Top Industries Financed
- Full-Service Restaurants
- Residential Remodelers
- Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
- Landscaping Services
- Janitorial Services
Quick Summary
First Merchants Bank is an SBA-approved lender headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are an SBA Preferred Lender, meaning they can approve loans without prior SBA review. Since 2020, they have approved 250 SBA 7(a) loans totaling $79.2M, with an average loan size of $317K. They serve businesses across 11 states.
About First Merchants Bank
First Merchants Bank is an SBA-approved lender headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since 2020, they have approved 250 SBA 7(a) loans totaling $79.2M, with an average loan size of $317K. As an SBA Preferred Lender, they have delegated authority to approve SBA loans without prior SBA review, resulting in faster processing times. They serve businesses across 11 states.
Before you apply — know where you stand
Nav is the only place where you can track your FICO SBSS score — the score the SBA uses to determine loan eligibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is First Merchants Bank an SBA Preferred Lender?
Yes, First Merchants Bank is an SBA Preferred Lender (PLP). This means they have delegated authority from the SBA to approve loans without prior SBA review, resulting in faster approvals — typically 7–10 business days instead of 4–6 weeks.
How many SBA loans has First Merchants Bank approved?
According to SBA FOIA public records, First Merchants Bank has approved 250 SBA 7(a) loans totaling $79.2M since 2020. Their average loan size is $317K.
What states does First Merchants Bank serve?
First Merchants Bank serves businesses in 11 states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas.
How do I apply for an SBA loan with First Merchants Bank?
To apply for an SBA 7(a) loan with First Merchants Bank, contact them directly through the form on this page. Before applying, check your FICO SBSS score (the SBA's pre-screening score) and have your financial statements, business plan, and tax returns ready. Most SBA lenders require 2+ years in business, $100K+ annual revenue, and a personal credit score of 640+.
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