OHIO · NAICS NAICS 445310, 445320
Ohio liquor store projects pencil on the state's quota-based permit system, inventory turnover, and trade-area demographics. Studies translate licensure timing, product mix, margin tiers, and competition into projections that lenders can stress-test against ramp and coverage.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
License and goodwill value above $250,000 of intangibles triggers the independent going-concern appraisal alongside any study, and Ohio's quota-based permit system enters the closing schedule.
From FY2010 through FY2026, Ohio recorded 212 SBA-disbursed liquor store loans across the 7(a) and 504 programs, representing $49.0 million in approved financing at an average loan size of $231,000. The state sits at rank #14 of 38 for liquor store SBA lending volume and holds 0.9% of the national liquor store dollar pool. 7(a) accounts for 95.8% of the count, 504 for the rest, with 17 fresh approvals dated FY2024 or later.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 212 |
| Approved volume | $49.0 million |
| Average loan size | $231,000 |
| 7(a) share | 95.8% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 17 |
| State rank by loan count | #14 of 38 |
Among the 178 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 5.6% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for liquor store is 4.4%, 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 5.6% adverse-resolution rate against the national liquor store benchmark of 4.4% 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 $231,000 across 212 loans.
Every Ohio liquor 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.
Ohio's quota permit structure and the Three-C and county-seat trade areas decide most liquor store deals, and lender packages reflect that licensure timing.
For a national view of this asset class, see our liquor store SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the liquor store lending research on our blog.
Compare neighboring markets: North Carolina, Oregon, Texas.
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