Glossary · People and paperwork
In short
An affiliate is a business or person connected to the borrower or seller, often through ownership, management, or contractual relationships. The SBA considers affiliates when determining size standards and eligibility for a 7(a) loan.
The SBA's affiliation rules are complex; if you or the seller have other businesses, the SBA will aggregate their financials to determine if the combined entity meets size standards. This can make an otherwise eligible business ineligible, so disclose all potential affiliations.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Defined by DealRoom.so SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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