News
Updates from across the SBA lending industry
SBA Doubles Cumulative 7(a) and 504 Loan Limit to $10 Million
Effective July 4, 2026, the SBA now allows qualified borrowers to combine 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in total SBA-backed financing—$5 million per program—by decoupling 7(a) balances from 504 limits, up from the prior $5 million cumulative cap. Small manufacturers, who can already secure unlimited project-based 504 loans, are also newly eligible for up to $5 million through the 7(a) program. Lenders and CDCs should note the change raises the agency's maximum financing offering to its highest level ever after more than a decade without an increase.
NAGGL Announces SBA 7(a) Connect Quarterly Call and Opens 2026 Annual Conference Registration
NAGGL announced its SBA 7(a) Connect Quarterly Call and opened registration for its 2026 Annual Conference. The National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders provided details on both events for members involved in SBA lending.
SBA Backs Department of War's Suspension of CMMC Phase II Rules for Small Contractors
The SBA commended the U.S. Department of War's July 13, 2026 decision to suspend CMMC Phase II cybersecurity certification requirements that were set to take effect November 10, 2026, and to launch a comprehensive review of the program. SBA analysis estimated compliance costs could reach roughly $593,800 per certification for firms requiring third-party assessment, affecting more than 120,000 small defense contractors served by only about 100 approved assessors. The CMMC program was established through a 2024 final rule to protect Controlled Unclassified Information and Federal Contract Information.
East West Bank Provides Lendistry $100M Credit Facility for Airport Concessions Program
Lendistry has secured a new $100 million credit facility from East West Bank, plus a $100 million accordion feature, to fund its Airport Concessions Program (ACP), which finances small businesses operating within airport terminals. The facility follows East West Bank's $75 million financing in 2025 that supported Lendistry's SBA 7(a) lending platform; the ACP, launched in 2019, has deployed $98 million to airport businesses across 16 states.
SBA 7(a) Lending Drops 21% in FY 2026 Amid New SOP and BayFirst Exit
SBA approved $21.8 billion in 7(a) loans through the first nine months of FY 2026, down 21% from the prior year, with loan count falling 30% to 40,824 approvals. Coleman Report attributes the decline to a new SOP eliminating streamlined underwriting for small-dollar loans, BayFirst National Bank's August 2025 exit from SBA lending, and a citizenship restriction on borrowers, while the average loan size rose 12% to $535,034.
SBA Microloans Provide Up to $50K in Flexible Financing for Startups
The SBA's Microloan Program offers loans ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $50,000, with an average loan size of $13,000, designed for startups and small businesses that struggle to qualify for traditional bank financing. According to Matt Coleman, SBA Atlantic Regional Administrator, the program features interest rates between 8% and 13% with repayment terms up to seven years, plus mentorship support from nonprofit intermediary lenders. Entrepreneurs can use microloans for working capital, inventory, equipment, and other essential business expenses.
SBA and Intel to Host Arizona Supplier Matchmaking Expo for Aerospace, Semiconductor Sectors
The SBA will hold its third Supplier Matchmaking Expo on July 29, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, co-hosted by Intel and focused on the space and semiconductor industries. Confirmed buyers include Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Siemens, NASA, and Luke Air Force Base, with one-on-one matchmaking sessions available to small suppliers. The event follows prior expos in Charlotte and Detroit, where over 675 and 600 small businesses, respectively, connected with roughly three-dozen industrial buyers.
SBA Names 10 Semifinalists in Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition
The SBA announced 10 semifinalist small businesses advancing in the Patriot Pitch Competition, a $1 million cash prize initiative celebrating 250 years of American enterprise. Selected from 1,182 applicants across all states, the semifinalists will compete for a spot in the finals event in Washington, D.C. in September, where five finalists will pitch to celebrity judges for prizes ranging from $75,000 to $400,000.
SBA & NASA Team Up, Foreclosure Failures & Rural Deregulation | July 7, 2026 | SBA Today
SBA Today discusses three topics directly impacting SBA lenders: an OIG audit on foreclosure practices and its implications for lender oversight, a new NASA Supply Chain Alliance creating specialized deal structures for SBA-backed financing, and an SBA-USDA deregulation initiative aimed at freeing up capital for rural lending. Practitioners should monitor the foreclosure audit findings for compliance changes and watch for guidance on NASA alliance deal structures and rural deregulation details.
