Glossary · People and paperwork
Criminal Conviction
In short
This refers to a formal declaration by a court that an individual is guilty of a criminal offense. Buyers care because certain convictions can make you ineligible for an SBA loan, impacting your ability to secure financing.
What it means in a deal
The SBA requires disclosure of past criminal convictions for all key principals on Form 1919. Certain felonies or crimes involving fraud, dishonesty, or breach of trust can disqualify you. Be transparent and consult legal counsel if you have concerns about your background.
Official sources
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SBA Form 1919 — Borrower Information Form
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA form
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about Criminal Conviction
- Will a past criminal conviction prevent me from getting an SBA 7(a) loan?
- How does a past criminal conviction affect my ability to get an SBA 7(a) loan?
- When can a criminal record or felony conviction render a borrower ineligible for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- If I have a minor criminal conviction from many years ago, will it automatically disqualify me from an SBA loan?
- What if I have a prior felony conviction on my record?
- Will a felony conviction prevent me from getting an SBA 7(a) loan?
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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