Glossary · The loan itself
In short
This is the highest interest rate a lender can charge you on an SBA 7(a) loan, calculated as a set percentage added to a base rate like WSJ Prime. It protects you from excessive interest costs.
The SBA sets maximum spreads to ensure fair lending. Your actual spread depends on the loan size and lender. Always compare rates, but know there's a ceiling.
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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