For SBA lenders
Short answer
For 7(a) Small Loans not using E-Tran, the SBSS sunset mandates lenders to rely entirely on their own prudent lending standards for credit analysis and documentation.
With the SBSS score no longer required for 7(a) Small Loans, lenders must perform a comprehensive, documented credit analysis using their own internal underwriting criteria for all loans. This applies to both E-Tran processed loans and those processed manually. The lender's credit file must clearly demonstrate the business's ability to repay the loan and adhere to prudent lending practices.
A lender processes a $150,000 7(a) Small Loan application manually, not through E-Tran. Before the SBSS sunset, they might have relied on a passing SBSS score. Now, they must produce a detailed credit memo covering cash flow, collateral, character, and conditions, along with financial statements and credit reports, to justify the credit decision, as the SBSS score is no longer a factor.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Sunset of SBSS Score for 7(a) Small Loans
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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