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

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/ce2a132d-57bb-400c-928f-62e3c07d7d0a.mp3 When an SBA loan involves real estate, construction, renovations, or tenant improvements, mechanics’ liens should be a key consideration for SBA lenders. Although mechanics’ liens are generally governed by state law, they can directly affect lender’s collateral position. As such, understanding how they arise, and especially how their priority is determined, matters because work ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/d339c474-dfd4-47e5-985a-4d54520c109a.mp3 Obtaining a judgment against a borrower or guarantor is an important step in recovering an SBA 7(a) loan, but the battle is not over. A judgment gives the lender the legal right to pursue collection, but it does not guarantee payment. Before spending time and money enforcing a judgment, lenders should determine whether doing ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/498806f7-9822-4e3d-95f2-49b183fb816d.mp3 Effective May 1, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) expanded access to its 7(a) International Trade Loan (ITL) Program by broadening eligibility for certain domestic manufacturers and food supply chain businesses. SBA Policy Notice 5000-877629.  Historically, the ITL program has focused on supporting small businesses seeking to develop or expand export markets. The ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ad2e1162-f84e-423e-8048-b1ae2bad4151.mp3 Per SBA Information Notice 5000-866746 effective April 21, 2025, SBA set forth the process for reinstituting the SBA Franchise Directory (“Directory”) and the steps franchisors must take to remain as an eligible brand on the Directory. In order to be listed on the Directory as of July 1, 2026, the franchisor must have signed ... Read More

https://starfieldsmith.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/d0a145c0-2ecc-4513-b960-49814d362a36.mp3 Referral Agents can be a valuable resource for Lenders looking to identify qualified small business applicants for SBA financing (each an “Applicant”). However, the rules governing a Referral Agent’s involvement in the SBA loan program impose obligations on both the Lender and the Referral Agent. This overview is designed to help Lenders build Referral ... Read More