Glossary · People and paperwork
Preferred Lender Program(PLP)
In short
The Preferred Lender Program allows certain banks to underwrite and approve SBA loans without prior SBA review, speeding up the process. Working with a PLP lender means a faster closing for your acquisition.
What it means in a deal
Most active SBA 7(a) lenders operate under the PLP. This means they have "delegated authority" from the SBA to make credit decisions. When you submit your loan package, a PLP lender can issue an SBA Loan Authorization much quicker, often in days instead of weeks, because they don't wait for SBA's additional review. Always prioritize working with a PLP 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 Preferred Lender Program
- What does 'Preferred Lender Program' (PLP) status mean for a bank?
- How quickly can an SBA 7(a) loan be approved if my lender is a Preferred Lender Program (PLP) participant?
- How is a lender's 'SBA Preferred Lender' status beneficial for the borrower?
- What is the role of an "SBA Preferred Lender" in the application process?
- Does working with a 'Preferred Lender' speed up the SBA 7(a) loan process?
- What is an 'SBA Preferred Lender,' and why does it matter for my application?
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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