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Small business loan default rates by industry

When people borrowed through the SBA's main loan program to start or buy a business, how often did the loan end up written off? Here is the answer for 497 industries, counted from the SBA's own records of every 7(a) loan approved in fiscal years 2010 to 2019.

Preview: figures awaiting verification

We haven't finished checking these counts against the SBA's files yet.

All industries, FY2010–2019

7.2%

34,554 of 478,963 loans were charged off. Every industry below is compared with this rate: 1.00× is the same, 2.00× is twice as often.

Every industry

An industry name, a NAICS code, or one of our guides.

Showing 497 of 497 industries.

SBA 7(a) loans approved FY2010–2019, by industry
IndustryNAICS codeLoansCharged offRatevs. all industries
Computer and Office Machine Repair and MaintenanceOur guide: In-Home Tech Help for Older Adults8112124199422.4%3.11×
Household Appliances, Electric Housewares, and Consumer Electronics Merchant Wholesalers4236202765519.9%2.76×
Electronics Stores44314266412919.4%2.69×
Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors3152101222117.2%2.39×
Limousine Service48532067111517.1%2.38×
Women’s, Girls’, and Infants’ Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing3152401432316.1%2.23×
Dairy Product (except Dried or Canned) Merchant Wholesalers4244301271915.0%2.07×
Business to Business Electronic Markets4251101632414.7%2.04×
Taxi and Ridesharing Services4853102603814.6%2.03×
All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation4859993495114.6%2.03×
Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses45411092413414.5%2.01×
Radio, Television, and Other Electronics Stores4431122743914.2%1.97×
Special Needs Transportation4859913044314.1%1.96×
Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance8112193795314.0%1.94×
Appliance Repair and Maintenance8114123304613.9%1.93×
All Other Health and Personal Care Stores4461996849413.7%1.90×
Travel Agencies5615103284513.7%1.90×
Exam Preparation and TutoringOur guide: Tutoring6116914756413.5%1.87×
New Multifamily Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)2361162283013.2%1.82×
Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities7113203364413.1%1.82×
Department Stores (except Discount Department Stores)4521111011312.9%1.78×
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)5417121401812.9%1.78×
Advertising Material Distribution Services5418701481912.8%1.78×
Direct Mail Advertising5418601802312.8%1.77×
Amusement Arcades7131203614612.7%1.77×
Other Electronic Parts and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers4236905386812.6%1.75×
All Other Legal Services5411992943712.6%1.74×
Diet and Weight Reducing Centers8121911672112.6%1.74×
Used Car Dealers4411201,78722412.5%1.74×
Automotive Transmission Repair8111132242812.5%1.73×
Consumer Electronics and Appliances Rental5322101521912.5%1.73×
Oil and Gas Pipeline and Related Structures Construction2371201281612.5%1.73×
Women's, Children's, and Infants' Clothing and Accessories Merchant Wholesalers42433091711412.4%1.72×
Men's and Boys' Clothing and Furnishings Merchant Wholesalers4243202423012.4%1.72×
Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures7114101702112.4%1.71×
Women's Clothing Stores4481201,49318312.3%1.70×
Other Animal Food Manufacturing3111191151412.2%1.69×
Shoe Stores4482105767012.2%1.68×
Ambulance Services6219102803412.1%1.68×
Building Inspection ServicesOur guide: Home Inspection5413503133812.1%1.68×
Fruit and Vegetable Retailers4452302653212.1%1.67×
Food (Health) Supplement Stores4461916908312.0%1.67×
Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Long-Distance4842308299911.9%1.66×
Sound Recording Studios5122401511811.9%1.65×
Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers4244201932311.9%1.65×
Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers4242104965911.9%1.65×
Electronic Shopping4541111,58118811.9%1.65×
Residential RemodelersOur guide: Handyman2361186,42676411.9%1.65×
Passenger Car Rental5321111521811.8%1.64×
Automobile Driving Schools6116921541811.7%1.62×
Household Appliance Stores4431111391611.5%1.60×
Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers4251206747711.4%1.58×
Home Furnishing Merchant Wholesalers4232204304911.4%1.58×
All Other Publishers5111991331511.3%1.56×
Investigation and Personal Background Check Services5616111782011.2%1.56×
Family Clothing Stores4481405526211.2%1.56×
All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services5615991161311.2%1.55×
Footwear Merchant Wholesalers4243401251411.2%1.55×
