Glossary · People and paperwork
CAIVRS Database(Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System)
In short
A federal database used by lenders to check if a borrower has defaulted on or has an outstanding federal debt, including prior SBA loans. It's a mandatory check for federal programs.
What it means in a deal
Your lender will check CAIVRS during the application process. If you or any key principal have a federal debt delinquency, it will likely prevent you from getting an SBA loan until the issue is resolved. Be upfront about any past federal debts.
Official sources
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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