If my SBA Loan got denied due to a low SBSS score, how long should I wait before applying again?

I recently applied for an SBA loan and was denied, turns out it was mainly due to a low SBSS score. I wasn't even aware this score was such a critical part of the process until now. Since then, I’ve been working on improving both my personal credit and business financials (paying down debt, improving cash flow, etc.).

That said, I’m wondering: how long should I realistically wait before applying again? Does the SBSS score update quickly enough to reflect recent changes in a few weeks, or is this more of a “check back in 6 months” situation?

If anyone has experience reapplying after denial or has tips on how long it took their score to improve enough to get approved—I’d really appreciate your input. Trying to time my next application wisely so I don’t get hit with another rejection.

SBA Advice

SBSS Score

Posted by

Ester Catering

June 11, 2025

Answered

If your SBA loan application was denied due to a low SBSS (SBSS/ETRAN) score, you don’t have to wait a set amount of time before reapplying. However, I strongly recommend that you take strategic steps to improve your score before submitting a new application.

Many business owners are able to boost their SBSS score and secure approval within 30–90 days by focusing on the key factors that influence the score:

Personal credit (FICO score)
Business bank deposits and profitability
Credit utilization
Industry code (NAICS)
Public records (liens, judgments, bankruptcies)

Our blog post, Declined for Your SBSS/ETRAN Score?, explains that a low score is usually fixable with targeted changes, and many successful approvals happen within 90 days of making improvements. Another resource, How to Improve ETRAN Score Before You Apply, offers actionable steps to raise your score in as little as 30–90 days.

Recommendations:

Review your SBSS score and identify areas for improvement.
Address any weaknesses—such as increasing deposits, reducing credit utilization, or resolving public records.
Use tools like the SBA Speed Score to estimate your progress before reapplying.

By taking these steps, you can often reapply successfully within 1–3 months, rather than waiting unnecessarily.