SBA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SBA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under the SBA 8(a) Business Development program, what is the maximum length of time a firm can participate? → 9 years
2. What SBA program provides research and development funding to small technology-driven businesses? → Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
3. What is an example of relationship marketing? → Personalized email campaigns
4. What is a business continuity plan? → Emergency operations plan
5. What is the maximum loan amount under the SBA International Trade Loan (ITL) program? → $5 million
6. What is the goal of market segmentation? → Divide customers into groups based on needs
7. What role does the SBA play in the U.S. economy according to its core mission? → Aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small businesses
8. Under the SBA 7(a) program, what is the guarantee fee called that borrowers typically pay? → SBA guaranty fee
9. What does risk management involve? → Identifying and mitigating risks
10. What is the primary difference between the SBIR and STTR programs? → STTR requires the small business to partner with a nonprofit research institution
11. Which strategy helps new businesses build credibility? → Networking and partnerships
12. What does 'HUBZone' stand for in the SBA HUBZone program? → Historically Underutilized Business Zone
13. What role does a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system play in small business operations? → Organize and manage customer interactions, sales pipelines, and communication history
14. Under the SBA Export Express program, what guarantee percentage does SBA provide for loans exceeding $350,000? → 75%
15. What is SWOT analysis used for? → Analyze internal and external factors
16. What is a common challenge for startups? → Access to capital
17. A Certificate of Origin is required in international trade primarily to: → Establish the country of manufacture for customs duty and trade agreement benefit purposes
18. Why is competitive analysis important? → Understand market position
19. What should a marketing plan identify? → Customer needs and strategies
20. What does SDVOSB stand for in the context of federal contracting? → Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
21. Which entity sets the maximum interest rates that lenders can charge on SBA 7(a) loans? → SBA
22. Which payment method offers a U.S. exporter the highest level of payment security when selling to an unknown foreign buyer? → Confirmed, irrevocable letter of credit issued and confirmed by a U.S. bank
23. Under the SBA International Trade Loan (ITL) program, what is the maximum repayment term for real estate purchases? → 25 years
24. Which SBA resource partner is specifically focused on providing counseling and export assistance to women entrepreneurs? → Women's Business Centers (WBCs)
25. What is the U.S. government's annual small business contracting goal as a percentage of federal prime contracts? → 23%
26. What is the primary difference between a trademark and a copyright? → Trademarks protect brand identifiers; copyrights protect original creative works
27. How can businesses measure customer satisfaction? → Conduct customer surveys
28. Which federal agency, partnered with the SBA, requires all employers to verify employees' legal authorization to work in the U.S.? → Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/USCIS
29. What collateral requirement applies to SBA 7(a) loans over $25,000? → Lenders must follow their collateral policies and take available assets
30. What is 'networking' most valuable for in small business entrepreneurship? → Building relationships that lead to referrals, partnerships, and business opportunities