Understand how SBA 7(a) loans are structured

Learn how the SBA guarantee, loan terms, and repayment structures work so you can position the program effectively for different borrower needs.

Learn how lenders evaluate SBA deals

Understand how eligibility, cash flow, collateral, and borrower strength come together in underwriting decisions so you can assess opportunities more accurately.

Navigate the process from application to closing

Follow how SBA 7(a) loans move from prequalification through underwriting, approval, and funding so you can manage transactions more efficiently.

A practical introduction to how SBA 7(a) loans are structured, underwritten, and executed.

SBA 7(a) lending is one of the most flexible and widely used financing solutions for small businesses, yet many mortgage professionals are not fully comfortable with how the program works in practice. Understanding how these loans are structured, underwritten, and approved is essential to effectively advising clients and expanding into business-purpose lending. This course provides a practical introduction to the SBA 7(a) program, focusing on real-world execution rather than theory. You’ll learn how loan structure, borrower eligibility, and underwriting requirements come together, along with how deals move from initial inquiry through closing. The goal is to give you a clear working foundation so you can identify opportunities, structure transactions, and communicate with confidence.

Academy For Commercial Lending

I’m Michael Boggiano, and I’ve spent more than 25 years originating and structuring commercial real estate and business-purpose loans across multiple market cycles. My experience comes from working directly on transactions and understanding how lenders evaluate risk, structure deals, and bring them to closing. Through the Academy for Commercial Lending, my focus is on sharing practical, real-world insight that helps mortgage professionals expand into commercial and SBA lending. The goal is to provide a clear, usable framework so you can evaluate opportunities, guide your clients more effectively, and approach these transactions with confidence.

Curriculum

8 Chapters · 16 Lessons

  1. 1

    Chapter 1: Introduction to the SBA 7(a) Program

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1: What the SBA 7(a) Program Is and How It Works

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 1 - Quiz

  2. 2

    Chapter 2: Program Overview and Key Benefits

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1: How the 7(a) Program Supports Borrowers and Lenders

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 2 - Quiz

  3. 3

    Chapter 3: Loan Structure, Terms, and SBA Guarantee

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1: How SBA 7(a) Loans Are Structured in Practice

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 3 - Quiz

  4. 4

    Chapter 4: Eligibility and Use of Proceeds

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1: Who Qualifies and How Loan Proceeds Can Be Used

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 4 - Quiz

  5. 5

    Chapter 5: Collateral, Guarantees, and Credit Requirements

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1: How Lenders Evaluate Risk in SBA 7(a) Loans

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 5 - Quiz

  6. 6

    Chapter 6: Application, Underwriting, and Approval Process

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 1: How SBA 7(a) Loans Move from Application to Approval

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 6 - Quiz

  7. 7

    Hand Outs

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      SBA 7(a) - 504 comparison

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Using SBA 7(a) and 504 programs together

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Choosing between SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans

  8. 8

    Final Exam

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Final Exam

What Mortgage Professionals Are Saying

See how mortgage professionals are applying these concepts to better structure deals, guide clients, and expand into SBA lending with greater confidence.

”
“This course gave me a clear understanding of how SBA 7(a) loans actually work. I feel much more confident discussing options with business owners and positioning the right solution.”
John 

Mortgage Broker - Palm Beach, FL

”
Very practical and easy to follow. It breaks down the structure, underwriting, and process in a way that I can immediately apply to real deals.”
Cliff

Banker- Cleveland, OH

”
“A strong introduction to SBA lending. It helped me connect the dots between borrower eligibility, cash flow, and how lenders make decisions.”
Leslie

Long Beach, CA

Expand your lending capabilities into SBA financing

This course gives you a clear and practical understanding of how SBA 7(a) loans work from structure through execution. Start the course and begin building confidence in advising small business clients.

Enroll for free