Gesa Credit Union continues to be a major source of capital for small business owners in Washington and Oregon. 

The Richland-based credit union provided 47 loans and $37.2 million to borrowers who qualified for government-backed SBA 7(a) loans in 2024, beating its own stats from last year. 

“At Gesa Credit Union, we recognize that small businesses need access to capital,” said Paul Long, Gesa’s SBA lending manager in a release. “Our team works hard to help business owners acquire businesses, purchase real estate and equipment to help their business grow.” 

SBA 7(a) loans are the primary tool of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s loan program to help small businesses access financing while providing guarantees to lenders. 

SBA 7(a) loans can be used for acquiring or improving real estate, refinancing business debt, facilitating ownership changes or more.  

The maximum amount a borrower can qualify for is $5 million. Key eligibility factors are based on what the business is, its credit history and where it operates.