SBA 7a variable rate - how risky is it?

[Laura Casner]

Our landlord is selling the retail property our business just started operating out of and we are considering purchasing it. We are technically a start up since our other location is in another state so we are being quoted a 9-9.5% rate on an SBA 7a loan. Variable interest at prime + 1.5-2% scares me given the macro economic roller coaster we're on.  Anyone have insight on potential other options? The lender I've been working with seems to think 504 would be significantly harder to achieve with a decent close time and a whole lot bigger pain in the ***... BUT... variable rate right now at prime plus 1.5-2%? Is that crazy?