SBA announces stricter residency requirements

The Small Business Administration announced it will no longer guarantee loans for small businesses owned by foreign nationals.

Details: In its policy notice, the SBA said:

• Consistent with President Donald Trump’s “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” executive order, the SBA is requiring that 100% of all direct and indirect owners of a small-business applicant be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals who have a principal residence in the United States.

• The notice rescinds Procedural Notice 5000-872050, removing the exception that allowed a borrower to have up to 5% ownership held by foreign nationals, or U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or legal permanent residents whose principal residence was outside of the United States.

• The policy becomes effective March 1.