Glossary · The loan itself
In short
This is the SBA's primary loan program, offering flexible financing for a wide range of small business needs, including acquisitions, working capital, and real estate. It's the most common loan for buying a business.
When buying a small business with SBA financing, you'll almost certainly use a Standard 7(a) loan. Understand its terms, eligibility, and the typical underwriting process. This is the cornerstone of your debt financing and loan obligation.
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
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.
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