Bankruptcy filings are continuing to rise in 2026, and small business restructurings are increasing at an even faster pace. According to Epiq AACER, total U.S. bankruptcy filings increased 8% in August 2026 compared with August 2025. More notably for commercial lenders, Subchapter V filings increased 63% during the same period. During the first six months ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/eb2018b6-1e6f-43d0-8669-50068f5c6389.mp3 SOP 50 10 8.1 is set to take effect for all SBA loans approved on or after October 1, 2026.  In this article, we will explore the new Appendix 15 in SOP 50 10 8.1, which consolidates the 7(a) loan change of ownership (“COO”) rules.  Appendix 15 categorizes every COO transaction into one of ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/cfb1e603-dd3c-4a32-85d1-88e12d7266c6.mp3 Mark your calendar and refresh your checklists.  SOP 50 10 8.1 becomes effective October 1, 2026. The new SOP includes some significant changes.  The new SOP folds in the numerous procedural notices SBA has issued since SOP 50 10 8.0 and keeps building on that version’s reintroduced lending criteria, so most of what you ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/843aa691-8630-4869-aa4d-e1a193ba6827.mp3 On August 14, 2026, SBA issued Information Notice 5000-880695, announcing the new SOP 50 10 8.1, which becomes effective October 1, 2026. The new SOP incorporates Policy and Procedural Notices issued since SOP 50 10 8 and introduces significant changes to the 7(a) loan program rules governing equity injections, change of ownership transactions, debt ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/653622bd-75a2-4ca2-8cd1-5aa335ba9a6a.mp3 A business owned in whole or in part by a 401(k) plan — including a Rollover as Business Startup (ROBS) plan — may be eligible for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, provided the lender complies with SBA’s requirements and the plan itself complies with all applicable IRS, Treasury, and Department of Labor ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1503e2fe-82d0-4fc8-934e-308cec2bde81.mp3 Lenders routinely request landlord subordination or waiver agreements as a condition of closing an SBA loan to borrowers operating from leased premises owned by a third-party landlord.  While the act of sending out the lender’s form of landlord subordination or waiver agreement is routine for loan closers, sometimes the process of obtaining the landlord’s ... Read More