Glossary · The loan itself
In short
Credit scoring is a system lenders use to assess a borrower's creditworthiness by assigning a numerical score based on their credit history. For you, a better score means lower risk to the lender and a higher chance of loan approval.
SBA lenders use credit scoring, particularly the FICO SBSS score, to quickly pre-screen applicants for eligibility and risk. A strong personal credit score is crucial for your 7(a) loan application, as it directly impacts initial lender interest and loan terms. Ensure your personal credit is in good standing before applying.
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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