SBA & USDA News

The information you need
before you apply

Rate changes, rule updates, and program announcements that affect your loan application — explained in plain English, not government jargon. Because what you don't know can cost you the deal.

Updated as news breaks
Written for borrowers, not regulators
SBA & USDA coverage since 2011
Free — always
The Problem
Most borrowers apply with outdated information

SBA rules, rates, and program requirements change multiple times per year. A borrower working from information that's six months old may target the wrong program, approach the wrong lender, or submit documentation that no longer meets current standards. The result is delays, rejections, and wasted months — none of which reflect the underlying strength of the business.

The Solution
Current intelligence before you engage a lender

We track SBA and USDA rule changes, rate movements, and program updates so you don't have to. Read what changed, understand what it means for your application, and take the eligibility quiz to get matched with a specialist who knows the current landscape — before you invest weeks in an application built on stale assumptions.

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Featured Story
SBA Policy · March 2026

Seven significant changes to SBA lending rules took effect in fiscal year 2025 and continue to shape approvals in 2026. Most borrowers still don't know about them. Here's what changed across the 7(a), 504, and Express programs — and what each change means if you're planning to apply this year.

8 min read·SBA Policy·Affects all SBA programs
Read the full story
Rate Watch

The Fed held rates at its March meeting. Here's exactly what that means for 7(a) variable rates and how to think about fixed vs. variable right now.

March 2026 · 3 min read
USDA News

Projects over $200K are eligible for both grant and loan guarantee components. Quarterly windows are short — here's what you need to prepare before applying.

March 2026 · 4 min read
SBA · Franchises

Franchise buyers: verify your brand's listing status before applying. An unlisted brand adds weeks to the SBA approval timeline.

March 2026 · 2 min read
Latest News
SBA News

Higher volume is good news for borrowers in principle — but it's also creating processing backlogs at some lenders. Here's how to navigate it.

SBA · Restaurants

Post-pandemic cash flow volatility has made restaurant underwriting more scrutinized. The lenders still funding hospitality deals and what they want to see.

USDA · Rural

Rural manufacturing operations are turning to the USDA B&I program after being turned down by conventional lenders. Here's why the program is gaining traction.

SBA · Medical & Dental

Practice acquisitions now represent one of the largest SBA 7(a) use cases. Lenders are tightening DSCR requirements — here's the number you need to hit.

Rule Changes

A quiet update to SBA Standard Operating Procedures changed how lenders assess personal liquidity. If you're planning your down payment, read this first.

USDA · Agricultural

A program update quietly expanded eligible project types and increased maximum grant amounts for certain renewable energy systems. Details inside.

SBA · Franchises

Not all franchise brands move through SBA underwriting at the same speed. Directory status, brand history, and lender familiarity all play a role.

Rate Watch

The CDC debenture rate shifted in March. Here are the current effective rates for each term length and how they compare to the last 12 months.

SBA · Hospitality

Occupancy recovery has improved lender appetite for hotel deals. Here's what the underwriting picture looks like now and what borrowers need to show.

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