Glossary · The loan itself
In short
The criteria set by the SBA and lenders that a business and its owners must meet to qualify for a 7(a) loan. Failing to meet these means no loan.
Before investing significant time, ensure both the target business and you as the borrower meet all SBA and lender eligibility requirements. This includes factors like business type, size, owner character, and where the business operates. An early check saves you from wasted effort.
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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Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to approve a 7(a) like yours and flag what trips up approval.
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