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Glossary · The loan itself

SBA 7(a) Loan Program

In short

This is the primary loan program the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers, providing government-backed loans for small businesses. It's crucial because it's the most common way to finance the acquisition of an existing small business.

What it means in a deal

The SBA doesn't lend money directly but guarantees a portion of loans made by commercial lenders. This reduces risk for banks, making them more willing to finance small business acquisitions. Understand the eligibility requirements and lender preferences.

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 SBA 7(a) Loan Program

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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.

See which SBA lenders would fund your deal

Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to approve a 7(a) like yours and flag what trips up approval.

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