Glossary · Doing the deal
Underwriting process
In short
The lender's comprehensive review of your loan application, financial statements, business plan, and collateral to assess risk and determine your eligibility for an SBA loan.
What it means in a deal
During the "Underwriting process," the lender performs a deep dive into the business's financials, your personal creditworthiness, and the project's viability. They'll analyze your repayment capacity, collateral, and character, often requesting additional documentation. Be prepared for thorough due diligence and quick responses to information requests.
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 Underwriting process
- What if the seller withdraws from the sale agreement during the SBA loan underwriting process?
- What happens if a seller withdraws from the sale agreement during the SBA loan underwriting process?
- How long can the SBA 7(a) loan underwriting process take after all documents are submitted?
- What is the lender's process for underwriting a change of ownership with an earn-out provision?
- What common issues often kill an SBA 7(a) loan approval for a business acquisition during the underwriting process?
- What operational adjustments must a lender make to its internal credit scoring and underwriting processes for 7(a) Small Loans following the SBSS score sunset?
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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