By Andy Medici – Senior Reporter, The Playbook, The Business Journals, Oct 27, 2026
Lendesca CEO Chris Hurn spoke with The Business Journals about the shrinking number of lenders active in the SBA 7(a) program. The article reports that participation has fallen sharply since the pandemic, leaving a small group of large lenders responsible for most of the program’s volume. Chris explained that this concentration makes the program fragile. If one major lender pulls back, small businesses feel it right away. He added that community banks find it harder and harder to compete because building an SBA department takes technology, trained staff, and expertise in a program whose rules keep changing. When borrowers can’t find a lender who can move quickly, Chris noted, “a lot of small businesses accept suboptimal financing because of expediency.”
As reported by The Business Journals, October 27, 2026
