The SBA screwed you over. Here's how to file complaints, demand accountability, and fight back through official channels.
The Inspector General is supposed to investigate SBA wrongdoing, fraud, and mismanagement. It's not perfect, but it's your first line of defense.
Online Hotline: https://www.sba.gov/office-of-inspector-general
Phone: 1-800-767-0385
Email: oig.hotline@sba.gov
Fax: 202-481-5044
What to report: SBA employee misconduct, fraud in SBA programs (PPP, EIDL, etc.), waste of taxpayer funds, mismanagement, identity theft related to SBA loans.
The Ombudsman is supposed to help small businesses with regulatory problems. They're toothless, but filing a complaint creates a paper trail.
Website: https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-national-ombudsman
Email: ombudsman@sba.gov
Phone: 888-734-3247
What to report: Excessive or unfair regulatory enforcement, agency overreach, problems with SBA loan servicing, unfair treatment by SBA staff.
If the SBA's actions harmed you as a consumer or business owner, the FTC accepts complaints.
File Online: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
Your Representative and Senators have constituent services offices that can intervene with federal agencies on your behalf.
Find Your Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Find Your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
What they can do: Congressional offices can request status updates, push for faster processing, and escalate issues within the SBA.
You have the right to request documents and information from the SBA under FOIA. This includes your loan file, internal communications, and policy documents.
Submit FOIA Request: https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/open-government/foia
Email: foia@sba.gov
Fax: 202-481-1719
What to request: Your complete loan application file, all communications related to your application, denial reasons with supporting documentation, fraud investigation records.
Pro tip: Be specific. Request documents by date range, application number, or specific subject matter. Vague requests get delayed or denied.
If your SBA loan was denied or you disagree with an SBA decision, you can file an appeal with OHA.
Website: https://www.sba.gov/oha
Email: ohafilings@sba.gov
Phone: 202-401-8200
Important: Appeals must be filed within 45 days of the adverse decision. Miss the deadline, and you're out of luck.
What you can appeal: Loan denials, size determinations, 8(a) program decisions, HUBZone eligibility, WOSB/EDWOSB certifications.
If you've suffered significant financial harm due to SBA negligence or wrongdoing, consult with an attorney who specializes in government contracts or administrative law.
When to lawyer up:
• The SBA approved then revoked a loan, causing business failure
• Identity theft led to fraudulent SBA loans in your name
• You were wrongfully excluded from SBA programs
• The SBA violated your rights or acted outside its authority
• You've exhausted administrative appeals and need to sue
Note: Suing the federal government is expensive and difficult. Most attorneys won't take SBA cases unless there's significant damages and clear wrongdoing.
Whether you're filing a complaint, appeal, or lawsuit, documentation is everything.
Keep copies of:
• All SBA correspondence (emails, letters, notices)
• Application materials and supporting documents
• Loan agreements and promissory notes
• Denial letters with stated reasons
• Phone call logs (date, time, name of SBA employee, what was discussed)
• Screenshots of online portal messages
• Timeline of events with dates
• Financial statements showing harm caused by SBA actions
Organize chronologically. Create a narrative timeline. Make it easy for whoever reviews your case to understand what happened.
Sometimes the only thing that moves bureaucrats is bad publicity.
• Local news media: Reporters love "small business screwed by government" stories
• Social media: Twitter/X, especially tagging @SBAgov and your representatives
• Industry publications: Trade magazines often cover SBA issues
• Congressional hearings: Committee staffers monitor constituent complaints for hearing topics
Share your story on LOLSBA: Submit your horror story and we'll amplify it.