OHIO · NAICS 624410
Ohio childcare center projects pencil on licensure capacity, enrollment ramp, tuition, and staffing ratios across Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati metro submarkets. Studies translate trade-area child counts, wait list pressure, and labor models into projections that lenders can stress-test against ramp.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Childcare deals are projection-based; licensure capacity and enrollment ramp drive the model.
Ohio generated 632 SBA-disbursed childcare center loans between FY2010 and FY2026, worth $315.0 million in approved 7(a) and 504 financing at an average of $498,000 per deal. Ranked #5 of 38 states for childcare center SBA volume, the state captures 3.2% of national childcare center dollars. 86.4% of the loans ran through 7(a) with 504 covering the remainder; 96 approvals have posted since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 632 |
| Approved volume | $315.0 million |
| Average loan size | $498,000 |
| 7(a) share | 86.4% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 96 |
| State rank by loan count | #5 of 38 |
Among the 462 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 6.3% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for childcare center is 4.0%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs above the national benchmark for this asset class, which is a factor lenders weigh in their credit decision.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 6.3% adverse-resolution rate against the national childcare center benchmark of 4.0% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Ohio deals in this class. A rigorous third-party feasibility study — built on documented demand, defensible pricing, and stressed coverage — carries meaningful weight in that underwriting conversation, particularly at an average loan size of $498,000 across 632 loans.
Every Ohio childcare centers 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.
Child care services rank fourteenth in Ohio's SBA volume with 61 trailing-year loans averaging $632,080, tracking the Columbus metro's growth.
For a national view of this asset class, see our childcare center SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the childcare center lending research on our blog.
Compare neighboring markets: North Carolina, Oregon, Texas.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
SBA 504 through Capital CDC with VetLoan Advantage
Veteran-owned center retaining 29 jobs, national program evidence
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