SBA Promotes Trump Accounts Platform for Small Business Savings
The SBA is partnering with small business owners to promote Trump Accounts, a free savings and investment platform launched by the U.S. Treasury on July 4, 2026, designed to help families build wealth for children. The platform, available via app and TrumpAccounts.gov, features 15 financial education modules and allows employers to contribute to employees' children's accounts as a low-cost benefit, with over 50 companies already committed. The effort is tied to Working Families Tax Cuts provisions including a permanent 20% small business deduction that saves entrepreneurs an average of $4,600.
SBA OIG Strengthens Fraud Prevention Efforts Amid 250th Anniversary
The SBA Office of Inspector General, led by Inspector General William W. Kirk, reaffirmed its commitment to combating fraud, waste, and abuse in SBA programs on July 7, 2026, marking America's 250th anniversary. The OIG is implementing new data-sharing agreements with federal oversight offices and leading the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee to enhance detection and prevention of fraud impacting small business lending programs.
SBA Doubles Combined Loan Limit to $10 Million for Small Businesses
The SBA announced on July 7, 2026, that small businesses can now combine 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in financing, doubling the previous $5 million cumulative limit. The policy, effective July 4, allows qualified borrowers to access up to $5 million through each program and gives manufacturers greater flexibility to pair long-term asset financing with working capital for operations and expansion.
SBA and USDA Launch Joint Portal to Address Regulatory Complaints
The SBA and USDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding on July 2, 2026, to combat regulatory burdens on farmers, ranchers, and small businesses through a centralized lawfare portal. The agreement establishes a direct reporting mechanism for complaints about federal regulations and authorizes the SBA to analyze complaint data to identify patterns of regulatory abuse and inform deregulatory reform efforts.
SBA Opens Registration for Month-Long America's Seed Fund Summit
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced registration is open for America's Seed Fund Summit running July 1-31, 2026, featuring virtual webinars and in-person events to connect entrepreneurs with the SBIR and STTR programs that distribute over $5 billion annually in non-dilutive funding. The free, month-long event hosted by SBA's Office of Investment and Innovation will include Wednesday webinars, networking opportunities through Federal and State Technology Partners, and direct sessions with federal agency program directors.
Siemens Shifts the Market & SOP Warning Signs | SBA Today | June 30, 2026
SBA Today discusses four critical developments for lenders: Siemens' new SBLC status and competitive implications for manufacturing deals; potential SBA institutional knowledge loss; anticipated SOP revisions signaling a more conservative approach to acquisition financing; and Senate scrutiny of 7(a) lender portfolios. Practitioners should monitor these regulatory and competitive shifts affecting underwriting standards and market positioning.
SBA and NASA Partner to Direct SBIC Capital to Space Tech Startups
The U.S. Small Business Administration and NASA signed a Memorandum of Agreement on June 30, 2026, to channel private investment into small businesses developing critical space technologies. Under the agreement, participating SBIC funds will commit at least 60% of their capital to NASA-identified priorities including advanced propulsion, software systems, specialized materials, and launch infrastructure.
SBA Reports $273B in Small Business Federal Contracts for FY25
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the Trump Administration awarded nearly 28% of all prime federal contracts to small businesses in fiscal year 2025, exceeding the statutory 23% goal and totaling $273 billion when including subcontracts. The procurement supported an estimated 1.2 million jobs across manufacturing, construction, defense, and other industries. The scorecard reflects the administration's emphasis on merit-based contracting and reduced reliance on the 8(a) Business Development Program, which saw approvals drop to 65 firms compared to 2,100 under the previous administration.
SBA's Detroit Supplier Matchmaking Expo Connects 600+ Small Firms with Major Buyers
The SBA held its 2026 Detroit Supplier Matchmaking Expo on May 5, 2026, bringing together over 600 small business suppliers with more than three dozen large industrial buyers including Ford, NASA, Google, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Post-event surveys showed 82% of participants were satisfied with the networking event, 48% expect to generate more than $250,000 in new business opportunities, and 140 small businesses successfully matched with large companies to provide services.
