{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/credit-scoring-model","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/credit-scoring-model","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":"credit-scoring-model","term":"Credit Scoring Model","group":"Reading the business","definition":"This is a statistical tool used by lenders to assess the creditworthiness of a loan applicant based on various financial data points. For small SBA loans, your personal credit score and the business's credit profile are critical.","what_it_means":"The SBA uses its Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) for smaller 7(a) loans to quickly evaluate eligibility. Both your personal FICO score and the business's credit history will be factored into this model. A low score can disqualify you, so review your credit report for derogatory marks early.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/credit-scoring-model","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"}],"related":[{"slug":"fico-score","term":"FICO score","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/fico-score"},{"slug":"sbss-score","term":"SBSS score","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/sbss-score"},{"slug":"credit-report","term":"Credit report","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/credit-report"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"What alternative credit scoring methods are now recommended for 7(a) Small Loans after the SBSS sunset?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-alternative-credit-scoring-methods-are-now-recommended-for-7-a-small-loans-after-the-"},{"question":"With the sunset of the SBSS score, what alternative credit scoring methods are acceptable for small 7(a) loans?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/with-the-sunset-of-the-sbss-score-what-alternative-credit-scoring-methods-are-acceptable-f"},{"question":"With the sunset of SBSS, what alternative credit scoring methodologies are acceptable for underwriting 7(a) Small Loans ($500,000 or less)?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/with-the-sunset-of-sbss-what-alternative-credit-scoring-methodologies-are-acceptable-for-u"},{"question":"What operational adjustments must a lender make to its internal credit scoring and underwriting processes for 7(a) Small Loans following the SBSS score sunset?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-operational-adjustments-must-a-lender-make-to-its-internal-credit-scoring-and-underwr"},{"question":"How does the \"franchise rule\" specifically apply to determine affiliation for an independent dealer or licensee model?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/how-does-the-franchise-rule-specifically-apply-to-determine-affiliation-for-an-independent"},{"question":"What are the specific criteria for a new franchise model to be included on the SBA Franchise Directory?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/what-are-the-specific-criteria-for-a-new-franchise-model-to-be-included-on-the-sba-franchi"}]},"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 — Credit Scoring Model","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/credit-scoring-model","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}