Buying an established business is one of the smartest moves an entrepreneur can make. You inherit customers, revenue, staff, and systems from day one. But unless you have hundreds of thousands of dollars sitting in a bank account, you need financing - and the SBA loan to buy a business is the gold standard for exactly this purpose.
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans offer some of the most favorable terms available for business acquisitions: low down payments, long repayment periods, and competitive interest rates that banks simply cannot match on conventional financing. The SBA 7(a) loan program in particular has helped tens of thousands of buyers purchase existing businesses every single year.
This guide walks you through everything: how SBA acquisition loans work, what you need to qualify, how to structure the deal, and how to apply - step by step - so you can buy the business you want with the best financing available.
In This Article
An SBA loan to buy a business is a government-backed loan that provides financing for the purchase of an existing business. The Small Business Administration does not lend money directly - instead, it guarantees a portion of the loan (typically 75-85%) issued by an approved bank or lender. That guarantee dramatically reduces lender risk, which is why SBA lenders can offer terms far more favorable than conventional commercial loans.
When you use an SBA loan to acquire a business, you can finance the purchase price, equipment, working capital, and certain transaction costs - all under one loan structure. The SBA's flagship 7(a) loan program is the most commonly used for acquisitions, though the SBA also offers the 504 loan program for real estate-heavy acquisitions.
The critical advantage: SBA loans require far less equity (down payment) than banks demand on conventional business acquisition loans. While a bank might require 30-40% down, an SBA loan may only require 10% - a difference that can save buyers hundreds of thousands of dollars and make previously unattainable deals possible.
Key Stat: According to the SBA, over 60,000 7(a) loans were approved in fiscal year 2023 totaling more than $27 billion - a significant portion used for business acquisitions, the program's fastest-growing use category.
The SBA offers several loan programs, but two are most relevant for business acquisitions. Understanding which one fits your deal helps you move faster and structure the financing correctly from the start.
The 7(a) is the SBA's primary and most flexible loan program. It can fund almost any legitimate business purpose, including the outright purchase of an existing business, franchise acquisition, or buyout of a business partner. Loan amounts go up to $5 million, with terms up to 10 years for business acquisitions (up to 25 years if real estate is included).
Interest rates on 7(a) loans are variable, typically ranging from prime + 2.75% to prime + 4.75% depending on loan size and term. As of 2026, with prime at elevated levels, expect all-in rates in the 9-11% range for most acquisitions. These still beat most conventional alternatives, especially given the favorable amortization terms.
The 504 program is best suited for acquisitions that include significant real property - buying a business that owns its building, for example. The 504 works through a Certified Development Company (CDC) and is structured differently: a bank covers 50% of the project cost, the CDC covers 40% (guaranteed by SBA), and the buyer contributes 10% down.
504 loans typically have fixed interest rates, which can be advantageous in rising rate environments. However, they require real estate or major equipment as collateral and involve a more complex process than the 7(a).
For smaller acquisitions under $500,000, SBA Express loans offer faster approval (within 36 hours for the SBA decision) with less paperwork. The tradeoff: the SBA only guarantees 50% instead of the standard 75-85%, so lenders may impose stricter terms. Still, for smaller deals with strong borrowers, Express can be the fastest path to approval.
SBA acquisition financing stands apart from conventional options in several meaningful ways. Here's why experienced business buyers routinely choose SBA:
Lower down payments: The SBA typically requires only 10% equity injection from the buyer. On a $1 million acquisition, that's $100,000 instead of $300,000-$400,000 for a conventional loan - a substantial capital advantage that lets you preserve working capital for operations after closing.
Longer repayment terms: SBA 7(a) loans for business acquisitions can extend to 10 years (up to 25 years when real estate is involved). Longer terms mean lower monthly payments and better cash flow in the early years when you're still growing into ownership.
Fully amortizing structure: Unlike some conventional loans with balloon payments, SBA loans fully amortize - you pay down principal every month, and there is no large lump-sum payment at maturity to worry about.
Seller note allowance: The SBA allows sellers to hold a note (deferred seller financing) for a portion of the purchase price, which can bridge any financing gap and signal seller confidence in the business's continued performance. Seller notes are common in SBA deals and can reduce the buyer's down payment requirements in certain structures.
Goodwill financing: Conventional lenders typically won't finance intangible assets like goodwill, customer lists, or brand equity. SBA loans will - and goodwill often represents the majority of a service business's value. This is perhaps the single most critical advantage SBA loans provide for business buyers.
