SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, gift funds from a family member can count towards your equity injection, provided they are properly documented and meet specific SBA requirements.
The gift must be from an immediate family member, clearly documented as a non-repayable gift (not a loan), and the funds must be seasoned in the borrower's account or directly transferred to the business. The donor cannot have any equity or future interest in the business.
Your parents gift you $50,000 for your business acquisition down payment. You would need a signed gift letter from them stating the funds are a non-repayable gift, along with bank statements showing the transfer.
Insider move
Lenders require thorough documentation (gift letters, bank statements from donor and recipient) to verify the bona fide nature of the gift and ensure no hidden debt or future claim on the business.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Last checked 2026-06-14. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-14. 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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