{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-a-minor-past-criminal-offense-prevent-me-from-getting-an-sba-7-a-loan","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/questions/can-a-minor-past-criminal-offense-prevent-me-from-getting-an-sba-7-a-loan","question":"Can a minor past criminal offense prevent me from getting an SBA 7(a) loan?","topic":"Eligibility & Criminal History","audience":"new","bot_mode":"buyer","short_answer":"It depends on the nature and recency of the offense. Certain criminal histories, especially felony convictions or current indictments, can render an applicant ineligible, while minor past offenses might not be a disqualifier.","rule":"Applicants must disclose criminal history on SBA Form 1919. The SBA generally renders individuals ineligible if they are currently incarcerated, on parole or probation, or have been convicted of a felony involving fraud, dishonesty, or breach of trust, or a crime against a minor, within the last five years. Other offenses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.","example":"If an applicant was convicted of a minor misdemeanor for shoplifting 15 years ago, it is unlikely to prevent them from getting an SBA 7(a) loan. However, a felony conviction for embezzlement five years ago would likely result in ineligibility.","what_lenders_check":"Lenders must ensure that all owners with 20% or more equity complete SBA Form 1919 and disclose any relevant criminal history. They review the nature and recency of any offense against SBA guidelines to determine eligibility.","required_facts":["Criminal history","Felony conviction","Parole/Probation","SBA Form 1919","Eligibility"],"source_families":["SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs","SBA Form 1919 - Borrower Information Form","Criminal Justice Reviews for SBA Business Loan Programs - Final Rule","13 CFR Part 120 - Business Loans"],"official_sources":[{"title":"SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs","url":"https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2025-05/SOP%2050%2010%208%20Technical%20Updates%20effective%206.1.2025.docx"},{"title":"SBA Form 1919 - Borrower Information Form","url":"https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/2025.02.27%20Form%201919%20-%20Updates%20%28FINAL%29_03-12-2025%20%281%29.pdf"},{"title":"Criminal Justice Reviews for SBA Business Loan Programs - Final Rule","url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/30/2024-09009/criminal-justice-reviews-for-the-sba-business-loan-programs-disaster-loan-programs-and-surety-bond"},{"title":"13 CFR Part 120 - Business Loans","url":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/chapter-I/part-120"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"Will having a past criminal record prevent me from getting an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/will-having-a-past-criminal-record-prevent-me-from-getting-an-sba-7-a-loan"}],"related_terms":[{"term":"Aggregate SBA 7(a) Loan Eligibility","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/aggregate-sba-7-a-loan-eligibility"},{"term":"SBA 7(a) loan","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/sba-7-a-loan"},{"term":"Criminal offense","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/criminal-offense"},{"term":"7(a) loan","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/7a-loan"},{"term":"SBA 7(a) Loan Program","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/sba-7-a-loan-program"},{"term":"SBA 7(a) loan guaranty","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/sba-7-a-loan-guaranty"}],"related_tools":[{"name":"SBA 7(a) payment & fee calculator","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/calculator"},{"name":"Find an active SBA 7(a) lender","url":"https://dealroom.so/lenders"}],"data_freshness":{"last_reviewed":"2026-06-13","sba_rule_sources_checked_through":"2026-06-13"},"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so SBA 7(a) Q&A","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-a-minor-past-criminal-offense-prevent-me-from-getting-an-sba-7-a-loan","source_type":"DealRoom Q&A"},"caveats":["Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against official sources before relying on it for a live deal.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice and not an approval decision."]}