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Merchant Wholesalers4244803764211.2%1.55×
Media Representatives5418401171311.1%1.54×
Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Stores4461201,02511311.0%1.53×
Computer and Software Stores4431202002211.0%1.52×
Tire and Tube Merchant Wholesalers4231301101210.9%1.51×
Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services5416144985410.8%1.50×
All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services6219993694010.8%1.50×
All Other Business Support Services5614995556010.8%1.50×
Mortgage and Nonmortgage Loan Brokers5223101761910.8%1.50×
Convention and Trade Show Organizers5619201791910.6%1.47×
Advertising Agencies5418101,11611810.6%1.47×
Clothing Accessories Stores4481506066410.6%1.46×
Document Preparation Services5614101141210.5%1.46×
Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land4871101051110.5%1.45×
Meat Markets4452106136410.4%1.45×
Periodical Publishers5111202602710.4%1.44×
Jewelry, Watch, Precious Stone, and Precious Metal Merchant Wholesalers4239405015210.4%1.44×
Automobile and Other Motor Vehicle Merchant Wholesalers4231104544710.4%1.43×
Marketing Consulting Services5416131,88019410.3%1.43×
Used Household and Office Goods Moving4842106126310.3%1.43×
Financial Transactions Processing, Reserve, and Clearinghouse Activities5223201071110.3%1.42×
Book Stores4512112532610.3%1.42×
Heating Oil Dealers4543111171210.3%1.42×
Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers7139407,32975010.2%1.42×
Nonupholstered Wood Household Furniture Manufacturing3371221962010.2%1.41×
Frozen Specialty Food Manufacturing3114121081110.2%1.41×
Furniture Stores4421101,25312710.1%1.40×
Painting and Wall Covering ContractorsOur guide: Residential Painting2383201,85318710.1%1.40×
Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing3115202282310.1%1.40×
Janitorial ServicesOur guide: Residential Cleaning, Window Cleaning, Short-Term Rental Turnover and Co-Hosting, Commercial Cleaning5617202,65726810.1%1.40×
Sawmills3211132192210.0%1.39×
Roofing Contractors2381601,48014810.0%1.39×
Sign Manufacturing3399509019010.0%1.38×
Automotive Glass Replacement Shops8111222812810.0%1.38×
Supermarkets and Other Grocery Retailers (except Convenience Retailers)4451103,30432910.0%1.38×
Sporting Goods Stores4511102,49224810.0%1.38×
Tour Operators5615202012010.0%1.38×
Other Business Service Centers (including Copy Shops)561439332339.9%1.38×
All Other General Merchandise Stores452319121129.9%1.37×
Administrative Management and General Management Consulting ServicesOur guide: Business Coaching and Consulting5416112,2092189.9%1.37×
New Single-Family Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)2361152,6502619.8%1.37×
General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Less Than Truckload484122428429.8%1.36×
Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars722213918909.8%1.36×
All Other Motor Vehicle Dealers441229102109.8%1.36×
Drycleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated)8123202,3912349.8%1.36×
Hobby, Toy, and Game Stores451120678669.7%1.35×
All Other Insurance Related Activities524298206209.7%1.35×
Motorcycle, ATV, and All Other Motor Vehicle Dealers441228361359.7%1.34×
Other Services Related to Advertising541890527519.7%1.34×
Collection Agencies561440186189.7%1.34×
Consumer Electronics Repair and Maintenance811211207209.7%1.34×
Couriers and Express Delivery ServicesOur guide: Package Delivery Routes492110760739.6%1.33×
Freight Transportation Arrangement488510940909.6%1.33×
Limited-Service Restaurants72251312,3361,1819.6%1.33×
Security Guards and Patrol Services561612481469.6%1.33×
Interior Design Services541410879849.6%1.32×
All Other General Merchandise Stores452990650629.5%1.32×
Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction237130409399.5%1.32×
Flight Training611512105109.5%1.32×
All Other Support Activities for Transportation488999411399.5%1.32×
All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers (except Tobacco Stores)4539982,8392699.5%1.31×
Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Local4842201,6101529.4%1.31×
Other Grocery and Related Products Merchant Wholesalers4244901,0841029.4%1.30×
Commercial Screen Printing323113840799.4%1.30×
Piece Goods, Notions, and Other Dry Goods Merchant Wholesalers424310415399.4%1.30×
Mobile Food Services7223301,1281069.4%1.30×
Pet and Pet Supplies Stores453910911859.3%1.29×
Construction Sand and Gravel Mining212321268259.3%1.29×
Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers424460312299.3%1.29×
Metal Service Centers and Other Metal Merchant Wholesalers423510357339.2%1.28×
