What predicts a cancellation

Delegated authority cancels more, acquisitions cancel least

Cancellation rate by SBA processing method and by borrower type, FY2021–FY2025 approvals.

7(a) General requires full SBA review rather than delegated lender authority. It takes six days longer at the median and has the lowest cancellation rate of any method. Established businesses cancel most often and acquisition files least — a purchase agreement creates pressure to close that a refinance does not.

8.45%7(a) General — lowest cancellation of any processing method

13.92%Preferred Lenders Program — delegated authority

8.07%change-of-ownership files — lowest of any borrower type

Source: Analysis of SBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data (as of 31 March 2026), FY2021–FY2025 approvals. Cancelled approvals retained. Published by sba-feasibility-study.com.