For SBA lenders
Short answer
Following the SBSS score sunset, lenders must prepare a comprehensive written credit memorandum documenting their full credit analysis, incorporating the 5 Cs of credit for every 7(a) Small Loan.
Procedural Notice 5000-876626 eliminated the use of the SBSS score for 7(a) Small Loans. This means lenders can no longer rely on an automated score for credit approval. Instead, they must perform and document a complete credit analysis similar to larger 7(a) loans, focusing on the borrower's character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions.
A $250,000 7(a) Small Loan application now requires a detailed credit memo outlining the borrower's personal and business financial history, cash flow analysis, and a justification for approval, without reference to an SBSS score.
Sunset of SBSS Score for 7(a) Small Loans
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Procedural Notice 5000-876626 - Revised Applicant Ownership, Citizenship and Residency
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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