SBA Approves Siemens Financial Services as 7(a) Lender
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced on June 17, 2026, that Siemens Small Business Lending, Inc. has received a Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) license, making it one of only 16 approved non-bank SBA lenders and the first industrial technology company to secure this designation. SSBL will originate 7(a) loans with a focus on small businesses in manufacturing, energy, healthcare, logistics, and technology sectors.
SBA Reorg: What Lenders Need to Know & More | June 16, 2025 | SBA Today
The SBA is implementing an agency-wide reorganization that centralizes operations into specialized centers of excellence, which lenders should monitor for potential impacts on turnaround times and operational workflows. New policy tracking procedures will assign unique Case Reference Numbers to all inquiries for standardized tracking, though email addresses remain unchanged. Additionally, the enhanced 90% Grocery Guarantee saw strong early adoption with 19 loans ($30M+) approved in its first month, signaling renewed focus on underserved lending categories.
SBA Launches Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge for Nation's 250th Anniversary
The U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge on June 16, 2026, inviting small business owners nationwide to join the celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Participating businesses will receive an official SBA certificate recognizing their commitment to free enterprise and economic growth, and will join a national network of entrepreneurs supporting American business.
SBA and GSA Remove 22 Foreign Products Mislabeled as Made in America
The SBA and GSA announced the removal of 22 falsely labeled foreign-made flatware products from GSA Advantage!, the federal procurement platform, following a White House Small Business Summit on June 12, 2026. The action addresses China-based companies misrepresenting products as domestic, which violates the Buy American Act and disadvantages genuine U.S. manufacturers like Sherrill Manufacturing, the only 100% American-made stainless steel flatware producer.
SBA Applauds Trump's Opening of 500K Square Miles of Pacific Fishing Grounds
The SBA and Office of Advocacy on June 12, 2026, praised President Trump's restoration of commercial fishing access in three Pacific marine national monuments covering nearly 500,000 square miles. The action lifts blanket bans that previously prevented U.S.-flagged vessels from these waters, with SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler stating the move strengthens domestic seafood supply and supports small, family-owned fishing businesses.
SBA Proposes New Rule Eliminating Race-Based Eligibility in 8(a) Program
The SBA released a proposed rule on June 11, 2026, that would replace race-based admissions criteria in the 8(a) Business Development Program with individual proof of social and economic disadvantage. Under the new framework, applicants of all races must submit verifiable evidence of disadvantage to qualify, ending the previous system where certain racial minorities were presumed eligible. The change follows a 2023 federal court ruling that found race-based presumptions unconstitutional.
The $10M Combined Cap Reminder + Myths That Kill Deals | June 9, 2026
SBA Today discusses the July 4, 2026 implementation of the $10M combined cap on 7(a) and 504 loans, addressing critical compliance gaps between lender practice and SBA guarantee requirements. The episode focuses on source-of-funds verification for equity and common deal-structuring mistakes that trigger freezes during final approval, providing practitioners with clear boundaries on acceptable capital documentation.
2026 SBA Lender Leadership Summit Registration Now Open
Registration has opened for the 2026 SBA Lender Leadership Summit. The event brings together SBA lending professionals for networking and industry discussion.
AI Value Myths, New Loss Waivers, & Live Co-Pilot Agents | June 2, 2026
SBA Today discusses three critical updates for lenders: new prior loss waiver authority effective June 1, 2026 allowing case-by-case relief for owners with <20% non-controlling stakes who never guaranteed defaulted loans (excluding PPP/EIDL defaults); AI's limited current impact on business valuations per intermediary data; and practical guidance on integrating SBA SOPs into enterprise AI tools for underwriting efficiency.
SBA Updates Prior Loss Waiver Requirements
The SBA has issued a notice regarding requirements for prior loss waivers in its lending programs. The guidance clarifies eligibility criteria and procedures for borrowers seeking waivers based on previous loan losses. Registration is open for the 2026 SBA Lender Leadership Summit for additional details.
