Live Oak Bank
SBA lending with a dedicated franchise lending practice.
Regions: US
Live Oak Bank is a Wilmington, North Carolina-based bank that has grown into one of the most active SBA lenders in the country, with dedicated verticals for specific industries including franchising. Their franchise lending team works with brands that appear on the SBA Franchise Registry (brands pre-approved for faster SBA loan processing) and offers both SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loan products. For wellness franchise buyers, Live Oak is worth contacting directly as a lender alongside marketplace options like BoeFly, as preferred lenders like Live Oak have delegated authority to approve SBA loans without waiting for SBA review — which can meaningfully shorten closing timelines. Compare rate, term, prepayment penalty, and personal guarantee requirements across at least two to three lenders before committing.
Reviewed by Miles Sutherland, Vendors & Equipment Editor
At a glance
- Funding type
- SBA 7(a)
- Typical terms
- 10-25 yr, delegated SBA authority
Capabilities
Why it stands out
Delegated SBA authority allows approval without waiting on SBA review
Best for
Buyers of SBA Franchise Registry brands wanting a faster approval timeline
Key features
Compared with
Alternatives to Live Oak Bank
Other financing options for wellness franchises worth comparing against Live Oak Bank.