Glossary · People and paperwork
In short
This is the SBA's evaluation of the borrower's background and honesty, including credit history and any criminal record, to assess their trustworthiness.
The SBA performs a Character Check on all key principals, looking for issues like past bankruptcies, tax liens, or criminal convictions. You'll complete SBA Form 1919 and submit to a credit report review. Derogatory marks can jeopardize your eligibility, so be transparent with your lender early on.
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
SBA Form 1919 — Borrower Information Form
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA form
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.
Know what you'll need before you apply
Tell us about the deal and who's buying — we'll flag the guaranty, eligibility, and paperwork issues that slow SBA approval before they cost you time.
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