SBA Supervised Lenders include Small Business Lending Companies (SBLCs) and Non-Federally Regulated Lenders (NFRLs). This proposed rule aims to enhance the process for organizations seeking to participate as SBLCs or NFRLs in the 7(a) Loan Program and to clarify the factors SBA will consider in evaluating SBA Supervised Lender applications. An SBLC is a non-depository lending institution that is authorized by SBA to make loans pursuant to section 7(a) of the Small Business Act and to Intermediaries in SBA's Microloan Program. An SBLC is regulated, supervised, and examined solely by SBA. SBA imposed a moratorium on licensing new SBLCs in 1982. There are currently 14 SBLCs with full authority to make 7(a) loans up to the maximum amount of $5 million and other SBLCs with more limited authority to make 7(a) loans. SBLCs are subject to SBA regulations regarding their formation, capitalization, and enforcement actions. To operate as an SBLC with full authority, an organization must acquire the existing SBLC lending authority held by an SBLC. Non-Federally Regulated Lenders (NFRLs) are also authorized by the SBA to make loans under section 7(a). Unlike SBLCs, NFRLs are subject to regulation by a state; however, SBA is the sole federal regulator for these entities. This rule will also cover the application process for these NFRLs.