TEXAS · NAICS 811192
Texas car wash projects, especially express tunnels in Triangle suburbs and the I-35 corridor, operate in a maturing competitive market. Studies analyze traffic counts, trade-area population growth, format mix, membership economics, and the pipeline of competing tunnels within the capture radius, then translate volume and capture assumptions into defensible projections.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Car washes are special-purpose, so a study is normally required with an industry-experienced going-concern appraisal and elevated equity.
Between FY2010 and FY2026, SBA lenders approved and disbursed 612 7(a) and 504 loans for car wash projects in Texas, totaling $1.00 billion in approved financing at an average of $1.6 million per loan. Texas ranks #2 of 38 states tracked for car wash SBA lending volume and accounts for 17.4% of national car wash SBA dollar volume. 78.9% of these loans were made under the 7(a) program, the remainder under 504. 65 loans have been approved since FY2024.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 612 |
| Approved volume | $1.00 billion |
| Average loan size | $1.6 million |
| 7(a) share | 78.9% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 65 |
| State rank by loan count | #2 of 38 |
Among the 491 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 6.9% 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 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 6.9% adverse-resolution rate against the national car wash benchmark of 5.4% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Texas 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 $1.6 million across 612 loans.
Every Texas 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.
Texas projects often fit SBA 504 where owner-occupied real estate anchors the deal, with the 50/40/10 structure delivering up to 90 percent financing at a fixed debenture rate, while SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment. From July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit, which matters for larger Texas Triangle and I-35 corridor projects.
Express tunnel saturation across Triangle suburbs makes competitive pipeline analysis the decisive section of a 2026 study.
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: Tennessee, Virginia, California.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
Four SBA 504 loans through SomerCor, land purchase and construction
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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