Glossary · People and paperwork
In short
A record of someone checking your credit history. 'Hard' inquiries, like those for an SBA loan, can temporarily affect your credit score, while 'soft' inquiries do not. Buyers will incur hard inquiries when applying for financing.
When you apply for an SBA loan, lenders perform a 'hard' credit inquiry, which typically causes a temporary, minor dip in your credit score. Too many hard inquiries in a short timeframe can be a red flag to lenders, so it's wise to consolidate your loan applications once you've committed to a specific lender.
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.
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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