The "No-Skin" Searcher Trap & a $1M Prize Pool? | May 26, 2026 | SBA Today
SBA Today discusses emerging credit risk concerns around search fund deals with inexperienced sponsors and 100% investor-backed structures, while highlighting SBA's simultaneous push to support growth-stage businesses through new capital incentives like the Patriot Pitch Competition ($1M prize pool). The episode also covers practical applications of AI in underwriting for SOP compliance auditing and portfolio yield analysis—offering insights into how SBA credit departments are recalibrating risk appetite across different deal profiles.
Banished Lenders, a $10M Cap Raising & more! | May 19, 2025 | SBA Today
SBA Today covers four critical developments: USDA lenders facing enforcement action over a $620M delinquency issue; the new $10M combined cap decoupling rule expanding capital eligibility for certain borrowers; a $3M fraud indictment from the SBA's new National Fraud Enforcement Division signaling stricter compliance; and guidance on the Office of Hearings and Appeals as a recourse mechanism. The episode highlights the tension between expanded lending capacity and intensifying regulatory enforcement across SBA lending programs.
SBA Clarifies Maximum Loan Limits for 7(a) and 504 Programs
The SBA has issued a policy notice clarifying maximum loan limits for its 7(a) and 504 lending programs. The notice provides updated guidance to lenders on loan size restrictions under these key small business financing vehicles.
SBA Raises Combined 7(a) and 504 Loan Limit to $10M Effective July 4
The SBA announced on May 18, 2026, that it is doubling the cumulative loan limit for 7(a) and 504 loans to $10 million, effective July 4, 2026, up from the previous $5 million cap. Under the new rule, qualified borrowers can access up to $5 million through the 7(a) program and $5 million through the 504 program, providing increased capital flexibility for small manufacturers and capital-intensive businesses in construction, logistics, energy, and food production.
Bank Failure, EIDL Traps, & SOP Rumors | May 13, 2026 | SBA Today
SBA Today covers multiple operational and regulatory topics critical to lenders: EIDL autopay discontinuation and Treasury referral risks after 5 years, current 7(a) screenout and credit memo errors affecting approvals, unconfirmed reports of a potential $2M working capital cap on 7(a) loans, and rumors of a major SOP overhaul under review at the SBA. Episode provides practical guidance on portfolio management risks and signals potential regulatory changes requiring lender attention.
SBA Launches $1M Patriot Pitch Competition for Small Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Patriot Pitch Competition on May 13, 2026, offering $1 million in cash prizes donated by Clover Network to eligible small businesses that have used SBA capital products. The national competition will culminate in a finals event in Washington, D.C. in September, with applications due by June 10.
Advanced SBA Structuring: A $9M Pari Passu Case Study | Kalen Foster | Ep. 35 | My SBA Loan Pro
A detailed case study of a complex $9M pari passu 7(a) transaction that navigated SBA aggregate limits, evolving affiliation and guarantee rules, and real estate complications over a two-year closing timeline. The episode emphasizes how deep SOP knowledge and creative structuring—including the strategic use of separate NAICS codes to establish independent $5M lending buckets—enabled closure of a challenging multi-entity acquisition and refinance deal involving daycare and Montessori school borrowers.
2026 SBA Lender Leadership Summit Registration Opens
Registration is now open for the 2026 SBA Lender Leadership Summit. The event brings together lending professionals to discuss industry trends and best practices in SBA lending.
SBA Opens $50M Grant Program for Manufacturing Workforce Training
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced up to $50 million in grants for up to 10 organizations to provide training and technical assistance to small manufacturers through its Empower to Grow (E2G) Program. The Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Initiative targets critical industries including aerospace, shipbuilding, medical devices, and advanced manufacturing, with proposals due June 15, 2026 via Grants.gov.
Happy Small Business Week + a $22 Billion Referral | May 5, 2026 | SBA Today
SBA Today discusses the agency's $22 billion referral of 562,000 delinquent or suspected-fraud PPP and EIDL loans to Treasury, with particular focus on the distinction between fraud and filing errors that may catch legitimate borrowers in compliance sweeps. The episode addresses practical concerns for SBA lenders around loan review, tax return analysis, and how filing discrepancies are being evaluated in the current enforcement environment.
