How do I know if my SBA PPP loan is approved?

Answered by Frank Schwing

I recently went through the process of applying for an SBA PPP loan myself, so I understand how important it is to stay informed about the status of your loan. To find out if your loan has been approved, you can create an account in the SBA Capital Access Financial System (CAFS). Here’s how you can do it:

1. Visit the SBA CAFS website: Start by going to the SBA CAFS website, which is the official platform for tracking your loan status. You can access it by typing “SBA Capital Access Financial System” into your preferred search engine.

2. Create an account: Once you’re on the SBA CAFS website, look for the option to create an account. Click on it, and you will be prompted to provide some personal information, such as your name, contact details, and social security number. This information is necessary to verify your identity and ensure the security of your account.

3. Verify your email address: After completing the account creation process, you will receive an email from the SBA with a verification link. Click on the link to verify your email address. This step is crucial to activate your account and gain access to the loan status information.

4. Log in to your account: Once your email address is verified, you can log in to your SBA CAFS account using the username and password you created during the account creation process. Make sure to keep your login credentials secure and confidential.

5. Check your loan status: After logging in, you should be able to see the status of your loan application. The information provided will vary depending on the stage of the process your loan is in. It could be “Submitted,” “Under Review,” “Approved,” or “Funded.” Keep in mind that the SBA is processing a large number of loan applications, so there may be some delays in updating the loan status in the system.

6. Contact your lender: If you have created an account in the SBA CAFS and still cannot see the status of your loan, it’s a good idea to reach out to your lender directly. They should be able to provide you with more information about the progress of your application and any additional steps you may need to take.

Remember that the SBA PPP loan process can be complex and time-consuming, especially given the high demand and evolving guidelines. It’s essential to stay patient and proactive in checking your loan status. By creating an account in the SBA CAFS, you’ll have a reliable way to monitor the progress of your loan application.