Glossary · The loan itself
Repayment period
In short
This is the total length of time, or term, over which you are scheduled to pay back your SBA loan, including both principal and interest.
What it means in a deal
For an SBA 7(a) business acquisition loan, the maximum repayment period is 10 years. A longer repayment period typically means lower monthly payments, which improves the business's cash flow after debt service and enhances your DSCR. Negotiate the longest term possible.
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 Repayment period
- What is the typical repayment period for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- What is the usual repayment period for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- What is the maximum repayment period allowed for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- How long is the typical repayment period for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- What is the maximum repayment period available for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- Can a personal guaranty be released after a certain period of successful loan repayment?
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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