Glossary · People and paperwork
In short
This is the lender's assessment of your integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness. It's a subjective but critical part of the SBA loan approval process.
The SBA requires lenders to assess the character of all principals. This involves reviewing your credit history, background check results, and responses on Form 1919 regarding any past legal or financial issues. Be transparent and provide complete explanations for any potential red flags to build trust with the lender.
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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