SBA lenders evaluate both the borrower and the target business. Here's what you need to demonstrate to get approved:
Credit score: Most SBA lenders want a minimum personal credit score of 680-700 for business acquisition loans. Some will go lower for deals with strong business cash flow, but scores below 650 significantly complicate approval. Pay down high credit card balances and resolve any derogatory marks before applying.
Industry experience: Lenders strongly prefer buyers who have experience in the industry they're acquiring. If you're buying a restaurant, have you managed or owned food service before? If you're buying a plumbing company, do you have a contractor background? Relevant experience significantly increases approval odds and reduces perceived risk.
Liquid assets: You need enough cash (or near-cash assets) to cover the down payment plus 6-12 months of personal living expenses. Lenders want to see that you won't be completely depleted after closing. Retirement accounts can often count toward this requirement.
Net worth: The SBA does not have a strict net worth cap for most 7(a) loans under $5 million, though individual lenders may have overlays. For deals over $350,000, some lenders want your net worth to be roughly equal to or greater than the loan amount.
Business plan: You'll need a comprehensive business plan covering your acquisition strategy, post-acquisition operations plan, financial projections for 3 years, and your specific qualifications for running this business. The plan doesn't need to be elaborate, but it needs to be credible and consistent with the target business's financial history.
Cash flow positive: The business must have sufficient cash flow (EBITDA or SDE - Seller's Discretionary Earnings) to cover loan payments with room to spare. Lenders typically require a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.25x or higher - meaning for every $1 in loan payments, the business generates $1.25 or more in operating cash flow.
At least 2 years of operations: Most SBA lenders want the target business to have at least 2 years of financial history, with tax returns to verify revenue. Startups and very new businesses generally don't qualify for acquisition financing.
Clean books: The business needs well-documented financials - ideally professionally prepared tax returns, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets for the past 2-3 years. Business owners who have been running cash operations or mixing personal and business expenses significantly complicate the lending process.
Eligible business type: The SBA has a list of ineligible businesses including gambling establishments, businesses primarily engaged in political or religious activities, and businesses where the buyer will not be actively involved in day-to-day operations. The vast majority of legitimate small businesses are eligible.
By the Numbers
SBA Business Acquisition Loans - Key Statistics
10%
Minimum down payment required (vs. 30-40% conventional)
$5M
Maximum SBA 7(a) loan amount for acquisitions
10 Yrs
Maximum repayment term for non-real-estate acquisitions
85%
SBA guarantee on loans up to $150,000
The acquisition process involves both buying the business and securing the financing simultaneously. Here's how the full process unfolds from initial interest to closing:
Most business acquisitions begin with business brokers, industry contacts, or online marketplaces (BizBuySell, BizQuest, LoopNet). When evaluating a target, you'll want to review the last 3 years of tax returns, profit and loss statements, and a list of assets included in the sale. Confirm the asking price is reasonable relative to the business's annual seller discretionary earnings - standard market multiples range from 2-4x SDE for service businesses, higher for recurring revenue models.
Sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before the seller shares detailed financials. This is standard practice and protects both parties during negotiations.
Before making an offer or signing a letter of intent (LOI), get pre-qualified with an SBA lender. This is not a full application - it's a preliminary review of your financial profile to confirm you're in range for SBA acquisition financing. Many buyers make the mistake of entering negotiations without confirming they can actually get the financing. Pre-qualification prevents wasted time and negotiating leverage loss.
An LOI is a non-binding document that establishes the basic deal terms: purchase price, payment structure, exclusivity period, and key contingencies (financing, due diligence). The LOI gives you a period - typically 30-90 days - to complete due diligence and secure financing without the seller negotiating with other buyers.
Due diligence is your deep investigation of the business. Verify the financial claims in the offering materials. Review contracts, leases, employee agreements, supplier relationships, and litigation history. Have a CPA re-cast the financials to calculate true seller discretionary earnings. Hire an attorney to review any legal issues. This step protects you from inheriting problems you didn't know existed.
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Crestmont Capital specializes in SBA acquisition financing. We've helped hundreds of buyers fund their business purchases with fast, flexible SBA loans - often in 30-60 days.
Start Your Application →The SBA loan application package for a business acquisition is more involved than a standard working capital loan. Expect to provide: 3 years of personal tax returns, 3 years of business tax returns for the target company, a personal financial statement, a business plan with 3-year projections, a purchase agreement or LOI, and a business valuation (the lender will typically order this). The lender packages your application and submits to the SBA for guarantee approval.
