Glossary · The loan itself
Preferred Lenders Program(PLP)
In short
The PLP allows experienced lenders to make SBA loan decisions without prior SBA review, speeding up the approval process. This means faster closing times for you.
What it means in a deal
Working with a PLP lender can significantly shorten your loan's closing timeline because they have delegated authority from the SBA. This is a major advantage when you're trying to close a deal quickly. Always ask if your lender is 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 Lenders 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?
- Are there any specific SBA fees charged to lenders for their participation in the 7(a) loan program?
- Which SBA lenders are best?
- 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?
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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