MARYLAND · NAICS 811192
Maryland car wash deals run along the Baltimore-Washington suburban corridors, where express expansion carries the format and competitive pipeline analysis decides deals. Lender packages require feasibility studies analyzing trade-area saturation, car-count projections, and membership ramp against an elevated equity threshold.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Car washes are on the SOP 50 10 8 special-purpose list, so a third-party study is normally required with an industry-experienced going-concern appraiser and elevated equity.
Maryland generated 49 SBA-disbursed car wash loans between FY2010 and FY2026, worth $56.9 million in approved 7(a) and 504 financing at an average of $1.2 million per deal. Ranked #24 of 38 states for car wash SBA volume, the state captures 1.0% of national car wash dollars. 85.7% of the loans ran through 7(a) with 504 covering the remainder; 3 approvals have posted since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 49 |
| Approved volume | $56.9 million |
| Average loan size | $1.2 million |
| 7(a) share | 85.7% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 3 |
| State rank by loan count | #24 of 38 |
Among the 41 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 2.4% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for car wash is 5.4%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs below the national benchmark for this asset class, a credit-positive signal for lenders.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 2.4% adverse-resolution rate below the national car wash benchmark of 5.4% supports the credit story for well-underwritten Maryland projects in this class. Across 49 SBA loans averaging $1.2 million, that track record does not eliminate the need for a third-party feasibility study, but it means a rigorous study reinforces rather than defends the projections.
Every Maryland car washes project we underwrite follows the same lender ready process: independent market analysis, site and technical review, and financial projections tested against SBA SOP 50 10 8 standards. Our SBA feasibility study consultants guide explains scope, timing, deliverables, and what lenders and CDCs expect in the report.
Maryland projects often pencil under SBA 504 because the 50/40/10 structure delivers up to 90 percent financing on owner-occupied real estate at a fixed debenture rate, and SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment. From July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.
The Baltimore-Washington suburban corridors carry express expansion where competitive pipeline analysis decides deals.
For a national view of this asset class, see our car wash SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the car wash lending research on our blog.
Compare neighboring markets: Maine, Massachusetts, Texas.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
Four SBA 504 loans through SomerCor
Land purchase and construction of a 4,774 square foot automatic car wash for an 18-location Chicago operator, national program evidence
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
Fifteen-minute scoping call, written proposal inside one business day, firm fixed fee before you sign.
Book a MeetingOur SBA feasibility study consultants prepare express tunnel, in-bay automatic and self-serve car wash studies for lenders, CDCs and sponsors. See pricing, methodology or request a fixed fee quote.
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