SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, gift funds from a non-U.S. relative can count towards your equity injection, provided they are properly documented, unconditional, and the funds are legally transferred and verifiable.
The SBA permits gifts for equity injection, including from non-U.S. relatives, as long as the gift is unconditional, without any expectation of repayment, and the source of funds can be clearly verified. Lenders will require a gift letter and full traceability of the funds to ensure they are genuinely at-risk capital.
Your aunt in another country gifts you $40,000 for your business purchase. You would need to provide a translated gift letter, proof of the funds originating from her account, and evidence of the legal transfer to your U.S. account.
Insider move
Lenders scrutinize foreign gift funds more closely to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and to verify the legitimate source and unconditional nature of the gift. Documentation from foreign sources must be clear and acceptable.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Last checked 2026-06-13. 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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