Glossary · The loan itself
In short
This is the primary SBA loan program used by small businesses, including those buying an existing business. The SBA guarantees a portion of the loan, reducing risk for lenders and making capital more accessible.
For business acquisitions, the SBA 7(a) loan is a powerful tool, often providing longer terms and lower down payments than conventional loans. You must meet specific eligibility requirements, and the business itself must also qualify. Understand its structure, including the variable interest rate and collateral demands.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
7(a) Loan Program — Terms, Conditions, and Eligibility
U.S. Small Business Administration · Official SBA source
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.
See which SBA lenders would fund your deal
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.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day