Franchisors — here’s your reminder to get your SBA Franchise Directory paperwork in now if you want to be at the top of the queue. SBA has extended the temporary Franchise Directory procedures through December 31, 2025, but here’s the catch: SBA won’t be processing new submissions until after the government shutdown. That means any documents sitting in the inbox at franchise@sba.gov right now are just waiting in line. The sooner you get yours in, the higher you’ll be in that stack once the lights come back on in D.C. Now, here’s what’s changing. SOP 50 10 8 reinstated the SBA Franchise Directory. These interim procedures were originally set to expire in July 2025, but SBA has pushed the date out to December 31, 2025, giving lenders and franchisors more time to get current. If your brand was on the Directory as of May 2023, the Franchisor or Distributor now has until December 31, 2025, to execute the new SBA Franchisor Certification. During this period, lenders must continue using the Addendum indicated on the Directory, follow any notes attached to the brand listing, and make sure both the Franchisor and Franchisee sign the addendum before disbursement. After December 31, 2025, any brand that hasn’t executed the new certification will be removed from the Directory. If your brand wasn’t previously listed, take note of this new deadline. No addendum will be needed for new brands, but lenders still must follow any notes in the listing and proceed under SOP 50 10 8. SBA is urging brands to send their documents to franchise@sba.gov for review — now — to ensure timely placement once processing resumes. | 
