For SBA lenders
Short answer
After the SBSS sunset, lenders are encouraged to utilize their own internal credit scoring models, credit bureau scores (e.g., FICO Small Business Scoring Service), and comprehensive financial analysis.
With the sunset of the SBSS score requirement for 7(a) Small Loans, lenders must rely on their own prudent lending practices. This includes employing internal credit scoring methodologies, assessing personal and business credit scores from various bureaus, and conducting a full financial analysis of the borrower and business to evaluate creditworthiness.
For a 7(a) Small Loan application, a lender now uses its proprietary small business credit score, pulls a FICO SBSS equivalent score from a commercial credit bureau, and performs a detailed review of the borrower's personal and business financial statements to determine creditworthiness.
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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