Glossary · The loan itself
In short
This is the SBA's promise to reimburse a portion of your lender's loss if you default on your 7(a) loan. It reduces the lender's risk, making it easier for them to lend to small businesses.
The SBA guarantees up to 75-85% of the loan amount, depending on size. This guaranty makes lenders more willing to approve loans for small business acquisitions, even with less traditional collateral. While it protects the lender, it doesn't remove your obligation to repay.
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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