For SBA lenders
Short answer
With the sunset of SBSS, lenders now rely on their own internal credit scoring models and prudent lending standards for small 7(a) loans. The SBA emphasizes the lender's credit judgment and comprehensive underwriting.
The SBA's Small Business Scoring Service (SBSS) score was previously used for certain small 7(a) loans. Following its sunset, lenders are responsible for their own credit analysis. This means utilizing their established credit policies, internal scoring systems, and a thorough assessment of the borrower's creditworthiness, cash flow, and collateral, ensuring adherence to the general prudent lending standards required by the SBA.
For a $350,000 small 7(a) loan, instead of relying on an SBSS score, the lender applies its proprietary credit model, which incorporates personal credit scores, business cash flow, and industry risk, to assess the applicant's viability.
7(a) Loan Program — Terms, Conditions, and Eligibility
U.S. Small Business Administration · Official SBA source
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.
More on sbss sunset
Terms in this answer
Pre-qualify your SBA 7(a) deal
Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to fund a deal like yours and flag anything that trips up approval.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day