The SBA requires an independent business valuation for any acquisition over $250,000 where the loan is for business goodwill. The lender typically orders this from an approved valuation firm. The valuation determines whether the purchase price is reasonable - if the valuation comes in below the agreed purchase price, the lender may only finance up to the appraised value, requiring you to either renegotiate or increase your down payment to cover the gap.
Once the lender is satisfied with underwriting, they submit to the SBA for the formal guarantee. SBA approval typically takes 5-10 business days for preferred lenders (who have delegated authority) and 2-4 weeks for non-preferred lenders. After SBA approval, closing is scheduled - typically within 30 days. At closing, funds are disbursed, ownership transfers, and you are now the business owner.
Total timeline from application to close: Plan for 45-90 days. Deals with strong borrower profiles, organized target business financials, and preferred lenders can sometimes close in as little as 30 days, but 60-75 days is more realistic for most acquisitions.
One of the most important questions buyers have: exactly what can the SBA loan finance in a business acquisition? The answer is comprehensive:
Business purchase price: The full purchase price of the business, including both tangible assets (equipment, inventory, furniture) and intangible assets (goodwill, customer lists, brand name, non-compete agreements). This is the core of the acquisition loan.
Real estate: If the seller owns the business property and you're buying it as part of the deal, the SBA loan can include real estate. Including real estate extends the term to up to 25 years and improves the overall loan structure.
Working capital: The SBA allows you to roll working capital into the acquisition loan - funding you'll need for operations in the first weeks or months after closing before the business generates cash flow for you. This is particularly important for seasonal businesses or acquisitions with longer cash conversion cycles.
Improvements and renovations: If you need to make immediate improvements to the facility or equipment after acquiring the business, those costs can sometimes be included in the financing package.
Transaction costs: SBA guarantee fees (typically 2-3% of the guaranteed portion), closing costs, and certain professional fees can be rolled into the loan rather than paid out of pocket.
What the SBA does NOT finance: Existing debt of the target company (with narrow exceptions), funds intended to be paid back to the buyer, passive investments, or funds primarily for personal use. The SBA loan proceeds must be used for legitimate business purposes related to the acquisition.
Deal structure has a massive impact on whether your acquisition gets SBA-financed and on what terms. Here are the most common structures:
The most straightforward structure: you buy 100% of the business for the agreed purchase price, with SBA financing covering 90% and your 10% down payment covering the rest. This works best when the business is cleanly priced, the financials are verified, and both parties want a clean break.
For a $1 million acquisition: $900,000 SBA loan + $100,000 buyer down payment = $1 million total. The seller receives full proceeds at closing.
Many SBA acquisitions involve seller financing as a component. The seller "holds paper" on a portion of the purchase price - often 10-15% - rather than taking all cash at closing. This reduces the buyer's required equity injection, signals seller confidence in the business, and can smooth over the gap between the purchase price and SBA-appraised value.
For a $1 million acquisition: $800,000 SBA loan + $100,000 buyer equity + $100,000 seller note = $1 million. The seller note is typically subordinated to the SBA loan, has a separate repayment schedule (often starting after the SBA loan's first few months), and requires SBA lender approval.
The SBA allows buyers to source their 10% equity injection from various places: personal savings, gift letters from family, rollovers from retirement accounts (ROBS structure), liquidation of investments, or secondary lines of credit secured by personal real estate. The key requirement: the funds must be documented, legally sourced, and injected before or at closing.
The SBA 7(a) program is broad - almost any legitimate operating business qualifies. Here are common acquisition targets that SBA lenders routinely finance:
Service businesses: HVAC companies, landscaping businesses, cleaning companies, plumbing contractors, and other service-based businesses with strong recurring revenue and proven cash flow are among the most frequently financed acquisition types. Their low overhead and strong margins make debt servicing straightforward.
Healthcare practices: Dental practices, optometry offices, chiropractic clinics, and medical practices are highly attractive SBA acquisition targets due to their predictable revenue, established patient bases, and strong cash flows. SBA lenders have deep experience in healthcare acquisitions and often have dedicated teams for this sector.
Franchise units: Buying an existing franchise location (resale) from the current franchisee is a very common use of SBA acquisition financing. The established brand, proven systems, and franchisor support reduce perceived risk - and many SBA lenders have pre-approval programs for specific franchise concepts.
Restaurants and food service: Restaurant acquisitions are more complex due to thin margins, but profitable, well-established restaurants with strong track records and reasonable valuations can be financed through SBA. Lenders will scrutinize financial performance very carefully, but approved deals are common.
