Glossary · People and paperwork
U.S. territories
In short
These are areas like Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Businesses in these areas are generally eligible for SBA 7(a) loans just like those in the 50 states.
What it means in a deal
The SBA 7(a) loan program is available to eligible small businesses operating within any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This expands the geographic scope for potential acquisitions using SBA financing.
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 U.S. territories
- How does a lender confirm an owner's U.S. citizenship if they were born in a U.S. territory or abroad to U.S. parents?
- What specific documentation is required for a lender to verify U.S. citizenship if an owner was born in a U.S. territory or abroad to U.S. parents?
- Are there any restrictions on what states or territories a business can be in?
- What documentation proves U.S. citizenship or Qualified Alien status for owners?
- Are U.S. citizens residing abroad eligible to apply for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- Are funds from a non-U.S. citizen or non-resident investor acceptable for equity injection?
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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