BarbriSFCourseDetails
  • videocam Live Webinar with Live Q&A
  • calendar_month January 23, 2026 @ 1:00 PM E.T.
  • signal_cellular_alt Intermediate
  • card_travel Banking and Finance
  • schedule 90 minutes

New SBA Lending Requirements: Key Changes Impacting Loan Eligibility, Underwriting, Documentation, and Costs

$347.00

This course is $0 with these passes:

CLE
ALL
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About the Course

Introduction

This CLE webinar will discuss the recent significant changes to the Small Business Administration's (SBA) lending program. The panel will highlight the new requirements for borrowers and lenders and provide tips for navigating this new SBA lending framework.

Description

In 2025, the SBA made significant changes to the policies and procedures for its two largest small business loan programs, the 7(a) and 504 loan guarantee programs. The SBA also released a new version of its standard operating procedures (SOP) for these loan programs that was effective June 1, 2025. 

The new SOP changes loan eligibility criteria, underwriting standards, and procedures. Some of the key changes include the requirement that any loan over $50,000 be collateralized; a 10% equity injection threshold on any transaction involving a startup business or change of ownership; enhanced citizenship and ownership requirements; the small loan threshold was lowered to $350,000; and the return of the SBA's franchise directory.

It is imperative that counsel for both borrowers and lenders understand the SBA's new requirements in order to avoid confusion, stay compliant, and mitigate delays.  

Listen as our authoritative panel discusses the recent changes to the SBA lending program and the implications for borrowers and lenders. The panel will also review the current SBA authorization and approval process and discuss how the 2025 changes have impacted loan closings.

Presented By

Sherwood Cleveland
Of Counsel
Callison Tighe

Mr. Cleveland focuses his practice on banking and commercial finance, with a concentration on Small Business Administration 7(A) and 504 lending that helps established and start-up businesses secure needed funding. He has also worked extensively in special assets litigation, workouts, and debt restructuring. His former firm, Sherwood M. Cleveland, PC, closed more than 1,000 SBA and SBA-related loans, approximating $550,000,000 through his representation of two of South Carolina’s leading economic development lenders – Business Development Corporation and Certified Development Corporation – and third-party lender banks participating in the 504 program. Mr. Cleveland holds the status of Expedited 504 Closing Attorney from the Washington, D.C. office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, and he is also a Designated SBA 504 Closing Attorney through the National Association of Development Companies. Mr. Cleveland is a frequent lecturer on SBA lending, among other topics.

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Credit Information

  • This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.


  • Live Online


    On Demand

Date + Time

  • event

    Friday, January 23, 2026

  • schedule

    1:00 PM E.T.

I. Background: overview of the SBA's new policies and procedures

II. New SOP 50 10 8 governing 7(a) and 504 loan programs

III. Loan eligibility standards

IV. Underwriting standards

V. Program procedures

VI. Impact of the new requirements on borrowers, lenders, and current and future transactions

VII. Opportunities and challenges with SBA loans going forward

VIII. Practitioner pointers and key takeaways

The panel will discuss these and other key considerations:

  • What key changes were made to the SBA lending program in 2025, and how have these changes impacted loan transactions?
  • How did SOP 50 10 8 clarify a lender's responsibilities in assessing borrower eligibility, underwriting standards, and compliance with SBA requirements?
  • What are the implications of the SBA's new SOP for borrowers seeking SBA financing?
  • What are some of the challenges and opportunities with SBA financing under the new standards and procedures?