All Other Specialty Food Stores4452991,7861659.2%1.28×
Men's Clothing Stores448110304289.2%1.28×
Nail Salons8121131,5181399.2%1.27×
Sporting and Recreational Goods and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers423910810749.1%1.27×
Tobacco Stores453991493459.1%1.27×
Cosmetology and Barber Schools611511231219.1%1.26×
Toilet Preparation Manufacturing325620132129.1%1.26×
Iron and Steel Pipe and Tube Manufacturing from Purchased Steel331210132129.1%1.26×
Other Specialized Design Services541490496459.1%1.26×
Other Clothing Stores4481901,3121199.1%1.26×
Packaging and Labeling Services561910255239.0%1.25×
Other Personal Care Services8121993,1382839.0%1.25×
Office Supplies and Stationery Stores453210400369.0%1.25×
Commercial Bakeries311812735669.0%1.24×
Precision Turned Product Manufacturing332721290269.0%1.24×
Residential Property Managers531311926839.0%1.24×
Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers423450983889.0%1.24×
Office Administrative Services561110324299.0%1.24×
Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers711510694628.9%1.24×
Musical Groups and Artists711130112108.9%1.24×
Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities711310381348.9%1.24×
Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing33991010198.9%1.24×
Claims Adjusting52429110198.9%1.24×
Commercial and Institutional Building Construction2362202,8852578.9%1.23×
Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars7225153,2242878.9%1.23×
Other Direct Selling Establishments4543901,3961248.9%1.23×
Reupholstery and Furniture Repair811420181168.8%1.23×
Computer Training61142010298.8%1.22×
Confectionery and Nut Retailers445292295268.8%1.22×
General Line Grocery Merchant Wholesalers424410535478.8%1.22×
Human Resources Consulting Services541612342308.8%1.22×
Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing334310137128.8%1.21×
Commercial Lithographic Printing323110389348.7%1.21×
All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries7139902,6372308.7%1.21×
Other Professional Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers423490172158.7%1.21×
Used Merchandise Stores453310746658.7%1.21×
Children's and Infants' Clothing Stores448130379338.7%1.21×
Packing and Crating488991115108.7%1.21×
Other Management Consulting Services5416181,3141148.7%1.20×
Locksmiths561622266238.6%1.20×
Transportation Equipment and Supplies (except Motor Vehicle) Merchant Wholesalers423860243218.6%1.20×
Limited-Service Restaurants7222114,7214078.6%1.19×
Full-Service Restaurants72251118,3021,5698.6%1.19×
Caterers7223201,6221398.6%1.19×
Tax Preparation Services5412131,1811018.6%1.19×
Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing332311117108.5%1.18×
All Other Personal ServicesOur guide: Home Organizing and Downsizing Help, Senior Move Management8129903,0742628.5%1.18×
Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing315990272238.5%1.17×
Finish Carpentry Contractors2383501,2681078.4%1.17×
General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Truckload4841217,9616698.4%1.16×
Professional and Management Development Training611430322278.4%1.16×
Food Service Contractors722310979828.4%1.16×
Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals519130251218.4%1.16×
Full-Service Restaurants7221106,8805758.4%1.16×
Other Concrete Product Manufacturing327390156138.3%1.16×
Vocational Rehabilitation Services624310156138.3%1.16×
Sports Teams and Clubs71121110898.3%1.16×
Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir Stores4532201,094918.3%1.15×
General Freight Trucking, Local4841106,4035308.3%1.15×
Other Individual and Family Services624190461388.2%1.14×
Furniture Merchant Wholesalers423210364308.2%1.14×
Other Services to Buildings and DwellingsOur guide: Pressure Washing, Gutter Cleaning and Guard Installation, Dryer Vent Cleaning, Pool Cleaning and Service5617901,3751138.2%1.14×
Home and Garden Equipment Repair and Maintenance811411195168.2%1.14×
Child and Youth Services624110232198.2%1.14×
All Other Home Furnishings Stores442299738608.1%1.13×
Other Construction Material Merchant Wholesalers423390347288.1%1.12×
Flooring Contractors2383301,3641108.1%1.12×
New Housing For-Sale Builders236117124108.1%1.12×
Tobacco Product and Electronic Cigarette Merchant Wholesalers424940124108.1%1.12×
Window Treatment Stores442291236198.1%1.12×
Photography Studios, Portrait541921685558.0%1.11×
Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesalers424470374308.0%1.11×
Baked Goods Retailers445291848688.0%1.11×
All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing333999362298.0%1.11×
Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers424820426348.0%1.11×
Framing Contractors238130326268.0%1.11×
Beauty Salons8121126,9235518.0%1.10×
Translation and Interpretation Services541930152127.9%1.09×
Glass and Glazing Contractors238150507407.9%1.09×
Jewelry Stores4483101,179937.9%1.09×
Other Building Equipment Contractors238290662527.9%1.09×
Other Commercial Equipment Merchant Wholesalers423440332267.8%1.09×
Warm Air Heating and Air-Conditioning Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers423730166137.8%1.09×
Florists453110806637.8%1.08×
Outdoor Advertising541850180147.8%1.08×
Outdoor Power Equipment Stores444210219177.8%1.08×
Lumber, Plywood, Millwork, and Wood Panel Merchant Wholesalers423310455357.7%1.07×
Other Technical and Trade Schools611519287227.7%1.06×
Educational Support Services611710745577.7%1.06×
Local Messengers and Local Delivery492210432337.6%1.06×
Retail Bakeries311811995767.6%1.06×
Other Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors238190735567.6%1.06×
Chicken Egg Production112310420327.6%1.06×
Other Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers4249901,7501337.6%1.05×
Floor Covering Stores442210712547.6%1.05×
Household Appliance Stores443141185147.6%1.05×
Graphic Design Services541430913697.6%1.05×
Computer Facilities Management Services541513252197.5%1.05×
Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers423120653497.5%1.04×
Computer Systems Design Services5415122,3621777.5%1.04×
Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers423930654497.5%1.04×
Motion Picture and Video Production512110909687.5%1.04×
Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers621420269207.4%1.03×
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning ServicesOur guide: Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning561740700527.4%1.03×
School and Employee Bus Transportation485410202157.4%1.03×
Vending Machine Operators454210798597.4%1.02×
Tile and Terrazzo Contractors238340501377.4%1.02×
Toy and Hobby Goods and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers423920326247.4%1.02×
Charter Bus Industry485510163127.4%1.02×
Drywall and Insulation Contractors2383101,020757.4%1.02×
All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction6116991,144847.3%1.02×
Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers423430327247.3%1.02×
All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance811198955707.3%1.02×
Public Relations Agencies541820233177.3%1.01×
Home Health Care Services6216102,9232137.3%1.01×
Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers4239902,0261477.3%1.01×
Medical Laboratories621511444327.2%1.00×
Industrial and Personal Service Paper Merchant Wholesalers424130153117.2%1.00×
All Other Telecommunications517919362267.2%1.00×
New Car Dealers441110390287.2%1.00×
Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors2382104,8193457.2%0.99×
Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)561621588427.1%0.99×
Paint and Wallpaper Retailers444120154117.1%0.99×
Cafeterias, Grill Buffets, and Buffets722514154117.1%0.99×
Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores4413101,7251237.1%0.99×
All Other Specialty Trade Contractors2389906,7634817.1%0.99×
All Other Support Services561990563407.1%0.98×
Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing325412141107.1%0.98×
Nursery and Tree Production111421212157.1%0.98×
Book Publishers511130170127.1%0.98×
Stationery and Office Supplies Merchant Wholesalers424120156117.1%0.98×
Other Activities Related to Real Estate531390868617.0%0.97×
Fine Arts Schools611610854607.0%0.97×
Other Waste Collection562119285207.0%0.97×
Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing311991157117.0%0.97×
Masonry Contractors238140916647.0%0.97×
Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)7224103,4642427.0%0.97×
Other Accounting ServicesOur guide: Bookkeeping Services5412191,375967.0%0.97×
Electrical Apparatus and Equipment, Wiring Supplies, and Related Equipment Merchant Wholesalers423610620436.9%0.96×
Digital Printing32311510176.9%0.96×
Other Support Activities for Road Transportation488490290206.9%0.96×
Flower, Nursery Stock, and Florists' Supplies Merchant Wholesalers424930307216.8%0.95×
Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners6213991,9891366.8%0.95×
Hardware Stores4441301,186816.8%0.95×
Other Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance811490967666.8%0.95×
Home Centers444110176126.8%0.95×
Employment Placement Agencies561311971666.8%0.94×
Drilling Oil and Gas Wells21311110376.8%0.94×
Other Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance811118516356.8%0.94×
