Q.  Can a firm be declined entry into the Program for reasons of character?

A.  Yes. The regulations stipulate that the applicant concern and all its principals must have good character. SBA may determine that a lack of character demonstrated by any one of the following circumstances:

Adverse information regarding possible criminal conduct by the applicant and its principals;
Violations of SBA regulations;
Debarment or suspension of firms and/or individuals;
Lack of business integrity as demonstrated by information related to an indictment or guilty plea, conviction, civil judgment, or settlement;
Principals of the firm are currently incarcerated, or on parole or probation; or
Evidence that the firm knowingly submitted false information during the application process.

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