How Much Can Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities Businesses Get in SBA Loans?
262 SBA loans totaling $48.8M have been approved for research and development in the social sciences and humanities businesses (NAICS 541720). The average approved SBA loan is $186K, which is 45% below avg the $340K national average. 91 active lenders fund this industry with a 16.0% default rate on the matured 2018-2021 loan cohort.
At 16.0%, Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities sits above the 15.4% all-industry SBA default rate (charged-off as a share of resolved loans) — above average default risk relative to other SBA industries. Lenders price this risk into rate and structure, which is why matching the file to the right lender matters.
NAICS 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities) received 262 SBA loans worth $48.8M across 5+ states. Average loan $186K, average term 100 months, 16.0% default rate (resolved-loan basis).91 active SBA-approved lenders fund this industry. Most research and development in the social sciences and humanities loans use the SBA 7(a) program. There are approximately 2,108 U.S. establishments in this industry (Census 2022).
Is SBA Lending Growing for Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities?+60% growth
Which SBA Program Do Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities Businesses Use Most?
What Is the Best SBA Loan for Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities?
The most widely used SBA program for research and development in the social sciences and humanities businesses — flexible terms, multiple use cases
Where Are Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities SBA Loans Most Common?
Top SBA Lenders for Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
These banks have funded the most SBA loans for research and development in the social sciences and humanities businesses (NAICS 541720). PeerSense routes deals to lenders with proven appetite in your industry.
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association(OH) | 26 | $3.3M |
| 2 | Bank of America, National Association(NC) | 22 | $3.3M |
| 3 | Wells Fargo Bank National Association(SD) | 17 | $2.9M |
| 4 | Citizens Bank, National Association(RI) | 14 | $657K |
| 5 | Popular Bank(NY) | 12 | $300K |
Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities Industry Context
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How Does SBA Lending Work for Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities Businesses?
Across all SBA loan programs, 262 loans have been approved for businesses classified under NAICS 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities), representing $48.8M in total capital deployed. The average approved loan of $186K is 45% below avg the national SBA average of $340K, with typical repayment terms of 100 months.
SBA lending for research and development in the social sciences and humanities is accelerating — loan volume has grown approximately 60% over recent fiscal years. This upward trajectory suggests expanding access to capital and growing lender confidence in this sector. Peak activity occurred in FY2017.
The industry sees a balanced mix of SBA programs, with 6% of loans using the 504 program for fixed asset acquisition and the majority using 7(a) for its flexibility across working capital, equipment, and business acquisition uses. SBA 7(a) loans offer up to $5M with terms up to 25 years for real estate.
PeerSense specializes in matching research and development in the social sciences and humanities business owners with the capital sources most likely to approve their specific deal structure. As an advisory firm (not a lender), we structure your deal across our network of 500+ SBA-approved lenders to find the best terms — our referral fee is established upfront and paid at closing. No retainers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities SBA Loans
What is the average SBA loan size for research and development in the social sciences and humanities businesses?
Which SBA loan program is best for a research and development in the social sciences and humanities business?
How many lenders fund SBA loans for research and development in the social sciences and humanities?
What states have the most SBA lending for research and development in the social sciences and humanities?
How does PeerSense help research and development in the social sciences and humanities businesses get SBA loans?
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Data aggregated from SBA loan records (1992–2025). Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities defined by NAICS code 541720. Not financial advice. PeerSense is a capital advisory firm, not a lender. Consult a lending professional before making financial decisions.