{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/if-i-have-a-felony-conviction-from-15-years-ago-am-i-automatically-ineligible-for-an-sba-7","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/questions/if-i-have-a-felony-conviction-from-15-years-ago-am-i-automatically-ineligible-for-an-sba-7","question":"If I have a felony conviction from 15 years ago, am I automatically ineligible for an SBA 7(a) loan?","topic":"Credit & character","audience":"borrower","bot_mode":"buyer","short_answer":"No, a felony conviction from 15 years ago does not automatically make you ineligible, but it will be thoroughly reviewed.","rule":"The SBA's rules regarding criminal history have evolved. While certain recent felony convictions can lead to ineligibility, a conviction from 15 years ago typically requires a more nuanced review. The SBA will assess the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since conviction and release, and your post-conviction conduct and rehabilitation. Disclosure on SBA Form 1919 is mandatory.","example":"A buyer applying for an SBA loan for a $500,000 business acquisition discloses a 15-year-old felony conviction for a non-financial crime. The lender would review the details, confirming the time elapsed and a clean record since, and likely submit it to the SBA for a character determination, which may be favorable given the time frame.","what_lenders_check":"Lenders must ensure compliance with SBA character requirements. They will meticulously document the details of the conviction, any parole or probation terms, and evidence of rehabilitation. Non-disclosure is a major red flag.","required_facts":["Felony conviction (past)","Time elapsed","Nature of crime","Post-conviction conduct"],"source_families":["SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs","13 CFR Part 120 - Business Loans","Criminal Justice Reviews for SBA Business Loan Programs - Final Rule","SBA Form 1919 - Borrower Information Form"],"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":"13 CFR Part 120 - Business Loans","url":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-13/chapter-I/part-120"},{"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":"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"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"How does a recent felony conviction, even if minor, impact my eligibility for an SBA 7(a) loan for a $400,000 acquisition?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/how-does-a-recent-felony-conviction-even-if-minor-impact-my-eligibility-for-an-sba-7-a-loa"},{"question":"If I have a recent history of personal loan defaults, how will that affect my SBA 7(a) loan application?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/if-i-have-a-recent-history-of-personal-loan-defaults-how-will-that-affect-my-sba-7-a-loan-"},{"question":"Can prior bankruptcies or foreclosures impact my SBA 7(a) loan eligibility?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/can-prior-bankruptcies-or-foreclosures-impact-my-sba-7-a-loan-eligibility"},{"question":"How does the SBA define \"management experience\" for a business acquisition?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/how-does-the-sba-define-management-experience-for-a-business-acquisition"},{"question":"Can I use an SBA 7(a) loan for a business acquisition if I have limited industry experience?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/can-i-use-an-sba-7-a-loan-for-a-business-acquisition-if-i-have-limited-industry-experience"},{"question":"How important is my personal financial statement for an SBA 7(a) loan application?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/how-important-is-my-personal-financial-statement-for-an-sba-7-a-loan-application"}],"related_terms":[{"term":"Felony Conviction","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/felony-conviction"},{"term":"Discharged felony conviction","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/discharged-felony-conviction"},{"term":"Ineligible for SBA Guaranty","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/ineligible-for-sba-guaranty"},{"term":"Felony","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/felony"},{"term":"Fiscal years","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/fiscal-years"},{"term":"Conviction","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/conviction"}],"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":"2026-06-14","sba_rule_sources_checked_through":"2026-06-14"},"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so SBA 7(a) Q&A","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/if-i-have-a-felony-conviction-from-15-years-ago-am-i-automatically-ineligible-for-an-sba-7","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."]}