Glossary · The loan itself
Direct Loan
In short
A loan made directly by the SBA, rather than through a bank or credit union. These are rare for 7(a) acquisitions and not the typical financing route.
What it means in a deal
The vast majority of SBA 7(a) loans are actually made by private lenders, like banks, and then guaranteed by the SBA. Direct loans from the SBA are generally reserved for disaster relief or specific small programs, not standard business acquisitions. You will almost certainly work with an SBA-approved private lender.
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 Direct Loan
- What is the primary difference between a "direct" loan and an SBA 7(a) loan?
- If I have no direct industry experience but strong management background, can I get an SBA loan?
- Does the SBA itself charge any direct fees to the borrower, or just the lender?
- What are the specific thresholds or rules for determining affiliation based on common management, beyond direct ownership?
- How does the SBA define an 'associate' for affiliation purposes under 13 CFR 121, beyond direct ownership?
- Can an SBA 7(a) loan be used to purchase a business that is a direct competitor of the seller?
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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