7(a) loan program

If you’re a member of a financial institution authorized by SBA to issue 7(a) loans, use this page to access SBA forms, get program updates, and more.

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Program details

  • Operate as a 7(a) lender

    SBA has streamlined the lending process for its lenders. Review the major activities you regularly perform as a lender in the 7(a) program and the SBA tools you use.
  • Types of 7(a) loans

    The 7(a) loan program is SBA's primary program for providing financial assistance to small businesses. The terms and conditions, like the guaranty percentage and loan amount, may vary by the type of loan.
  • Pilot loan programs

    This program will sunset on September 30, 2023. Lenders interested in transitioning to a Community Advantage Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) should contact SBA at caloans@sba.gov.
  • Secondary market

    There’s an active secondary market for loans backed by SBA. As a lender, you can sell the guaranteed portion of an SBA loan, increasing your liquidity and enabling you to issue more loans.
  • Terms, conditions, and eligibility

    SBA sets the guidelines that govern the 7(a) loan program. As a lender, these conditions determine which businesses you can lend to and the type of loans you can give.

Learn about SBA's business loan program policies.

FICO Small Business Scoring Service scores (SBSS Score)

The SBSS score is calculated based on a combination of consumer credit bureau data, business bureau data, borrower financials, and application data. The minimum credit score is based on the lower end of the risk profile of the current SBA portfolio and may be adjusted up or down from time to time.

The current minimum SBSS score for 7(a) Small loans is 155.

Loan servicing and processing centers

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SBA lenders finance small businesses

Lenders that work with SBA provide financial assistance to small businesses through government-backed loans.