504 Changes in SBA SOP 50 10 8: What Changed on June 1, 2025 – and What It Means for SBA 504 Lending
With the SBA’s revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 50 10 8 Technical Update version in effect since June 1, 2025, it’s time to prepare for key updates that will shape how we serve small businesses through the SBA 504 program. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most significant changes — and the critical elements that are staying the same.
Franchise Requirements Return to the SOP
Franchise-related guidance is back. This means franchise eligibility will now follow a two-phase approach:
Now through December 31, 2025
Applicants with a franchise or similar agreement (per FTC definition and including fuel supply) must be listed on the Franchise Directory.
An executed Franchise Addendum may be required which B:Side will collect OR the franchisor needs to have an executed SBA Franchisor Certification on file with the SBA
January 1, 2026 forward, the executed SBA Franchisor Certificate is required.
Liquidity & Credit Elsewhere: Increased Analysis Required
SOP 50 10 8 brings back the requirement that CDCs evaluate liquidity when analyzing whether a borrower can secure financing from other sources:
CDCs must assess whether any part of the loan request could be met by the liquidity of:
The applicant
The operating company
Any owners holding 20% or more interest
The applicant business can retain the necessary funds for capital expenditures in the next 24 months and necessary working capital.
Energy Public Policy Project Cap Reinstated
The $16.5 million cap on total outstanding SBA 504 debentures under the Energy Public Policy Project has been reinstated. Importantly:
This is in addition to the standard SBA exposure limit of $5 million per applicant and affiliates.
This cap still allows up to three energy public policy projects at $5.5 million each.
U.S. Citizenship Eligibility Requirements Now Codified
SBA has codified a March 2025 policy update: all 504 loan applicants must be 100% beneficially owned by:
U.S. Citizens
U.S. Nationals
Lawful Permanent Residents
In addition, all direct or indirect business entity owners must be created, organized, or incorporated in the United States and all individual owners and guarantors must have a primary residence in the United States.
Key Elements That Remain Consistent
While some big changes are rolling in, several policies remain unchanged in SOP 50 10 8:
Alternative Size Standards introduced in March 2024 are still active:
Tangible Net Worth: < $20 million
2-Year Average Net Income: < $6.5 million
Affiliation Rules remain the same:
Based on ownership percentages and NAICS codes
Criteria last updated in May 2023
Ready to Learn More?
If your team would benefit from a tailored SOP 50 10 8 training, B:Side’s Client Relations Officers are ready to support you. We’re here to help you understand these changes — and how they affect loan structuring and underwriting.
As always, thank you for helping us fulfill our mission to support small businesses. Let’s continue driving impact together. Contact us.