OHIO · NAICS NAICS 447 and 457 families
Ohio gas station and convenience store projects run on the I-70, I-71, and I-75 freight corridors, with travel centers and c-store trade areas carrying inside-sales and food service revenue alongside fuel margin. Studies translate traffic, trade-area capture, fuel margin, inside sales, and food service into projections that survive coverage stress.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Gas stations and c-stores are special-purpose under SOP 50 10 8, so a third-party feasibility study is normally required, Phase I environmental due diligence is expected, and elevated equity applies.
Between FY2010 and FY2026, SBA lenders approved and disbursed 551 7(a) and 504 loans for gas station and c-store projects in Ohio, totaling $178.0 million in approved financing at an average of $323,000 per loan. Ohio ranks #5 of 38 states tracked for gas station and c-store SBA lending volume and accounts for 1.3% of national gas station and c-store SBA dollar volume. 95.3% of these loans were made under the 7(a) program, the remainder under 504. 66 loans have been approved since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 551 |
| Approved volume | $178.0 million |
| Average loan size | $323,000 |
| 7(a) share | 95.3% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 66 |
| State rank by loan count | #5 of 38 |
Among the 441 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 6.3% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for gas station and c-store is 4.3%, 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 gas station and c-store benchmark of 4.3% 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 $323,000 across 551 loans.
Every Ohio gas stations and c-stores 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 I-70, I-75, and I-71 crossroads carry some of the heaviest interstate freight volumes in the country through travel center and c-store trade areas.
For a national view of this asset class, see our gas station and c-store SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the gas station and c-store lending research on our blog. Lenders and CDCs can order an SBA gas station feasibility study tested against SBA’s Appendix 7 environmental rules.
Compare neighboring markets: North Carolina, Oregon, Texas.
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Book a MeetingOur SBA feasibility study consultants prepare fuel, convenience store and travel center studies for lenders, CDCs and sponsors. See pricing, methodology or request a fixed fee quote.
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