Glossary · Reading the business
In short
The set of criteria, rules, and processes a lender uses to evaluate loan applications and assess risk. Understanding it helps you present your deal effectively.
Every SBA lender operates within an underwriting framework that includes SBA program rules and their own internal credit policies. This framework dictates what they look for in a borrower and a business, including repayment capacity, collateral, and management experience. Align your deal presentation with their stated requirements to streamline the approval 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.
Pressure-test the numbers before you make an offer
Send us the asking price and the seller's cash flow — we'll show whether the deal services SBA debt and where the add-backs are likely to hold up.
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