Glossary · People and paperwork
In short
A lender that must send all their SBA loan applications directly to the SBA for review and final approval. This process typically takes longer than with a delegated lender.
If your lender isn't a Preferred Lender (PLP) or SBA Express lender, they're non-delegated. This means the SBA must approve the loan themselves, adding weeks to your timeline. Understand this distinction upfront to set realistic expectations for your closing schedule.
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.
Know what you'll need before you apply
Tell us about the deal and who's buying — we'll flag the guaranty, eligibility, and paperwork issues that slow SBA approval before they cost you time.
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