercial Term Loans

• Commercial Lines of Credit

• Construction Loans

• Heavy Equipment Financing

5. SouthState Bank

SouthState Bank is a small bank with a presence throughout the southeastern states. It has all of the normal small business loans that you’d expect from a bank, but it also has franchise financing.

Business financing options offered:

• Lines of Credit

• Term Loans

• Business Lending Express

• SBA Loans

• Franchise Finance

• Business Real Estate Loans

Small Business Grants in Georgia

As a small business owner in the state of Georgia, you’ll never be lacking funding opportunities. Besides Georgia small business loans, you can apply for grants to reduce the amount you owe and scale your business. 

Here are a few Georgia small business grants that can help you secure the funding you need to grow. 

• The Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation Grant: The Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation offers an annual Community Impact Fund featuring a $10,000 award for 501(c)3 organizations. You must be located in or serve Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh Counties. 

• Downtown Athens Grants: Downtown Athens is dedicated to serving businesses in Athens that serve the area. They promote a number of grants on their website that you should look into. 

• The NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant: The NAACP and Leslie's Certification Boost Grant awards $5,000 “to support small businesses in rural and urban communities across five states and companies led by people of color, women, and people with disabilities, or businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones”. If you qualify, this is one worth applying to as it’s given to seven small business owners. 

• The Georgia Export Grant: The Georgia Export Grant, in partnership with the Small Business Administration (don’t worry, this isn’t an SBA loan from an SBA lender), supports small businesses in growing and expanding to foreign markets. Small business grant sizes will vary. 

• Rural Business Development Grants in Georgia: Rural Business Development Grants in Georgia support government entities and public bodies, Indian tribes, and nonprofit entities serving rural communities. Applications close on April 6th, 2025. 

Government and Nonprofit Financing Programs in Georgia

Government and nonprofit financing programs provide access to funding (generally a good loan amount) without high interest rates, high credit score demands, and other traditional barriers that come with traditional loans. 

If you’re interested in government and nonprofit financing programs so you can access a loan program that meets your needs, take a look at the following options: 

The Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley

The Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley features resources for nonprofits, grants, and otherwise. They’re worth looking into regularly for funding opportunities. 

Fiserv

Whether it be nonprofit lending resources or grants, Fiserv is dedicated to helping small businesses in Georgia thrive. 

Check out their extensive list of resources (federal and local loan program choices) and grant opportunities if you aren’t looking for a long loan term you have to pay back. 

The Small Business Development Center is always a resource to look into that can bolster your use of resources lke Fiserv and avoid having to use a risky loan option like a personal loan.

Georgia’s Georgia Small Business Finance Resources

Georgia is quite transparent about how to fund your small business. 

Its website offers opportunities such as the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a list of micro loans offered by local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) lenders, Georgia Green Loans, the Georgia Loan Participation Program, and more loan program options. 

See both Georgia Department loans and federal loans to maximize your opportunities. 

Looking for something more focused? You can always take a closer look at the Small Business Assistance Corporation, serving Southeast Georgia, or Southwest Georgia United. You can always contact the Georgia Secretary of State as well.

Invest Atlanta

Invest Atlanta offers a wealth of resources for those looking to help develop and contribute to the community through their business endeavors. 

Whether you want a commercial real estate loan, a small business loan program like the Atlanta Recovery Loan Program or the Revolving Loan Fund (perfect for gap financing), or something else, you can find something at Invest Atlanta.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs

If you are willing to partner with a research institution to further your business, these programs from America’s Seed Fund can help you access funding. 

They also offer resources to find other forms of funding (a lender match with Delta Community Credit Union to secure a bank loan, a small business credit guaranty, another funding opportunity) you might find helpful.