For SBA lenders
Short answer
Following the SBSS sunset, the SBA expects lenders to maintain full, independent credit analyses for all 7(a) Small Loans, similar to larger loans, with documented assessments of the 5 Cs of credit.
Procedural Notice 5000-876626, regarding the SBSS sunset, reiterates that lenders must adhere to prudent lending practices for all 7(a) loans. This means a comprehensive credit analysis, including financial ratios, cash flow, collateral, and management assessment, must be documented in the loan file, regardless of the loan amount, to justify the credit decision.
For a $180,000 7(a) Small Loan, a lender's credit memo now includes a detailed cash flow analysis, a pro forma balance sheet, and a qualitative assessment of the borrower's experience, replacing reliance on 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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