Glossary · People and paperwork
Loan narrative
In short
A written summary prepared by the lender that tells the story of your business acquisition, detailing the business's background, your experience, and how the loan funds will be used.
What it means in a deal
This document is crucial for the SBA's review process, especially for non-delegated lenders or larger loans. It provides context for the financial projections and explains how your management team will ensure the business's success and loan repayment. Ensure your business plan and projections align with the narrative.
Official sources
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 Loan narrative
- What are the consequences if the NAICS code entered into E-Tran differs from the primary business activity in the loan narrative?
- What is the specific impact if the NAICS code entered into E-Tran differs from the primary business activity described in the loan narrative?
- Does an SBA loan have better terms than a regular bank loan?
- What is the minimum loan amount for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- What is the maximum loan amount for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- Is there a typical average loan size for 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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