Which SBA 7(a) loans have no upfront guaranty fee in fiscal year 2027?
Short answer
SBA Information Notice 5000-881797 waives the FY2027 upfront fee for three groups. It is 0% for loans of $700,000 or less to manufacturers (NAICS 31-33), listed food supply chain businesses and businesses in rural areas. SBA Express loans to veteran-owned businesses also pay $0.
SBA Information Notice 5000-881797 (p. 1) sets a 0% Upfront Fee on 7(a) loans of $700,000 or less in three groups. It covers loans approved October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Who qualifies
- Manufacturers: NAICS sectors 31-33.
- Food supply chain: NAICS 1111, 1112, 1113, 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1129, 1141, 1151 and 1152.
- Also food supply chain: NAICS 423820, 4244, 4245, 424910, 445110, 484220, 484230, 493120 and 493130.
- Rural businesses: businesses located in a rural area, as SBA defines it.
NAICSThe federal code system that sorts businesses by industry. 484220 and 484230 count only for refrigerated and frozen trucking, farm products, grain products and livestock.
Limits
- The $700,000 test uses the gross loan amount, including guaranteed and unguaranteed portions.
- A loan above $700,000 pays the regular schedule.
- Loans approved within 90 days of each other are combined for the Upfront Fee calculation.
What stays in place
The waiver covers the Upfront Fee only. The lender still pays the Annual Service Fee of 0.55% of the outstanding guaranteed balance. Packaging fees and closing costs may still apply.
Confirm your NAICS code and location with your lender before counting on the waiver.
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