FirstBank
SBA lender based in Tennessee serving 13 states and 66 industries
Is FirstBank the right SBA lender for your deal?
FirstBank has funded 727 SBA loans across 13 states and 66 industries. Their average loan size is $394K. Whether they are the right SBA lender for your deal depends on size, industry, geography, and credit profile. PeerSense matches your deal against FirstBank and 897+ alternatives based on closing probability + pricing.
FirstBank is an SBA Preferred Lender (PLP), a designation the SBA grants to lenders with delegated authority to approve 7(a) loans in-house, which speeds underwriting and closing. FirstBank has funded 727 SBA 7(a) loans across 13 states, averaging $394K per loan. PLP status means the lender does not have to send each file to the SBA for review, a material edge on turnaround for qualified borrowers.
Top Lending States
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Book a CallWhy borrowers choose FirstBank
FirstBank is best suited for borrowers seeking mid-market business acquisitions and franchise build-outs, with an average SBA loan of $394K. The lender's deepest industry experience is in Limited-Service Restaurants, and their highest-volume state is Georgia. With 727 SBA loans funded across 13 states, they operate as a regional specialist anchored in Tennessee. Their portfolio default rate is 9.6% (resolved-loan basis). If your deal profile aligns with their underwriting box, this lender is worth a quote. PeerSense matches your specific deal against FirstBank and 897+ alternatives.
Recent SBA Activity at FirstBank
Franchise lending: FirstBank has funded SBA loans for multiple franchise concepts, with the highest volume in Johnny's Pizza, Johnny Brusco', SUBWAY SANDWICH SHOP, and Great American Cookies. Lender-franchise familiarity reduces underwriting friction: brands the lender already knows clear faster and re-trade less.
Industry concentration: The lender's highest-volume SBA industries are Limited-Service Restaurants, Full-Service Restaurants, and Repair & Maintenance. Borrowers in these NAICS sectors typically see better terms and faster approvals.
Geographic concentration: Top markets are Georgia, Colorado, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida. Lenders typically underwrite faster in states where they already have closing comps.
Compare FirstBank to Similar SBA Lenders
Other SBA lenders headquartered in Tennessee with similar deal-size profiles. Borrowers should always compare 3–5 lenders before committing.
Looking for SBA Financing?
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About FirstBank SBA Lending
FirstBank is an SBA lender headquartered in Tennessee. PeerSense tracks this lender's SBA lending activity, including approval trends, geographic coverage, and industry specializations.
FirstBank serves borrowers across 13 states and 66 industry sectors with a regional lending focus. To find out whether FirstBank is a good fit for your specific deal, reach out to PeerSense for a free lender match.
PeerSense maintains detailed performance data on hundreds of SBA lenders to help borrowers and brokers identify the right capital source. Rather than spending weeks researching lenders on your own, book a free call and let our team match you with lenders who have a proven track record in your industry and geography.
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See Related Rates by Program
PeerSense covers the full commercial capital stack. Indicative levels that lenders in our network have been pricing across these programs, as of August 1, 2026.
CMBS Conduit
5.60–7.10%10-yr non-recourse fixed, $5M–$500M+, fully assumable
Bridge Loans
9.00–14.00%12–36 mo transitional, SOFR + 470-970 bps, 65-75% LTV
DSCR Investor
5.95–8.50%30-yr fixed rental, qualifies on property cash flow
Equipment Financing
5.50–12.00%Loan, lease, SBA 504, vendor, captive. Section 179 eligible
Hotel Financing
5.85–11.75%CMBS + SBA 504 + bridge + PIP across all flags
Private Credit
7.80–18.00%Non-bank flexibility, unitranche, recap, transitional
Invoice Factoring + ABL
0.5–3.5% / 30dB2B receivables, trucking / staffing / construction / govt
No-Doc CRE
7.50–11.50%Limited-doc commercial, asset-based underwriting
Foreign National
7.50–11.00%Non-US borrower CRE + bridge, no SSN required
Indicative only, as of August 1, 2026. Not a quote, commitment or offer of credit. Final pricing, leverage and terms are determined by the lender at underwriting, after full transaction materials are reviewed. PeerSense does not lend and does not set pricing. What these terms mean.