SBA Administrator Loeffler Celebrates National Small Business Week at White House Summit
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler joined President Trump on May 4, 2026, at a White House Small Business Summit recognizing National Small Business Week (May 3-9), which honors the nation's 36 million small businesses that create two-thirds of new jobs and generate about half of U.S. GDP. The event featured over 100 small business owners, and Mark Lamoncha of Humtown Products in Ohio was named the 2026 National Small Business Owner of the Year. Administrator Loeffler will conduct a roadshow through Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, and Georgia this week for state award ceremonies and business visits.
Unpacking the NEW ITL Rules for Trucking with Joe Raycraft (SBA) | April 28, 2026 | SBA Today
The SBA has expanded the 7(a) Grocery Guarantee program into the logistics sector, now offering a 90% guarantee for food-related trucking operations (both local and non-local) with appropriate NAICS coding. Lenders must verify food-service alignment and correct NAICS classification to access this guarantee level, and the SBA is simultaneously working to streamline Change of Ownership processes while maintaining portfolio risk controls.
SBA Unveils Free Virtual Summit Agenda for National Small Business Week 2026
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the full agenda for the National Small Business Week 2026 Virtual Summit, a free two-day online event scheduled for May 5-6 co-hosted by America's Small Business Development Center. The summit will feature 14 educational workshops presented by corporate partners including Google, Amazon, Visa, T-Mobile, and others, covering topics from AI adoption to access to capital, plus networking and mentorship opportunities.
SBA Refers 562,000 Suspected Fraudulent Loans Worth $22.2B to Treasury
The SBA announced on April 24, 2026, that it has referred 562,000 suspected fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and COVID Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) loans totaling $22.2 billion to the U.S. Department of Treasury for collection, marking the largest referral on record. The loans were previously flagged for suspected fraud during the Biden Administration but were not sent to Treasury or referred to the Department of Justice, a move the current administration characterizes as deliberate amnesty that it is now reversing.
Banker Turned Regulator + Franchise Hurdles |Apr 21, 2026 | SBA Today
SBA Today covers three major developments affecting 7(a) lenders: Emily Doxzon's appointment as Chief of 7(a) Loan Origination, the operational impact of the SBA Score sunset on franchise lending underwriting and deal economics, and emerging performance gaps between large and small-dollar 7(a) portfolios. The episode raises a critical question for practitioners about how lenders will adapt their franchise lending strategies post-SBA Score.
Zero Down Payment SBA Loan Business Expansion with Kalen Foster | Bonus Episode | My SBA Loan Pro
Episode examines SBA 7(a) loan structuring for business expansion beyond the $5M limit using pari-passu financing and the distinctions between expansion (0% down possible) versus change of ownership (10% equity required) transactions. Covers underwriting criteria lenders evaluate—cash flow, debt ratios, operational track record—for zero-equity expansion deals, using a family entertainment business case study.
The SBA's 2027 Budget Bombshell + Default Danger Zones | April 14, 2026 | SBA Today
SBA Today discusses three critical policy developments affecting lenders: proposed decoupling limits that would allow borrowers to access maximum funding under both 7(a) and 504 programs simultaneously, a 93% budget cut to Entrepreneurial Development programs that could impact borrower support infrastructure, and emerging default risk patterns in 2019 and 2023 loan cohorts revealed by Lumos data. The episode highlights tension between volume/manufacturing growth mandates and the erosion of support systems that help mitigate borrower defaults.
Trump Signs SBIR-STTR Reauthorization Through 2031 With Security Reforms
President Trump signed S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, on April 13, 2026, reauthorizing the SBIR and STTR programs through September 30, 2031. The legislation, sponsored by Senate Small Business Committee Chair Joni Ernst and House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams, includes reforms to strengthen national security, program integrity, and accountability. Since 1982, these programs have invested over $81 billion into more than 34,000 small businesses and supported companies including Qualcomm, Biogen, and Illumina.
Emily Doxzon Named Chief of SBA's 7(a) Lending Division
The SBA has announced Emily Doxzon as the new chief of its 7(a) Division, which oversees the agency's flagship small business loan guarantee program. The appointment was announced via the National Association of Government-Guaranteed Lenders (NAGGL).
