Glossary · People and paperwork
In short
This is a bank or financial institution authorized by the Small Business Administration to originate and service SBA-guaranteed loans. You can only get an SBA loan from one of these.
Not all banks offer SBA loans, and those that do vary in their expertise and appetite for certain deals. A Preferred Lender (PLP) has delegated authority, meaning they can approve loans faster without direct SBA review. Work with a lender experienced in business acquisitions to streamline the process.
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.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day