New SBSS Guidelines Revealed + The Data Gap | Jan. 20, 2026 | SBA Today

The SBA just released the Procedural Notice on the new SBSS score guidelines, and the subtext is clear.

This week, Paul and Tonya are breaking down:

• SBSS Sunsetting—Lenders must pivot to internal credit scoring models consistent with their non-SBA guaranteed loans.
• The "Hidden" Message: Paul explains that the SBA now wants a full analysis on every loan.
• Shutdown Déjà Vu: With appropriation talks stalling, a government shutdown is looming.
• Approvals vs. Disbursements: We welcome "Data Nerd" Nick Repertorio to discuss why SBA 7(a) lending isn't evenly distributed and why approval numbers don't always tell the full story of money out the door.

💡 Lender Tip: If your institution has been relying solely on consumer credit scores or the SBSS "Score and Go" method, you have until March to adopt a more robust internal analysis.

🎧 Catch the full episode for a deep dive into the data with Nick Repertorio.

This episode is sponsored by SBA Collective — empowering community banks and credit unions to compete and win in SBA lending.

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this show are our own and not necessarily the views of our employer.