SBA Lender Leadership Summit 2026 Registration Now Open
Registration has opened for the 2026 SBA Lender Leadership Summit, an annual conference for SBA lending professionals. The event brings together lenders and SBA officials to discuss program updates, industry trends, and policy developments affecting the small business lending landscape.
May 1st CHANGES Every Lender Should Know | SBA Today | April 8, 2025
Effective May 1st, 2025, the SBA is expanding the International Trade Loan (ITL) program to offer 90% guarantees for manufacturers (NAICS 31–33) and the entire food supply chain, designed to support domestic production reshoring and address supply chain resilience. Lenders should prepare for these program changes and leverage the new "Make Onshoring Great Again" Portal to connect borrowers with domestic suppliers; the episode also references BayFirst data on guaranty purchase variances.
SBA OIG Recovers $15M in Fraudulent PPP and EIDL Loans
The SBA Office of Inspector General has recovered more than $15 million in taxpayer funds from two financial institutions tied to potentially fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan accounts spanning over 1,000 loans. Under newly sworn-in Inspector General William W. Kirk, the SBA OIG has now recovered over $86.7 million from financial institutions related to pandemic-era fraud, part of a broader $2.8 billion in total investigative recoveries across SBA's COVID-19 relief programs.
SBA, SBDC to Host Free Virtual Summit May 5-6 for Small Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration and America's Small Business Development Center will hold a free online National Small Business Week Virtual Summit on May 5-6, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. The event will feature educational workshops on topics including manufacturing, digital marketing, AI, and business planning, along with networking opportunities and information on federal resources for small business owners.
OFN Slams FY2027 Budget Proposal to Cut CDFI Fund by $204M
The White House's FY2027 budget request proposes a $204 million cut to the CDFI Fund and deep reductions to SBA and HUD programs, drawing sharp criticism from Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) President and CEO Harold Pettigrew. OFN noted that Congress previously rejected a similar ~90% cut proposal for FY2026, ultimately passing a bipartisan spending package signed by President Trump that maintained $324 million in CDFI Fund appropriations. OFN is now urging Congress to again hold the line at $324 million for FY2027, citing the Fund's leverage ratio of roughly $8 in private investment per $1 in public funding and its 2023 financing of over 109,000 businesses.
10 Tips to Crossing the Quarter-End Finish Line | March 31, 2026 | SBA Today
SBA Today addresses quarter-end operational best practices for SBA lenders, including file auditing, borrower communication, and closer management. The episode also notes the SBA's relocation of its Washington Metro Area District Office to Herndon, Virginia, which may impact lenders in that region.
SBA Clarifies Citizenship and Residency Rules for 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA has released updated FAQs addressing new citizenship and residency requirements for 7(a) small business loans, along with clarified underwriting standards. These guidance documents provide lenders with specific criteria for loan eligibility and applicant qualification. The clarifications help standardize lending practices across the SBA's flagship loan program.
SBA Boosts Made in America Loans to 90% Guarantee for Manufacturers
The SBA announced an enhanced International Trade Loan (ITL) program effective May 1, 2026, increasing the federal guarantee to 90% for eligible manufacturers in NAICS sectors 31-33, compared to the standard 75% for 7(a) loans. The program aims to support equipment upgrades, facility modernization, supply chain diversification, and expansion, with the SBA also expanding ITL eligibility to food supply chain businesses. Lenders can expect greater confidence in deploying capital to domestic manufacturing projects under the enhanced guarantee structure.
SBA Expands Grocery Guarantee: 90% ITL Loan Guarantee for Food Supply Chain
The SBA has announced an enhanced 'Grocery Guarantee' through its International Trade Loan (ITL) Program, offering a 90% federal guarantee (vs. standard 75%) to agricultural producers, food processors, wholesalers, and logistics providers effective May 1, 2026. The expanded guarantee aims to increase lender confidence and capital deployment throughout the food supply chain to boost domestic production and lower grocery costs.
