WISCONSIN · NAICS 811192
Wisconsin car wash deals run on salt-heavy winters that sustain year-round express demand monetized through membership models, with suburban corridor saturation analysis deciding deals. Lender packages require feasibility studies analyzing trade-area saturation, car-count projections, and membership ramp against an elevated equity threshold and an industry-experienced going-concern appraisal.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Car washes are on the SOP 50 10 8 special-purpose list, so a third-party study is normally required with an industry-experienced going-concern appraiser and elevated equity.
Between FY2010 and FY2026, SBA lenders approved and disbursed 78 7(a) and 504 loans for car wash projects in Wisconsin, totaling $63.5 million in approved financing at an average of $814,000 per loan. Wisconsin ranks #17 of 38 states tracked for car wash SBA lending volume and accounts for 1.1% of national car wash SBA dollar volume. 75.6% 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) | 78 |
| Approved volume | $63.5 million |
| Average loan size | $814,000 |
| 7(a) share | 75.6% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 7 |
| State rank by loan count | #17 of 38 |
Among the 59 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 3.4% 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 below the national benchmark for this asset class, a credit-positive signal for lenders.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 3.4% adverse-resolution rate below the national car wash benchmark of 5.4% supports the credit story for well-underwritten Wisconsin projects in this class. Across 78 SBA loans averaging $814,000, that track record does not eliminate the need for a third-party feasibility study, but it means a rigorous study reinforces rather than defends the projections.
Every Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin projects 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, and 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.
Wisconsin's salt-heavy winters sustain year-round express demand monetized through membership models, and suburban corridor saturation analysis decides deals.
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: West Virginia, Wyoming, Texas.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
Four SBA 504 loans through SomerCor
Land purchase and construction of a 4,774 square foot automatic car wash for an 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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