Manufacturing companies: Small manufacturers with equipment, facilities, and proven production capacity can be financed through SBA. The 504 program is often preferred here because of the real estate and equipment collateral involved.
Retail stores: Established retail businesses with inventory and physical storefronts can qualify, though declining retail trends mean lenders scrutinize these more carefully than service businesses.
E-commerce businesses: Online businesses are increasingly being financed through SBA, though it requires a lender experienced in digital business valuations. Revenue must be provable through platform data and tax returns, and valuations tend to be based on revenue multiples rather than EBITDA.
| Feature | SBA 7(a) Loan | Conventional Bank Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | 10% typical | 25-40% typical |
| Max Loan Amount | $5 million | Varies (no cap) |
| Repayment Term | 10 years (25 with real estate) | 5-7 years typical |
| Goodwill Financing | Yes - will finance intangibles | Rarely - hard to finance goodwill |
| Interest Rates | Prime + 2.75-4.75% | Often similar or higher |
| Approval Timeline | 45-90 days | 30-60 days |
| Paperwork | More documentation required | Less documentation |
| Best For | Service, goodwill-heavy, intangible-rich deals | Asset-heavy deals with strong collateral |
The bottom line: SBA wins for most small business acquisitions because of the lower down payment and ability to finance goodwill. Conventional loans win when the deal involves significant hard assets (real estate, equipment) that lenders are comfortable using as collateral, or when speed is paramount and the buyer has substantial equity to put down.
Crestmont Capital specializes in business acquisition financing, including SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans for buyers at all experience levels. Our team has guided hundreds of buyers through the acquisition process - from pre-qualification through close.
We understand that the business acquisition process is stressful enough without fighting with your lender. That's why we handle the heavy lifting: identifying the right SBA loan structure for your deal, preparing your application package to maximize approval odds, liaising with the SBA on your behalf, and coordinating with your attorney, CPA, and business broker to keep the transaction on track.
Our acquisition specialists work with a broad network of SBA preferred lenders - lenders who have SBA delegated authority and can approve deals faster, without waiting on the SBA's central processing. This can shave 2-3 weeks off your timeline and improve your odds of approval.
Whether you're acquiring a first business or adding to an existing portfolio, our SBA loan programs and commercial financing solutions give you access to the capital you need. We also offer business lines of credit to supplement acquisition financing for working capital needs after closing.
For buyers who need a comprehensive financing strategy - including acquisition funding, post-close working capital, and equipment financing for new machinery or upgrades - Crestmont's equipment financing and working capital loans round out a full acquisition financing package. Learn more about our acquisition advisory services for high-level deal structuring support.
Talk to an SBA Acquisition Specialist
Our SBA loan experts have guided hundreds of buyers through acquisitions. Get pre-qualified in hours - not weeks - and know exactly where you stand before you sign an LOI.
Apply Now →Understanding the process in abstract is helpful. Seeing how it plays out in real deals makes it tangible. Here are several scenarios illustrating common SBA acquisition structures:
A former landscaping operations manager wants to buy a small company doing $1.2 million in annual revenue with $280,000 in seller discretionary earnings. The asking price is $650,000. She approaches a Crestmont Capital SBA specialist with 3 years of industry experience, a 720 credit score, and $85,000 in savings.
The deal structure: $585,000 SBA 7(a) loan + $65,000 buyer equity injection = $650,000. Monthly payment at 10% over 10 years: approximately $7,700. Annual debt service: $92,400. DSCR: $280,000 / $92,400 = 3.03x - well above the 1.25x minimum. Loan approved. She closes in 62 days from application and takes over a profitable company with strong customer retention.
A buyer wants to acquire an established fast-food franchise location generating $200,000 in annual EBITDA. The asking price is $750,000. The SBA lender's valuation comes in at $700,000, creating a $50,000 gap. Rather than lose the deal, the buyer and seller agree to a seller note for $75,000 - allowing the SBA loan to cover $600,000, the buyer to inject $75,000 (10%), and the seller to hold a subordinated note for the remaining $75,000.
This structure makes all parties whole: the seller gets most of their proceeds at closing and the rest over 3 years, the buyer preserves cash, and the lender is satisfied with the equity structure. A classic win-win-win made possible by SBA flexibility.
