
Live Oak Banking Company
Live Oak Banking Company is an active SBA lender in North Carolina, a bank offering SBA-guaranteed small-business loans. Currently rated 3.4 stars across 145 Google reviews.
About Live Oak Banking Company
Live Oak Banking Company offers specialized SBA loan programs designed to support small businesses across various industries. With a focus on providing flexible financing options, they assist entrepreneurs in acquiring capital for growth, working capital, or acquisition needs. Their team is committed to delivering tailored solutions with a straightforward application process, emphasizing customer service and quick turnaround times. The bank supports a range of SBA programs, including 7(a) and 504 loans, to help businesses access the funding they need to succeed. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, they serve clients both locally and nationally, leveraging their expertise to facilitate business expansion and stability. Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, Live Oak Banking Company aims to be a dependable partner in your financial journey, offering competitive rates and personalized guidance to meet your unique needs.
Serves SBA borrowers in 53 states
Live Oak Banking Company has funded SBA loans for businesses in these states, by borrower location. Tap a state to see every lender serving it.
- California2,234
- Texas1,747
- Florida1,305
- North Carolina1,061
- Colorado738
- Georgia713
- New York604
- Pennsylvania495
- Illinois483
- Ohio481
- Virginia468
- Arizona463
- New Jersey449
- Michigan437
- Washington411
- South Carolina356
- Massachusetts342
- Tennessee331
- Oregon283
- Maryland259
- Alabama249
- Indiana247
- Missouri247
- Connecticut241
- Utah232
- Wisconsin201
- Arkansas186
- Minnesota185
- Kentucky171
- Louisiana171
- Oklahoma171
- Nevada146
- New Mexico136
- Idaho130
- Kansas127
- Mississippi111
- New Hampshire102
- Montana80
- Iowa77
- Nebraska72
- Delaware62
- Maine59
- Alaska50
- West Virginia47
- Wyoming45
- Rhode Island39
- Hawaii35
- Vermont32
- District of Columbia18
- South Dakota16
- North Dakota13
- Puerto Rico10
- U.S. Virgin Islands5
Industries Live Oak Banking Company finances
Business types Live Oak Banking Company actively lends to, from its SBA loan history. Tap one to see every lender serving it.
Common questions about Live Oak Banking Company
What is this place and what can I find here?
This is a financial institution offering SBA loan programs and small business financing solutions. You can find information about loan options, application processes, and support services tailored for small businesses.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
It's recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure dedicated time with a loan officer, but walk-ins may be accommodated depending on availability.
What are the hours of operation?
Live Oak Banking Company's Customer Success Managers are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. EST. Confirm specific hours and after-hours options directly with the bank.
Is there a fee to use this?
There are no fees for accessing basic information, but loan processing and application fees may apply depending on the loan type and terms.
Who is this open to — anyone, or only residents/members?
This institution primarily serves small business owners and entrepreneurs, with services available to clients nationwide who meet lending criteria.
What minimum personal credit score does this bank look for in a guarantor?
A minimum personal credit score of 620 is generally required for guarantors applying for SBA loans.
How long does the traditional underwriting process take from start to close?
The underwriting process typically takes between 30 to 45 days, depending on the completeness of your application and documentation.
Is this open on weekends?
Most banks keep weekday business hours and are closed on weekends, and Live Oak Banking Company typically follows the same pattern. SBA lending staff are generally reachable Monday through Friday. A few locations offer Saturday or by-appointment hours, so call Live Oak Banking Company to confirm current weekend availability before you go.
How do I get there and where do I park?
Live Oak Banking Company is located in North Carolina — see the contact card for the full address. Most bank locations offer free on-site or nearby street parking for visitors. For exact directions, the entrance, and accessible parking, use the listed address or call ahead and staff can point you to visitor spaces.
Who owns or operates this listing?
This page is an independent directory listing for Live Oak Banking Company, an SBA-participating bank. It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by Live Oak Banking Company itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at Live Oak Banking Company, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.
How current is the information on this page?
The core details for Live Oak Banking Company — name, location, contact, and lender type — are compiled from public records and reviewed periodically. Rates, programs, credit policies, and hours change often and are not guaranteed here, so always confirm the latest terms directly with Live Oak Banking Company before applying. If you represent Live Oak Banking Company, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.
How do I contact this listing directly?
You can reach Live Oak Banking Company at (866) 518-0286 or submit a form for a loan specialist at liveoak.bank/get-started/form-contact-loan-specialist/. Confirm current contact methods with the bank.
What core industries does this commercial bank traditionally choose to finance?
Based on its approved SBA loans, Live Oak Banking Company most often finances businesses in dental practices, veterinary services, pharmacy & medical retail, construction & contractors, real estate & property management, and medical practices & clinics. This reflects Live Oak Banking Company's real SBA 7(a) and 504 lending history rather than a stated policy — it can still consider other industries and sets its own current preferences, so confirm with Live Oak Banking Company which sectors it actively lends to before you apply.
Can I apply for an SBA Express line of credit at this branch?
Live Oak Banking Company offers SBA Express (Live Oak® Express) with term loans from $10,000 to $350,000, flexible repayment terms up to 10 years, no prepayment penalties, and a streamlined digital application. Confirm current terms with the bank.
Does this bank have Preferred Lender Provider status with the government?
Yes, Live Oak Banking Company holds SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status, which allows them to approve loans in-house without SBA review, typically accelerating decisions by three to four weeks. Confirm current PLP status with the bank.
Are start-up companies eligible for financing at this traditional institution?
The SBA does fund start-ups, but many traditional lenders prefer at least two years of operating history and may ask newer ventures for a larger equity injection or stronger collateral. Live Oak Banking Company's appetite for start-ups is set by its own credit policy. If you are early-stage or pre-revenue, ask Live Oak Banking Company directly whether it considers start-up loans.
What are the typical down payment expectations for commercial real estate acquisitions?
For SBA 7(a) and 504 commercial real estate loans, borrowers typically contribute around 10% to 20% as a down payment or equity injection, depending on the property and the deal. Exact requirements vary with your credit, the business, and the lender's policy. Ask Live Oak Banking Company what down payment it expects for your specific commercial real estate purchase.
Does this bank impose prepayment penalties on short-term working capital facilities?
SBA 7(a) loans with terms under 15 years generally carry no prepayment penalty, while longer real estate loans can have one in the early years. Short-term working capital lines often have no penalty, but terms vary by lender. Review your loan agreement and ask Live Oak Banking Company to spell out any prepayment penalties before you sign.
Can I use loan proceeds from this bank to buy out an existing equity partner?
SBA loans can be used for a partner or owner buyout, including buying out an existing equity partner, when the deal is structured to meet SBA rules — for example, the remaining owner generally must stay actively involved. Approval depends on the specifics, so discuss your buyout plan with Live Oak Banking Company to confirm it qualifies and how to document it.
Will historical personal bankruptcies automatically disqualify my loan application here?
A past personal bankruptcy does not automatically disqualify you from an SBA loan. Lenders look at how long ago it was discharged, the circumstances, and how your credit has recovered since. Live Oak Banking Company weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask Live Oak Banking Company how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.

