For SBA lenders
Short answer
Following the SBSS sunset, lenders must apply standard prudent lending practices and utilize comprehensive credit analysis for 7(a) Small Loans, similar to larger 7(a) loans, rather than relying solely on the SBSS score.
The SBA no longer relies on the Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) score as a primary underwriting tool for 7(a) Small Loans. Lenders are now required to perform a full credit analysis for all 7(a) loans, including Small Loans, assessing the borrower's character, capacity, collateral, capital, and conditions (the '5 Cs of Credit') in line with prudent lending standards.
A lender receives an application for a $150,000 7(a) Small Loan. Instead of just checking the SBSS score, the lender now conducts a full financial review, including analyzing personal and business tax returns, financial statements, and credit reports, performing cash flow analysis, and assessing collateral.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
Sunset of SBSS Score for 7(a) Small Loans
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
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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