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✦Prime Rate:7.00%✦Fed Funds:3.75%✦5 Yr Treasury:5.00%↓✦10 Yr Treasury:5.21%↓✦30 Yr Treasury:5.56%↓✦30 Yr Mortgage:7.40%·Updated Oct 13, 2026✦Prime Rate:7.00%✦Fed Funds:3.75%✦5 Yr Treasury:5.00%↓✦10 Yr Treasury:5.21%↓✦30 Yr Treasury:5.56%↓✦30 Yr Mortgage:7.40%·Updated Oct 13, 2026
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Free SBA Tool

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 among direct capital sources as of October 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 capital advisory firm. We source capital through a curated network of commercial lenders and capital sources. 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 to 1,500 employees or <$8.5 to 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 to 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 to 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 to 876441 and Procedural Notice 5000 to 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 to 8 week wait).

Your Eligibility Check Result Is Ready

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Talk to PeerSense. The lender sets the 7(a) quote. This check is not a commitment.

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Why This Quick Check Matters

SBA 7(a) declines are damaging, they go on file with the SBA preferred capital sources 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 to 20% on hotels / gas stations / car washes). PeerSense covers these in pre clearance before formal lender submission.