Glossary · Reading the business
In short
A review of a property's current and historical uses to identify potential environmental risks, such as contamination. This is often required for SBA loans on real estate.
The most common form is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). If a Phase I identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs), a Phase II ESA may be required, involving soil and groundwater testing. As a buyer, you want to avoid inheriting costly environmental liabilities; factor this into your due diligence.
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.
Pressure-test the numbers before you make an offer
Send us the asking price and the seller's cash flow — we'll show whether the deal services SBA debt and where the add-backs are likely to hold up.
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