5% International Investors Now Allowed On Your 7a Acquisition Deals

The SBA issued a major update today. Starting January 1, 2026, new rules will make it easier for buyers to use SBA 7(a) and 504 loans. Buyers can now bring in small minority investors (up to 5%) to help fund a deal - even if those investors are foreign nationals living outside the U.S., conditional green card holders, or U.S./green card holders who live abroad. This makes it easier to raise cash for the down payment, reduce how much personal money buyers need to put in, and structure deals with partners or family. The rules are clearer, which means fewer surprises and smoother closings. Do you think this helps more ETA deals get closed? Link to the update: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nadco.org/resource/resmgr/technical_issues_memo/ti_fy26/SBA_Proc_Notice_5000-872050_.pdf