OHIO · NAICS 811192
Ohio car wash projects pencil on express tunnel formats with membership models running through suburban corridors of Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo. Studies translate traffic counts, trade-area saturation, membership penetration, and throughput into projections that lenders can stress-test against ramp and refinance.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Car washes are special-purpose under SOP 50 10 8, so a third-party feasibility study is normally required with an industry-experienced going-concern appraiser, and elevated equity applies.
From FY2010 through FY2026, Ohio recorded 218 SBA-disbursed car wash loans across the 7(a) and 504 programs, representing $155.6 million in approved financing at an average loan size of $714,000. The state sits at rank #5 of 38 for car wash SBA lending volume and holds 2.7% of the national car wash dollar pool. 7(a) accounts for 74.3% of the count, 504 for the rest, with 30 fresh approvals dated FY2024 or later.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 218 |
| Approved volume | $155.6 million |
| Average loan size | $714,000 |
| 7(a) share | 74.3% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 30 |
| State rank by loan count | #5 of 38 |
Among the 148 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 4.1% 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 4.1% adverse-resolution rate below the national car wash benchmark of 5.4% supports the credit story for well-underwritten Ohio projects in this class. Across 218 SBA loans averaging $714,000, 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 Ohio 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.
Ohio projects most 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. SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment, and from July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.
The Midwest winter cycle of salt, snow, and grime sustains year-round express demand monetized through membership models, and suburban corridor saturation decides Ohio 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: North Carolina, Oregon, Texas.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
Four SBA 504 loans through SomerCor including land purchase and construction of a 4,774 square foot automatic car wash
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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