Glossary · People and paperwork
In short
The SBA assesses your personal character, including your credit history and any criminal record, to determine if you are a responsible borrower. Good character is essential for loan eligibility.
Lenders will pull your personal credit report and ask about any prior bankruptcies, foreclosures, or criminal offenses on Form 1919. Be transparent. Minor issues might be overcome with a compelling explanation, but serious past issues like fraud or felony convictions usually lead to disqualification.
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.
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