Siding Contractors238170236166.8%0.94×
Hardware Merchant Wholesalers423710267186.7%0.93×
Barber Shops8121111,009686.7%0.93×
Wood Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Manufacturing337110579396.7%0.93×
Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Stores451130297206.7%0.93×
Optical Goods Stores446130342236.7%0.93×
Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive-Ins)512131194136.7%0.93×
Tire Dealers441320627426.7%0.93×
Other Commercial Printing323119284196.7%0.93×
Commercial Photography541922300206.7%0.92×
All Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing33699913596.7%0.92×
Other Warehousing and Storage49319010576.7%0.92×
All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services5419903,4442296.6%0.92×
Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing339920346236.6%0.92×
All Other Outpatient Care Centers621498452306.6%0.92×
All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing311999437296.6%0.92×
Amusement and Theme Parks713110196136.6%0.92×
Beer and Ale Merchant Wholesalers424810166116.6%0.92×
Sports and Recreation InstructionOur guide: Kids Sports and Enrichment6116201,6651106.6%0.92×
Temporary Help Services561320607406.6%0.91×
Landscaping ServicesOur guide: Lawn Care5617306,8844516.6%0.91×
Services for the Elderly and Persons with DisabilitiesOur guide: Non-Medical Home Care, Senior Living Placement and Referral Advisor624120734486.5%0.91×
All Other Consumer Goods Rental532299368246.5%0.90×
Custom Architectural Woodwork and Millwork Manufacturing337212230156.5%0.90×
General Automotive Repair8111116,6674346.5%0.90×
Remediation Services562910507336.5%0.90×
Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors2382206,5234246.5%0.90×
All Other Miscellaneous Wood Product Manufacturing321999402266.5%0.90×
Office Equipment Merchant Wholesalers423420186126.5%0.89×
Industrial Design Services54142012486.5%0.89×
Diagnostic Imaging Centers621512375246.4%0.89×
Materials Recovery Facilities56292012586.4%0.89×
All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing335999266176.4%0.89×
Motor Vehicle Towing488410897576.4%0.88×
Other Building Finishing Contractors2383901,043666.3%0.88×
Industrial Building Construction236210475306.3%0.88×
Convenience Stores4451203,1121966.3%0.87×
All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills314999175116.3%0.87×
Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations213112772486.2%0.86×
Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services5416901,144716.2%0.86×
Dental Laboratories339116403256.2%0.86×
All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing3399991,136706.2%0.85×
Construction and Mining (except Oil Well) Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers423810211136.2%0.85×
Motorcycle, ATV, and Personal Watercraft Dealers44122113086.2%0.85×
Nursery, Garden Center, and Farm Supply Stores444220766476.1%0.85×
Software Publishers511210524326.1%0.85×
Brick, Stone, and Related Construction Material Merchant Wholesalers423320279176.1%0.84×
Other Millwork (including Flooring)321918230146.1%0.84×
Wood Window and Door Manufacturing32191111576.1%0.84×
Other Computer Related Services5415192,2981396.0%0.84×
Recreational Vehicle Dealers441210248156.0%0.84×
Payroll Services54121413386.0%0.83×
Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction237110566346.0%0.83×
Farm Supplies Merchant Wholesalers424910250156.0%0.83×
Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling541910201126.0%0.83×
Environmental Consulting Services541620503306.0%0.83×
Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing332312470286.0%0.83×
Offices of Chiropractors6213104,8792885.9%0.82×
Bowling Centers713950544325.9%0.82×
Coffee and Tea Manufacturing311920340205.9%0.82×
Ready-Mix Concrete Manufacturing32732011975.9%0.82×
Telecommunications Resellers517911171105.8%0.81×
Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing33351515495.8%0.81×
Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance8113101,634955.8%0.81×
Pet Care (except Veterinary) ServicesOur guide: Pet Waste Removal, Dog Walking & Pet Sitting8129102,3101345.8%0.80×
Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers5312101,8131055.8%0.80×
Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers423850311185.8%0.80×
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals62211012175.8%0.80×
Logging113310677395.8%0.80×
Commercial Printing (except Screen and Books)3231111,412815.7%0.80×
Miscellaneous Financial Investment Activities52399915795.7%0.79×
Dog and Cat Food Manufacturing31111110565.7%0.79×
Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors2381101,508865.7%0.79×
