For SBA lenders
Short answer
After the SBSS score sunset, lenders for SBA Express loans must perform traditional credit analysis, including review of credit reports, cash flow projections, and business financial statements, documenting their prudent lending decision.
The sunset of the SBSS score means lenders can no longer rely solely on this automated score for underwriting Small Loans, including Express loans. Instead, lenders must revert to or enhance their traditional credit analysis, assessing the borrower's credit history, capacity to repay, collateral, capital, and character. All findings must be thoroughly documented in the loan file.
For a $250,000 SBA Express loan, a lender now reviews the applicant's personal and business credit reports, historical financial statements, and projections. They analyze debt service coverage and liquidity, documenting their approval decision based on these factors, rather than just an SBSS score.
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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