{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/approved-sba-lender","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/approved-sba-lender","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"approved-sba-lender","term":"Approved SBA Lender","group":"People and paperwork","definition":"A financial institution authorized by the SBA to originate and service SBA-guaranteed loans. Working with an experienced approved lender is crucial because they understand the complex SBA rules and can guide your loan application process.","what_it_means":"There are two main types: Preferred Lenders (PLP), who can make loan decisions without prior SBA review, and non-delegated lenders, who need SBA approval for each loan. Opt for a Preferred Lender if possible, as they can significantly speed up your closing timeline. Interview several to find the best fit.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/approved-sba-lender","official_sources":[{"slug":"sop-50-10","title":"SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs","official_url":"https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs","official_label":"View on SBA.gov","authority_tier":2,"publisher":"U.S. Small Business Administration","source_guide_url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/sources/sop-50-10"},{"slug":"13-cfr-part-120","title":"13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans","official_url":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/chapter-I/part-120","official_label":"View on eCFR","authority_tier":1,"publisher":"Office of the Federal Register","source_guide_url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/sources/13-cfr-part-120"}],"related":[{"slug":"preferred-lender","term":"Preferred Lender","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/preferred-lender"},{"slug":"plp-lender","term":"PLP lender","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/plp-lender"},{"slug":"delegated-authority","term":"Delegated authority","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/delegated-authority"},{"slug":"origination","term":"Origination","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/origination"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"What resources are available to help me find an SBA-approved lender?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-resources-are-available-to-help-me-find-an-sba-approved-lender"},{"question":"How can I find an SBA-approved lender to apply for a 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/how-can-i-find-an-sba-approved-lender-to-apply-for-a-7-a-loan"},{"question":"How quickly can an SBA 7(a) loan be approved if my lender is a Preferred Lender Program (PLP) participant?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/how-quickly-can-an-sba-7-a-loan-be-approved-if-my-lender-is-a-preferred-lender-program-plp"},{"question":"When a variable rate 7(a) loan is approved, how frequently can the lender adjust the interest rate?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/when-a-variable-rate-7-a-loan-is-approved-how-frequently-can-the-lender-adjust-the-interes"},{"question":"How long should I typically wait for a definitive 'approved' or 'denied' response after my lender submits the complete package?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/how-long-should-i-typically-wait-for-a-definitive-approved-or-denied-response-after-my-len"},{"question":"How quickly can I get approved for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/how-quickly-can-i-get-approved-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Approved SBA Lender","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/approved-sba-lender","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}