Title Abstract and Settlement Offices541191193115.7%0.79×
Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services51219115995.7%0.78×
Motor Vehicle Parts (Used) Merchant Wholesalers42314010665.7%0.78×
Other Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing31599912475.6%0.78×
Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction237310892505.6%0.78×
Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating115112232135.6%0.78×
Musical Instrument and Supplies Stores451140450255.6%0.77×
Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers423840432245.6%0.77×
Confectionery Merchant Wholesalers42445014485.6%0.77×
Other Snack Food Manufacturing31191916495.5%0.76×
Dairy Cattle and Milk Production112120201115.5%0.76×
Offices of Real Estate Appraisers531320202115.4%0.75×
Pharmacies and Drug Stores4461103,1801735.4%0.75×
All Other Information Services519190277155.4%0.75×
Other Poultry Production112390314175.4%0.75×
Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing339112204115.4%0.75×
Breweries3121202,1521165.4%0.75×
Other Support Activities for Air Transportation48819016795.4%0.75×
Custom Computer Programming Services5415112,5641385.4%0.75×
All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing3329991,119605.4%0.74×
Other Building Material Dealers4441901,275685.3%0.74×
Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops811191583315.3%0.74×
Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians)621330941505.3%0.74×
Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors238120323175.3%0.73×
Art Dealers453920285155.3%0.73×
Newspaper Publishers51111015285.3%0.73×
Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services518210767405.2%0.72×
Wired Telecommunications Carriers51711017395.2%0.72×
Other Electronic Component Manufacturing33441915485.2%0.72×
Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing33232317495.2%0.72×
Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical and Emergency Centers621493332175.1%0.71×
Offices of Certified Public Accountants5412113,1091595.1%0.71×
Support Activities for Forestry11531015785.1%0.71×
All Other Consumer Goods Rental53228911865.1%0.70×
Automotive Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance8111212,4271235.1%0.70×
Car Washes8111922,1951115.1%0.70×
Dance Companies71112017895.1%0.70×
Cut Stone and Stone Product Manufacturing327991317165.0%0.70×
Fish and Seafood Markets44522016085.0%0.69×
Other Nonhazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal56221912065.0%0.69×
Machine Shops3327102,0671035.0%0.69×
Industrial Mold Manufacturing33351116284.9%0.68×
Meat Processed from Carcasses31161214274.9%0.68×
Industrial Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers423830917454.9%0.68×
Special Die and Tool, Die Set, Jig, and Fixture Manufacturing333514205104.9%0.68×
Paint and Coating Manufacturing32551012464.8%0.67×
Offices of Lawyers5411105,4392634.8%0.67×
Plastics Materials and Basic Forms and Shapes Merchant Wholesalers42461010454.8%0.67×
Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists621112667324.8%0.67×
General Warehousing and Storage493110271134.8%0.66×
Lessors of Other Real Estate Property531190313154.8%0.66×
Hardware Manufacturing33251010554.8%0.66×
Site Preparation Contractors2389102,8271344.7%0.66×
Other Gasoline Stations44719016984.7%0.66×
Golf Courses and Country Clubs713910340164.7%0.65×
Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies (Hydronics) Merchant Wholesalers423720234114.7%0.65×
Radio Stations51511214974.7%0.65×
Exterminating and Pest Control ServicesOur guide: Mosquito and Tick Control561710714334.6%0.64×
Distilleries312140348164.6%0.64×
Insurance Agencies and Brokerages5242104,3401994.6%0.64×
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)623110439204.6%0.63×
Landscape Architectural Services541320992454.5%0.63×
Engineering Services5413302,7981254.5%0.62×
Metal Coating, Engraving (except Jewelry and Silverware), and Allied Services to Manufacturers332812336154.5%0.62×
Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds)72121411254.5%0.62×
Offices of Podiatrists621391471214.5%0.62×
Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring33281320494.4%0.61×
Architectural Services5413101,093484.4%0.61×
Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings531110228104.4%0.61×
Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)6211116,9683034.3%0.60×
Glass Product Manufacturing Made of Purchased Glass32721511554.3%0.60×
Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)517210231104.3%0.60×
All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing326199743324.3%0.60×
Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists6213402,3751024.3%0.60×
Continuing Care Retirement Communities62331121194.3%0.59×
Facilities Support Services56121014364.2%0.58×
Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores4453105,3402244.2%0.58×
Boat Dealers441222264114.2%0.58×
Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners8123101,665694.1%0.57×
Private Mail CentersOur guide: Mailbox and Shipping Store561431387164.1%0.57×
Welding and Soldering Equipment Manufacturing33399212354.1%0.56×
Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction237990675274.0%0.55×
Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing32541110044.0%0.55×
Shellfish Fishing11411210144.0%0.55×
Water Supply and Irrigation Systems22131020383.9%0.55×
Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services541370331133.9%0.54×
Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing532490690273.9%0.54×
Plate Work Manufacturing33231312853.9%0.54×
Linen Supply81233110343.9%0.54×
Machine Tool Manufacturing33351718273.8%0.53×
Wood Container and Pallet Manufacturing321920264103.8%0.53×
General Rental Centers532310317123.8%0.52×
Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers424690292113.8%0.52×
Other Residential Care Facilities623990292113.8%0.52×
Child Care Services6244105,8212183.7%0.52×
Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (except Bulk Stations and Terminals)42472016263.7%0.51×
Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters71111010843.7%0.51×
Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities62322019073.7%0.51×
Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing33639010943.7%0.51×
Boat Building33661210943.7%0.51×
Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing332322328123.7%0.51×
Solid Waste CollectionOur guide: Junk Removal562111803293.6%0.50×
Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing32521113953.6%0.50×
Marinas71393022383.6%0.50×
Nonresidential Property Managers531312335123.6%0.50×
Research and Development in Biotechnology54171111243.6%0.50×
Wineries312130571203.5%0.49×
All Other Miscellaneous Crop Farming11199820073.5%0.49×
Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing33331814353.5%0.48×
Portfolio Management52392023083.5%0.48×
Support Activities for Animal Production115210380133.4%0.47×
Broilers and Other Meat Type Chicken Production1123203,1001053.4%0.47×
Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water48721018263.3%0.46×
Gasoline Stations with Convenience Stores4471105,5461813.3%0.45×
Farm and Garden Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers42382019063.2%0.44×
Truck, Utility Trailer, and RV (Recreational Vehicle) Rental and Leasing53212019463.1%0.43×
Recreational Goods Rental53229223373.0%0.42×
Testing Laboratories and Services541380448132.9%0.40×
Elementary and Secondary Schools611110462132.8%0.39×
All Other Miscellaneous Waste Management Services56299828982.8%0.38×
Bed-and-Breakfast Inns721191483132.7%0.37×
Offices of Dentists6212109,0722432.7%0.37×
Offices of Other Holding Companies55111229982.7%0.37×
Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing33641315142.6%0.37×
Offices of Optometrists6213201,724452.6%0.36×
Cemeteries and Crematories81222011632.6%0.36×
Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing33699112032.5%0.35×
Construction, Mining, and Forestry Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing53241224562.4%0.34×
Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels7211107,7061862.4%0.33×
Septic Tank and Related Services56299134582.3%0.32×
Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing33324917542.3%0.32×
Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing33911318242.2%0.30×
Veterinary Services5419403,951842.1%0.29×
Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses)5311201,815382.1%0.29×
Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly6233121,153242.1%0.29×
RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Campgrounds72121139982.0%0.28×
Funeral Homes and Funeral Services8122101,608322.0%0.28×
Industrial Valve Manufacturing33291110621.9%0.26×
Investment Advice5239301,979361.8%0.25×
All Other Traveler Accommodation72119912021.7%0.23×
Fuel Dealers45431021431.4%0.19×
All Other Miscellaneous Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing32599816921.2%0.16×
Private Households81411010111.0%0.14×
Beef Cattle Ranching and Farming11211131031.0%0.13×
Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units53113097970.7%0.10×
Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities62321012800.0%0.00×
Securities Brokerage52312010400.0%0.00×