NADCO National Small Business Summit 2026: Registration Now Open
The National Association of Development Companies (NADCO) has opened registration for its 2026 National Small Business Summit, the premier annual conference for 504 CDC professionals. The event brings together CDC executives, SBA officials, and industry leaders to discuss 504 program updates, regulatory changes, debenture market trends, and best practices in economic development lending.
SBA 504 Rates Drop to 5.7% for 25-Year Terms in March 2026
SBA 504 loan rates decreased in March 2026, with 25-year terms reaching 5.722% and 20-year terms at 5.783%, continuing a downward trend from early 2026. The rates, which include CDC, SBA, and central serving agent fees based on NADCO debenture pricing, are updated monthly with each funding cycle. Manufacturing-specific rates also declined, with 25-year manufacturing loans now at 5.480%.
SBA Names 2026 National Small Business Week Award Winners
The SBA announced its state and territory Small Business Persons of the Year and specialty award recipients for National Small Business Week (May 3-9, 2026), with an awards ceremony scheduled for May 3 in Washington, D.C. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler will recognize honorees across categories including Exporter of the Year, Small Business Manufacturer of the Year, and others. The agency will also host a virtual summit and nationwide roadshow to provide resources and training to small business owners.
SBA 7(a) Prime Rate Holds at 6.75% for March 2026
The SBA's prime-based lending rate remains at 6.75% for March 2026, with the optional peg rate set at 4.50% through Q1. Lenders should note that maximum allowable fixed rates are calculated using prime plus applicable spreads under SOP 50 10 5, with standard rounding rules applied.
SBA Updates 7(a) Small Loan Underwriting Requirements After SBSS Score Sunset
The SBA has issued revised underwriting requirements for 7(a) Small Loans effective March 1, 2026, replacing the discontinued FICO SBSS Score with traditional credit analysis standards. Lenders must now evaluate credit history, repayment ability, and loan-specific factors, with a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 1.10:1 required; loans falling short must be processed as Standard 7(a) or SBA Express loans instead.
SBA Expands 7(a) Working Capital Pilot Program for Small Business Homebuilders
The SBA highlighted project-based line of credit financing availability through the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot Program for small business homebuilders, effective March 1, 2026. The agency will host an informational webinar on March 11 to introduce lenders to the program and updated requirements, with NAGGL offering a separate 90-minute underwriting workshop on March 12 covering working capital product selection and underwriting standards.
SBA Working Capital Pilot Program Launched; Training Resources Now Available
The SBA's 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) program, which began August 1, 2024, provides monitored lines of credit for small business financing needs. The SBA held an update on March 11, 2026, with recordings available for lenders. NAGGL is also offering a webinar on underwriting working capital lines of credit to help lenders understand SBA requirements and best practices.
SBA OIG Flags 73,302 Loans for Eligibility Review; Lenders Face Potential Liability
The SBA Office of Inspector General issued a critical report on eligibility determinations made under SOPs 50 10 7/7.1 (August 2023-May 2025), finding limited assurance that borrowers met eligibility requirements for 73,302 loans totaling $32 billion. SBA will flag these loans for review at guaranty purchase and pursue recovery "where appropriate and legally justified." NAGGL emphasizes that absent knowingly submitted ineligible applications by lenders, SBA bears responsibility for eligibility determinations during this period.
SBA Expands 7(a) International Trade Loan to Food Supply Chain
Effective May 1, 2026, the SBA will expand eligibility for its International Trade Loan (ITL) program to small businesses in designated food supply chain sectors, offering an enhanced 90% guarantee known as the "Grocery Guarantee." The expansion covers businesses in food production, processing, warehousing, logistics, and distribution; additional implementing guidance and NAICS code details are expected soon.
THE $32 BILLION ELIGIBILITY FLAG! | March 24, 2026
SBA Today discusses critical OIG oversight priorities for 2026, including a significant eligibility assurance gap affecting 73,302 loans ($32B+) flagged in OIG Report 26-07 for limited assurance on eligibility at time of purchase. The episode highlights that lenders with rapid volume increases are under heightened scrutiny, warns of a KPMG audit disclaimer signaling future audit concerns, and previews planned OIG reviews of Lender Service Providers and manufacturing portfolios—emphasizing that robust loan documentation is essential for surviving compliance reviews.