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7(a) Loans

The 7(a) Loan Program is SBA’s primary program for helping start-up and existing small businesses, with financing guaranteed for a variety of general business purposes. SBA does not make loans itself, but rather guarantees loans made by participating lending institutions. In this way, taxpayer funds are only used in the event of borrower default. This reduces the risk to the lender but not to the borrower, who remains obligated for the full debt, even in the event of default.

  • Approval-Authorization

    Use the resources below for information on the approval and authorization steps of the 7(a) lending process.

  • Closing

    The following resources provide information on the closing process for 7(a) loans.

  • Servicing

    See the resources below for information on servicing SBA 7(a) loans.

  • Liquidation

    This section covers general lender liquidation guidelines.

  • Litigation

    View the following resources for information on 7(a) litigation.

  • Guaranty Purchase

    SBA reviews a lender’s request that SBA honor (purchase) the guaranty, this review determines if the lender has complied with the SBA loan authorization for the loan, SBA requirements, and prudent lending practices. The amount and types ...

  • 7(a) Terms & Conditions
    The specific terms of SBA loans are negotiated between an applicant and the participating financial institution, subject to the requirements of SBA. In general, the following provisions apply to all SBA 7(a) loans. Loan Amounts SBA...
  • 7(a) Eligibility
    While the vast majority of businesses are eligible for financial assistance from the SBA, some are not. Applicant businesses must: Operate for profit; Be engaged in, or propose to do business in, the United States or its...

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Submit documents electronically to an SBA Loan Center using SendThisFile, or use the E-Tran tool for 7(a) applications.