Source for every row: the SBA's 7(a) loan-level data, our count by industry code.

Download the full table as a spreadsheet (CSV, about 230 KB) It also covers loans approved FY2000–2009 (including the 2008 recession), FY2020 onward, and the SBA's 504 loan program, with dollar amounts.

How we counted

  • What a charge-off is. When a borrower stops paying and the SBA gives up on collecting the rest, it writes off (charges off) the unpaid balance. It is the clearest sign in the data that a loan failed.
  • Which loans. Every 7(a) loan approved in fiscal years 2010 to 2019 (October 2009 to September 2019) that was actually paid out. Loans that were cancelled before any money changed hands are left out. Using a ten-year-old group gives most loans time to be paid off or written off.
  • Some loans are still open. 46,688 loans in this group were still being repaid when the SBA published its files. Some of them may still be charged off, so the final rate for an industry may be a little higher than shown.
  • Industry codes are broad. Each loan carries the borrower's NAICS industry code. One code can cover very different businesses: a home-based window cleaner and a large janitorial contractor can share a code. Older loans sometimes use older codes, so a few industries are split across rows.
  • SBA borrowers aren't every business. These are owners who qualified for a bank loan with an SBA guarantee. People who started with their own savings, or couldn't get a loan, aren't in the data. The rate is a loan outcome, not a business survival rate.
  • Small industries are left out. We only show industries with at least 100 loans, so one or two bad loans can't make an industry look risky.

The loan factor on each guide's Risk Meter uses these rates. How we score risk · All sources

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