Celtic Bank SBA Lending

Celtic Bank is a Utah-chartered industrial bank based in Salt Lake City that is one of the most prolific SBA 7(a) lenders in the United States. Unlike most banks, Celtic Bank focuses almost entirely on business lending and does not operate a traditional consumer banking or branch network. A significant portion of its SBA lending volume is generated through partnerships with online lending platforms.

SBA loans are business loans partially guaranteed by the US Small Business Administration. The government backing allows lenders to offer longer repayment terms and often lower rates than conventional business loans. Celtic Bank participates heavily in the SBA 7(a) program, which can be used for working capital, equipment, real estate, business acquisition and other business purposes.

Celtic Bank is particularly well known for its involvement in SBA Express loans, which are a streamlined subset of the SBA 7(a) program with a faster approval process and a smaller loan limit. Celtic Bank processes these through partnerships with online marketplaces and lending platforms, which means many borrowers access Celtic Bank SBA loans through a third-party platform rather than directly.

Because Celtic Bank does not operate traditional retail branches, most of its business is conducted remotely or through partner platforms. This may suit business owners who are comfortable with a digital-first application process.

As with any SBA lender, the cost of an SBA loan through Celtic Bank depends on the type of loan, the amount and current market conditions. Compare offers from Celtic Bank against those from other SBA-preferred lenders, particularly direct lenders and banks in your area, before making a final decision.