SBA Lender Andrew Simon: How SBA Loans Actually Work

If you’re building, buying, or scaling a small business, this episode is a must-watch. In this conversation, I sit down with Andrew Simon—one of the most respected SBA lenders in the game. Andrew breaks down how SBA loans really work, the strategies smart entrepreneurs use to leverage funding, and how he evaluates businesses beyond just the numbers. We also dive into Andrew’s wild journey from selling garbage trucks and Michelin tires to owning businesses and becoming a national leader in small business lending. 🔔 Subscribe for more real business conversations: [Your Channel Link] 🎧 Full podcast on Spotify & Apple: [Podcast Link] Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: Meet Andrew Simon 01:30 - Why most entrepreneurs fear debt 03:48 - What SBA loans are really for 06:10 - Types of businesses Andrew funds 08:22 - Case study: The countertop fabricator 12:40 - What makes a good loan candidate? 15:01 - How Andrew evaluates risk creatively 18:55 - Andrew’s backstory: Selling garbage trucks 22:40 - Lessons from early sales roles 26:00 - How he got into SBA lending 30:10 - FedEx contractors & SBA funding 34:28 - Understanding projections vs history 38:10 - Andrew’s advice for first-time borrowers 41:22 - Common mistakes small businesses make 44:05 - The power of knowing your metrics 47:00 - Final thoughts & where to reach Andrew