

SBA Emergency Update by Search Fund Coalition
New Policy, Immediate Consequences for Searchers
Bad news in SBA land.
The SBA just released a policy update that materially impacts ownership eligibility in SBA-backed acquisitions. Under this guidance, US permanent residents and non US citizens are no longer eligible to hold ownership in an SBA financed deal.
This is not theoretical. It impacts deals that are live, LOIs that are signed, and Searches that are actively underwriting SBA as a core part of their capital stack. We are hosting a session this Friday to break down what changed, why it matters, and how Searchers should respond right now.
We will walk through:
What changed in the SBA policy and how it is being interpreted today
Who is most directly impacted and where uncertainty still exists
How lenders are approaching deals under the new guidance
What non-SBA financing options may be viable depending on deal size, structure, and timing
How Searchers should think about adjusting their financing strategy going forward
This session is built for Searchers who need straight answers fast. No speculation. Just insight from the people dealing with this in real time.
Panelists include:
Lisa Forrest, Live Oak Bank
Joe Spina, Cullen & Dykman LLP
If you are a non-U.S. citizen Searcher, working with a non-U.S. partner, or simply want to understand how this policy shift affects the broader acquisition financing landscape, this session is for you.