Florist loans: SBA rates and eligibility
Florists · NAICS 459310 (formerly 453110) · Program that usually fits: 7(a)
A florist loan is almost always a small 7(a) or SBA Express loan: flower shops are retail businesses with modest fixed costs, so the typical ask is a shop purchase, a cooler and van, or working capital to carry inventory through Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. Lenders will want to see that the shop's wire-service and walk-in revenue is stable.
Who qualifies
Owners buying an established shop, and existing florists expanding into events or a second location. Lenders look for retail or floral experience, a lease that outlasts the loan, and seasonal cash-flow projections. Start-ups can qualify with a solid plan and 15% to 20% equity.
Which SBA program fits
SBA Express for small needs
Loans under $500,000 for a van, coolers or working capital close quickly through Express, at a slightly higher rate.
7(a) for buying a shop
Covers the business purchase, inventory, build-out and working capital on a 10-year term.
Microloans under $50,000
Nonprofit SBA microlenders fund very small florist start-ups when a bank won't.
What borrowers use the money for
- Buying an existing flower shop
- Walk-in coolers, display cases and a delivery van
- Working capital for holiday inventory
- Build-out of a retail space or design studio
- Point-of-sale and online ordering systems
Typical loan amounts, down payment and terms
Most florist loans fall between $50,000 and $350,000. Equity injection runs 10% to 20%. The SBA caps rates on loans of $50,000 or less at prime plus 6.5, so a florist borrowing a small amount pays a higher rate than a bigger business would.
Example: a $150,000 loan
At today's maximum variable 7(a) rate of 10.00% over 10 years, the payment would be about $1,982 a month. Most well-qualified borrowers get a lower rate. Try your own numbers.
Today's rate caps
These are the SBA's maximum 7(a) rates with prime at 7.00%. See current SBA 7(a) rates and SBA 504 rates for the full picture.
| Loan amount | Maximum spread | Maximum variable rate today |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 or less | Prime + 6.5 | 13.50% |
| $50,001 to $250,000 | Prime + 6.0 | 13.00% |
| $250,001 to $350,000 | Prime + 4.5 | 11.50% |
| Over $350,000 | Prime + 3.0 | 10.00% |
Related industries and lenders
Related industries
SBA lenders active nationwide
Questions about florist loans
Can a florist get an SBA loan?
Yes. Flower shops are eligible for 7(a), Express and microloans. The most common uses are buying an existing shop, equipment like coolers and a delivery van, and working capital for the holiday rush.
How much can a flower shop borrow?
Most florist loans are $50,000 to $350,000. The SBA allows up to $5 million, but lenders size the loan to the shop's cash flow, and a single-location florist rarely supports more than a few hundred thousand dollars.
What is the interest rate on a florist loan?
With prime at 7.00%, a loan of $50,000 or less is capped at 13.50%, and a loan from $50,001 to $250,000 at 13.00%. Lenders often price small loans near the cap.
Do I need collateral for a flower shop loan?
Not necessarily. The SBA doesn't require full collateral, and loans under $50,000 need none. For larger loans the lender takes what's available, including equipment and sometimes a lien on your home.
Can I get an SBA loan to start a florist from scratch?
Yes, though start-ups need a detailed plan, floral or retail experience and 15% to 20% equity. A microloan from an SBA intermediary is often the realistic first step for a new florist.
Sources: SBA 7(a) terms, conditions and maximum variable rates; Federal Reserve H.15 selected interest rates (bank prime loan rate); October 2026 SBA 504 debenture pricing, as published by CDCs; SBA FOIA 7(a) and 504 loan-level data.