SBA 7(a) Q&A
Short answer
Yes, a spouse's separate savings can count towards the equity injection, but it is typically considered a gift or a loan to the borrower, which requires specific documentation.
Funds contributed by a non-owner spouse can be included in the equity injection if properly documented. If it's a gift, a gift letter is required stating no repayment is expected. If it's a loan, it would need to be on full standby to the SBA loan, meaning no payments can be made until the SBA loan is repaid.
A buyer needs a $100,000 equity injection. Their spouse, who is not an owner, provides $50,000 from their personal savings. This $50,000 can be used if documented as a gift with a gift letter or as a fully subordinated loan.
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
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
SBA Form 1919 - Borrower Information Form
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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