Program milestone
In February 2026 the SBA said its 7(a) Working Capital Pilot had delivered more than $150 million in new lending since launch. The agency also updated the program guide effective January 26, 2026 and continued lender training during the year.
How WCP differs from a simple term loan
WCP is designed around monitored lines of credit rather than one-time amortizing proceeds. The current SBA description says eligible businesses can use lines up to $5 million and may borrow against working-capital needs such as accounts receivable and inventory, subject to program and lender requirements.
Who may find it useful
The structure can be relevant for businesses with seasonal inventory, project-based cash cycles, large contracts, receivable-heavy operations or recurring working-capital swings. A stable one-time equipment purchase is usually a different financing problem.
What to compare with a bank
Ask whether the lender is active in WCP, how it calculates availability, what reporting it requires, whether the line is asset-based or transaction-based, how often borrowing-base information must be updated, and what fees apply when the facility is unused or renewed.
Primary sources
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