Glossary · Reading the business
Combined size analysis
In short
An SBA lender's assessment of whether a borrower, along with any affiliated businesses, meets the SBA's small business size standards. This is crucial for determining if the business is eligible for an SBA loan.
What it means in a deal
The lender will add up the revenue or employee count of your target business and any other businesses you or the seller control or manage. If the combined entity exceeds the SBA's size standard for the primary industry, the business is ineligible for a 7(a) loan. Be proactive about identifying potential affiliations.
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
Common questions about Combined size analysis
- What happens if the business assets and my personal assets combined are insufficient collateral for a $600,000 SBA loan, requiring additional security?
- What constitutes prudent lending standards for SBA 7(a) underwriting regarding credit analysis?
- Beyond SBSS, what specific credit analysis must a lender perform for 7(a) Small Loans?
- What specific documentation is required for a lender's independent credit analysis under prudent lending standards?
- What alternative credit analysis methods are acceptable for 7(a) Small Loans following the SBSS sunset?
- How does the SBA evaluate "prudent lending standards" in 7(a) loan underwriting regarding collateral analysis?
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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