Note also that the defendant will need to assert that the statute of limitations has run out.
As army judge has said, there will frequently be assertions that the loan was a gift -- you see this all the time on "The People's Court." You'll want to gather as much evidence as you can to show that the loan was indeed a loan. You can use any evidence you have, including text messages, emails or physical evidence or witness testimony.
Before you even consider Small Claims Court, send a demand letter via certified mail or a certified mailing. You should state the amount loaned, the date due (such as 4 weeks from the date of the letter) and a demand to pay no later than that time. That may jolt the defendant into a payment mode or receiving a summons and complaint from the court might do the same. Good luck.