OHIO · NAICS 531130
Ohio self-storage projects depend on disciplined supply, absorption, and rent benchmarking inside a three to five mile radius. Studies translate competitive square footage, occupancy and rate trends, and lease-up assumptions into projections that lenders can stress-test against ramp and refinance scenarios.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Self-storage is special-purpose under SOP 50 10 8; studies analyze supply within a three to five mile radius, absorption, and rent benchmarks.
Between FY2010 and FY2026, SBA lenders approved and disbursed 101 7(a) and 504 loans for self-storage projects in Ohio, totaling $116.9 million in approved financing at an average of $1.2 million per loan. Ohio ranks #8 of 38 states tracked for self-storage SBA lending volume and accounts for 3.3% of national self-storage SBA dollar volume. 75.2% of these loans were made under the 7(a) program, the remainder under 504. 7 loans have been approved since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 101 |
| Approved volume | $116.9 million |
| Average loan size | $1.2 million |
| 7(a) share | 75.2% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 7 |
| State rank by loan count | #8 of 38 |
Among the 72 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 1.4% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for self-storage is 1.1%, against 7.3% across all industries. That is broadly in line with the national benchmark for this asset class.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
An adverse-resolution rate of 1.4%, close to the national self-storage benchmark of 1.1%, puts Ohio deals in this class on ordinary SBA credit footing. Across 101 loans averaging $1.2 million, the underwriting question is deal-specific: a rigorous third-party feasibility study is where documented demand and stressed coverage decide the credit outcome.
Every Ohio self-storage 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.
Midwest stabilized occupancy of 77.9 percent in late 2025 posted the strongest regional gain in the country, and Live Oak Bank's dedicated national self-storage vertical closed $111.7 million in calendar 2025.
For a national view of this asset class, see our self-storage SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the self-storage lending research on our blog. The SBA self-storage feasibility study tests pipeline supply, verified competitor occupancy and the monthly lease-up reserve.
Compare neighboring markets: North Carolina, Oregon, Texas.
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