How to Write a Reconsideration Letter to SBA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you find yourself in a situation where you need to appeal the decision of the Small Business Administration (SBA)? Writing a reconsideration letter to SBA may seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it can be a smooth sail. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective reconsideration letter that can increase your chances of having your request granted.

Before we dive into the dos and don’ts of writing a reconsideration letter, it is important to understand what it is. A reconsideration letter is a formal request for the SBA to review a decision that has been made on your application. This letter should be carefully crafted and follow a specific format to increase your chances of success.

As you begin drafting your letter, it is important to have a clear understanding of what you are appealing and why. With this information, you can structure your letter in a way that clearly presents your arguments and supports your request for a reconsideration.

There are many factors to consider when writing your letter, including your tone, format, and content. To help you along the way, there are many examples available online that you can use as a foundation and edit as needed to fit your specific situation.

So, if you find yourself in need of writing a reconsideration letter to SBA, don’t panic. Follow this guide, and with some careful consideration and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of success in having your request granted.

The Best Structure for How to Write a Reconsideration Letter to SBA

If you have applied for a small business loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and your application has been denied, you may be eligible to request a reconsideration. Writing a reconsideration letter to the SBA can be a daunting task, but with the right structure, you can increase your chances of success. In this article, we will explore the best structure for how to write a reconsideration letter to SBA, using the writing style of Tim Ferris.

1. Start with a clear and concise introduction: Begin your letter by stating the purpose of your letter, which is to request a reconsideration of your loan application. Provide your name and contact information, as well as any loan or application numbers. Keep your introduction brief and to the point.

2. Explain your situation: In the next paragraph, provide a brief description of your business and the reason why you applied for a loan. Explain why you believe you are eligible for the loan and how it would benefit your business. This is an opportunity to make a compelling case for your application, so be sure to provide specific details and examples to support your argument.

3. Address the reason for denial: If your loan application was denied, the SBA should have provided you with a reason for the denial. In your reconsideration letter, address this reason head-on and provide a detailed explanation of why you believe it is not valid. This is another opportunity to make a compelling case for your application, so be sure to provide specific details and examples to support your argument.

4. Provide additional information: In this section, you can provide any additional information that may be relevant to your application. This could include updated financial information, business plans, or any other documents that may support your case. Be sure to provide references and citations for any sources you use.

5. Close on a positive note: Finally, close your letter with a positive note. Express your gratitude for the SBA’s consideration and emphasize your commitment to your business. This is also a good opportunity to provide your contact information again and invite the SBA to contact you if they have any additional questions or concerns.

Conclusion

Writing a reconsideration letter to the SBA can be a challenging task, but with the right structure and approach, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to keep your letter clear, concise, and persuasive, and to provide specific details and examples to support your case. By following this structure and using the writing style of Tim Ferris, you can craft a compelling letter that will get the attention of the SBA and increase your chances of getting the loan you need.

Reconsideration Letter for SBA Loan Forgiveness Denial

Incorrect Calculation of Payroll Costs

Dear SBA representative,

I am writing to request your reconsideration of my company’s loan forgiveness application due to the denial that we received on the basis of incorrect payroll calculations.

It has come to our attention that there was an error in the calculation of our average monthly payroll cost, which resulted in a lower loan forgiveness amount than we should have received. Our company is willing to provide accurate documentation to support the validity of our claim.

We empathize with the challenges faced by the SBA during this global pandemic and are confident that a reasonable resolution can be reached with this reconsideration request.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Failure to Provide Complete Application Within Deadline

Dear SBA representative,

I am writing to request that you reconsider the denial of our company’s loan forgiveness application due to failure to provide a complete application within the deadline.

While we understand that there are certain guidelines and requirements to follow, our company experienced a delay with the absence of an essential team member who was responsible for collating and submitting the necessary documents.

We acknowledge our responsibility to ensure the timely submission of all required documents, and we have taken the necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen again in the future.

We are hoping that you will consider our appeal and allow us the chance to resubmit our application with the complete set of documents within the appropriate time frame.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Incorrect Interpretation of Eligibility Requirements

Dear SBA representative,

I would like to request that you reconsider the denial of our company’s loan forgiveness application based on the incorrect interpretation of eligibility requirements.

Our company has carefully examined and followed all guidance related to eligibility for PPP loan forgiveness, but were surprised to receive a denial notification over an issue that we believe has been misinterpreted. We would like to provide additional information that supports our claim and provide any additional documentation needed.

We urge you to reconsider our application and ensure a fair and impartial review.

Thank you for your consideration of our request.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Excessive Loan Reduction Due to Employee Reduction

Dear SBA representative,

I am writing to request that you reconsider the reduction of PPP loan forgiveness due to an excessive employee reduction calculation.

While we acknowledge the necessary precautions needed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, our company experienced unavoidable employee reductions that resulted in an excessive reduction of our loan forgiveness amount. We have taken all necessary steps to replace the lost staff and have documentation to support our position.

