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Glossary · People and paperwork

Request for Additional Information(RFAI)

In short

A formal request from the SBA or a lender for more details or documents during the loan application or review process. Respond promptly to keep your deal moving.

What it means in a deal

Expect RFAs during underwriting. It's common for lenders to need clarification on financial statements, ownership structures, or specific eligibility points. Provide clear, concise, and complete answers quickly to avoid delays in your SBA 7(a) loan approval.

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.

Common questions about Request for Additional Information

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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.

Know what you'll need before you apply

Tell us about the deal and who's buying — we'll flag the guaranty, eligibility, and paperwork issues that slow SBA approval before they cost you time.

Free · No documents · Usually same-day

Backed by data on 1,000+ SBA lenders and 300,000+ funded deals. Your details go only to lending partners you ask to be matched with — never sold to advertisers.

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