Government Reopens: SBA Lending Resumes and What This Means for Your Loan

After 43 days of limited federal operations, the government has officially reopened and the U.S. Small Business Administration has begun restoring full functionality across its lending programs. This is welcome news for small businesses, lending partners, and the entire economic ecosystem that relies on timely access to capital.

At AmPac Business Capital, we prepared throughout the shutdown so that our clients can move forward without delay. With SBA systems open again, we are ready to finish the year with strength and clarity.

SBA Systems Are Reopening

Late last night SBA released its preliminary return to operations guidance. At 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on November 13, the agency reopened the systems that lenders and CDCs rely on for loan origination and processing.

Here are the highlights of what is now in motion:

Etran Origination Is Open

SBA is accepting new 504 and 7a loan applications through Etran. This is the key first step needed for new approvals to resume.

Pending Applications Will Be Processed First

SBA will begin by reviewing applications that were already submitted before the shutdown. This includes:

• Pending or residual loan files
• Loan modification requests
• USCIS verification checks
• Compliance reviews

New applications will be processed in the order they are received.

New Loan Approvals and Funding

Approvals for 504 and 7a loans will resume and will temporarily be placed in a funding queue. As funds are released by the Office of Management and Budget, loan statuses will automatically update and move into funded status.

Updated Fee Schedules Remain in Effect

All loans approved on or after October 1, 2025 continue to follow the Fiscal Year 2026 fee schedules. This includes fee relief for eligible manufacturing borrowers.

December 504 Debenture Sale

SBA Counsel has extended the cutoff for submitting closing packages for the December debenture sale to 5 p.m. Eastern on Friday, November 14 to allow CDCs and lenders time to catch up.

Secondary Market and Franchise Review Updates

• The November secondary market pooling deadline has been extended to November 20.
• Franchise reviews will be prioritized when an active loan is tied to the request.

SBA is also preparing a lender call to provide more details on the return to operations.

What This Means for Your Loan

AmPac is already moving quickly to take advantage of the reopening:

• New loan applications will be submitted immediately through Etran.
• Files that were waiting for SBA’s decision will move back into the review queue.
• Approvals and funding will resume as SBA clears its backlog and OMB releases funds.

If you have a loan in process, you can expect activity to begin again. Timelines will vary as SBA staff return and work through the high volume created by the shutdown, but progress is underway.

How AmPac Prepared for This Moment

Throughout the shutdown our team continued processing, underwriting, packaging, and preparing every loan we could. That preparation allows us to move quickly now that SBA has reopened.

We are committed to strong communication and careful attention to detail as SBA restores full operations.

A Strong Finish to the Year

The return of SBA systems means lending activity can resume with fresh momentum. Whether you are a small business owner or a partner supporting entrepreneurs, this is the right time to reengage projects that were on hold and move them forward.

AmPac remains passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed. We are focused on ensuring you have the support, guidance, and momentum needed to close out the year well.

AmPac Is Here for You

If you have questions about your loan, your application status, or what the reopening means for your business, please reach out. Our team is ready to help you move forward with confidence.

AmPac Business Capital continues to serve as a steady and responsive partner in every season of business, committed to your success and your long-term growth.