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✦Prime Rate:6.75%✦Fed Funds:3.64%✦5-Yr Treasury:3.88%↓✦10-Yr Treasury:4.25%↓✦30-Yr Treasury:4.83%↓✦30-Yr Mortgage:6.22%·Updated Mar 19, 2026✦Prime Rate:6.75%✦Fed Funds:3.64%✦5-Yr Treasury:3.88%↓✦10-Yr Treasury:4.25%↓✦30-Yr Treasury:4.83%↓✦30-Yr Mortgage:6.22%·Updated Mar 19, 2026
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SBA 7(a) Eligibility Quick Check

8 critical questions screen for the most common SBA 7(a) blockers. Pass-or-fail in 2 minutes vs. weeks of late-process decline.

Status
Incomplete, 7 required questions unanswered
0 / 7 required criteria met

About these figures

Rate, spread, leverage and term levels shown here are indicative. They reflect general conditions across our lender network as of August 1, 2026 and describe what the market has recently supported, not an outcome available to any specific borrower.

Actual pricing, leverage and terms are determined by the lender through underwriting, once full transaction materials have been reviewed. Nothing shown here is a quote, a commitment, an offer of credit or a guarantee.

PeerSense is a commercial lending advisory. We do not lend, we do not fund and we do not set pricing. Every credit decision belongs to the lender.

Market conditions move. Figures may change without notice, and a level that cleared last quarter may not clear today. What these terms mean.

1. Is the business for-profit and operating in the U.S.?
SBA 7(a) requires for-profit U.S. businesses. Non-profits, foreign-only operations, and governmental entities are ineligible.
2. Does the business pass the SBA size standard for its NAICS code?
Size standards vary by NAICS, typically <500-1,500 employees or <$8.5-45M revenue. Check exact threshold at sba.gov/size-standards.
3. Does the borrower have acceptable credit (typically 660+ FICO, no recent bankruptcy)?
Most SBA-preferred lenders require 660+ FICO. Recent bankruptcy (within 3-7 years) typically disqualifies. Federal debt defaults disqualify until cured.
4. Can the borrower contribute 10% borrower equity injection?
SBA 7(a) typically requires 10% borrower equity for acquisitions. Sometimes 5% on existing-business acquisitions; 15-20% on special-purpose or startup.
5. Is 100% of the business owned by U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals residing in the U.S.?
SBA Policy Notice 5000-876441 and Procedural Notice 5000-876626, effective March 1, 2026, require that 100% of direct and indirect owners be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals whose principal residence is in the U.S., its territories, or possessions. Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) are listed as Ineligible Persons under the revised SOP 50 10 8. Ownership rules change; confirm current eligibility with your SBA lender or SBA field office before relying on this.
6. Is the business an ELIGIBLE type (not passive RE, not lending, not gambling, not adult entertainment)?
Ineligible: passive real estate investment, lending, life insurance, multi-level marketing, gambling, adult entertainment, religious orgs, illegal businesses.
7. Is the use of funds eligible (RE acquisition, equipment, working capital, business acquisition, refinance)?
SBA 7(a) eligible uses: real estate (51%+ owner-occupied), equipment, working capital, business acquisition, debt refinance, expansion. NOT eligible: passive investment, speculative ventures, lending to others.
8. IF franchise, is the franchise on the SBA Franchise Directory with a compliant FDD?
Skip if not a franchise deal. If franchise: SBA Franchise Directory listing + SBA-compliant FDD required. Most major franchises listed; smaller franchises may need SBA review (4-8 week wait).

Your Eligibility Check Result Is Ready

Pass eligibility? Get a real 7(a) quote from our network.

We'll match your scenario to SBA-preferred lenders who actively close deals like yours. No generic estimates.

SBA 7(a) Loans: Response within 24–48 hours. No obligation.

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Referral fee realized at closing · Or call (317) 452-6990

Why This Quick Check Matters

SBA 7(a) declines are damaging, they go on file with the SBA-preferred-lender network and can affect future submissions. The most common decline reasons are predictable AT THE LOI STAGE if you screen for them. Pre-screening for these 8 criteria avoids 80%+ of late-process declines.

Edge cases not covered by this quick check: SBA Franchise Directory review timing for non-listed franchises, character review for borrowers with prior business failures, IRS lien subordination process, and special-purpose property equity escalations (15-20% on hotels / gas stations / car washes). PeerSense covers these in pre-clearance before formal lender submission.