We understand the significance of the SBA’s role in helping small businesses during this global crisis and are confident that you will grant us the opportunity to re-examine our application.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Incorrect Reduction Amount Due to Hourly Wage Reductions

Dear SBA representative,

I am writing to request that you reconsider the reduction amount of our PPP loan forgiveness based on incorrect calculations of hourly wage reductions.

Our company was forced to cut back on work hours to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines, resulting in a reduction in hourly wage. However, we believe that incorrect calculations of the required formulas have caused the excessive reduction of our forgiveness amount.

We are eager to provide documentation to support our position and request that you reconsider this denial of our application.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Possible Data Entry Error

Dear SBA representative,

I am writing to request that you reconsider the approval of our PPP loan forgiveness application and review the possibility of a data entry error that might have caused the denial.

After a thorough review of our loan forgiveness application and comparing it to the SBA guidelines and regulations, we believe that there may have been a possible data entry error that resulted in a denied application.

We understand the importance of the SBA’s efforts in helping small businesses during this global crisis and ask that you take another look at our application.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Duplicate Application Error

Dear SBA representative,

I am writing to request that you reconsider the denial of our PPP loan forgiveness application due to a duplicate application error.

We have recently discovered that there was a duplicate application submitted on our behalf. We assure you that we have already canceled the erroneous application and have taken steps to avoid any similar errors in the future.

We understand the importance of the SBA’s role in assisting small businesses during this global pandemic and kindly ask that you take another review of our application.

Thank you for your attention to our request.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing an Effective Reconsideration Letter to SBA

If you are seeking reconsideration for a denial or decision made by the Small Business Administration (SBA), it is important to understand how to write an effective reconsideration letter. Here are some tips to help you in crafting your letter:

  • Address the issue head-on: Begin your letter by directly addressing the issue that led to the denial or decision. Be clear and concise in your language, and provide any additional information that may help to alleviate any concerns or misunderstandings.
  • Provide evidence to support your case: Use concrete examples, facts, and figures to bolster your case for reconsideration. It is important to provide evidence that directly addresses the SBA’s concerns or reasons for their decision.
  • Show how you would benefit from a different decision: Demonstrate how a different decision by the SBA would positively impact your business and/or financial situation. Be persuasive, but avoid being overly emotional or pleading.
  • Make it personal: Share any personal stories or anecdotes that demonstrate your commitment to your business and your community. This can help to humanize your situation and make your case more relatable to the reader.
  • Be professional: Keep in mind that your letter will be read by professionals, and that it is important to maintain a professional tone throughout. Avoid using colloquial language or slang, and proofread carefully for spelling and grammar mistakes.

By taking these tips into consideration when writing your reconsideration letter to SBA, you can increase your chances of success and demonstrate your commitment to your business and financial well-being. Remember to be clear, concise, and professional, and provide evidence to support your case for reconsideration.

FAQs: How to Write a Reconsideration Letter to SBA


What is a reconsideration letter to SBA?

A reconsideration letter to SBA is a written request to appeal a decision made by the Small Business Administration (SBA) regarding a loan application, eligibility determination, or other business matter. The letter should explain why you believe the decision was incorrect and provide additional information that may influence the outcome of your case.

What are some common reasons for submitting a reconsideration letter to SBA?

Some common reasons for submitting a reconsideration letter to SBA are loan denial, change in economic situation or eligibility, incorrect calculations, or new information that was not previously considered.

What should be included in a reconsideration letter to SBA?

A reconsideration letter to SBA should include a clear and concise explanation of the issue at hand, the reasons for your disagreement with the original decision, and any supporting evidence or documentation that may strengthen your case. Be sure to address specific points made by the SBA and explain why you believe they are incorrect or do not apply to your situation.

How should the letter be structured?

The letter should be well-organized and easy to read, with a clear introduction that explains the purpose of the letter, followed by the body of the letter which provides detailed information and evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes the key points and requests a reconsideration of the original decision.

What should I avoid in my reconsideration letter to SBA?

Avoid providing irrelevant or extraneous information, making emotional appeals, or using aggressive or confrontational language. Stick to the facts and provide specific evidence to support your case.

Can I submit additional documentation with my reconsideration letter to SBA?

Yes, you should include any documentation that supports your case and helps to strengthen your argument. This may include financial statements, tax returns, or other business records, as well as any new information that was not previously considered by the SBA.

Should I seek professional help to write a reconsideration letter to SBA?

While it is not necessary to seek professional help, it may be helpful to consult with an attorney or financial advisor who has experience working with the SBA and can offer guidance on how to approach the reconsideration process. However, ultimately it is up to you to decide how to proceed and represent your case.

Cheers to Your Reconsideration Success!

And there you have it! You can now confidently put together a reconsideration letter that will increase your chances of getting approved by the SBA. Remember to clarify your points, stay positive, attach supporting documents and address every reason why you got declined. If you’re still struggling with your letter, don’t hesitate to ask for professional help. We hope this guide has been helpful to you and would love to have you back for more tips. In the meantime, keep on striving and believe that success is just around the corner. Thanks for reading and best of luck with your SBA reconsideration!