A dentist wants to buy a retiring colleague's practice - including the building the practice occupies. The total purchase price is $1.8 million: $1.2 million for the practice goodwill/assets and $600,000 for the building. The SBA 504 program fits perfectly: a bank contributes $900,000 (50%), the CDC contributes $720,000 (40%) backed by SBA, and the buyer contributes $180,000 (10%).
The bank note carries a variable rate; the CDC debenture carries a fixed rate below-market for long-term assets. Total monthly debt service is manageable given the practice's $380,000 annual cash flow, and the dentist now owns both the business and the real estate - a powerful combination for long-term wealth building.
A digital marketer identifies a specialty e-commerce business generating $180,000 in annual net profit, with the owner asking $540,000 (3x multiple). The buyer has a strong background in digital marketing but limited assets. He uses a ROBS structure (Rollover for Business Startups) to roll $60,000 from his IRA penalty-free into a C-Corp, which invests in the acquisition. Combined with a $480,000 SBA 7(a) loan, the deal closes at $540,000 total.
The ROBS-plus-SBA structure is complex and requires a ROBS specialist, but it allows buyers to use retirement assets for equity injection without triggering taxes or penalties - a powerful strategy for buyers with retirement savings but limited liquid capital.
An established restaurant owner with one profitable location wants to acquire a second location from a competitor who is retiring. His existing business has strong financials and his personal credit is excellent. He uses an SBA 7(a) loan for the second acquisition, structuring it as a separate entity that will be backed by both the new acquisition's cash flow and partial cross-collateralization from his existing business.
The lender is comfortable with the deal given his proven track record as an owner-operator in the same industry and geography. He acquires the second location for $425,000 with a 10% down payment and plans to have the debt fully serviced within 7 years from the combined cash flow of both locations.
A managed IT services professional with deep technical expertise wants to buy a small MSP (managed service provider) with $2.1 million in annual recurring revenue and $420,000 in EBITDA. The asking price is $1.6 million. With excellent credit and industry credentials, he pre-qualifies for a $1.44 million SBA 7(a) loan, contributing $160,000 from savings and a small seller note of $50,000 deferred for 6 months.
The lender values the recurring revenue model (high DSCR, predictable cash flow) and the buyer's deep industry experience. Approval is received through a preferred lender in just 18 business days. He closes in 55 days total and immediately integrates the acquired client base into his service delivery model.
Yes. SBA 7(a) loans can finance 100% of an agreed acquisition price, provided the deal passes the SBA's underwriting requirements. You will still need to provide a minimum 10% equity injection (down payment), but the SBA loan covers the remaining 90%. Some deals may require a slightly higher down payment depending on the business type, strength of collateral, and lender overlays.
Most SBA lenders want a minimum personal credit score of 680-700 for business acquisition loans. Scores above 700 give you access to more lenders and potentially better terms. Scores below 650 are very difficult to approve for SBA acquisition financing, though strong business cash flow can sometimes offset a weaker credit profile in certain cases. Work on your credit score at least 6-12 months before you plan to buy a business.
Plan for 45-90 days from application submission to closing. Working with an SBA preferred lender (who has delegated authority to approve deals without SBA review) can reduce this to 30-60 days. The timeline also depends on how quickly both sides provide documentation, how quickly the business valuation is completed, and whether any unexpected issues arise during due diligence or underwriting.
Yes. Any owner with 20% or more equity stake in the borrowing business is required to provide a personal guarantee on an SBA loan. This means you are personally responsible for repayment if the business cannot service the debt. This is standard for all SBA programs and should be factored into your risk assessment when deciding to take on acquisition financing.
Absolutely. SBA loans are one of the most popular financing methods for franchise acquisitions, both new franchise units and resales of existing franchise locations. The franchise concept must be listed in the SBA's Franchise Directory, which the vast majority of major franchise brands are. Some SBA lenders specialize in franchise financing and have pre-approved programs for specific brands, which can significantly speed up the approval process.
A seller note is when the seller finances a portion of the purchase price themselves - essentially acting as a lender to you for part of the deal. It is not always required, but it is very common in SBA acquisitions. A seller note can bridge the gap between the purchase price and appraised value, reduce the buyer's required equity injection, or improve the overall deal structure. SBA lenders view seller notes favorably because they signal the seller's confidence that the business will continue to perform well under new ownership.
Yes, this is called a management buyout (MBO) and it is a common and approved use of SBA acquisition financing. Buying the company you work for has advantages: you understand the business deeply, you have relationships with customers and employees, and you can demonstrate industry experience to lenders. SBA lenders will still require the standard documentation and due diligence, but your insider knowledge often helps the approval process.
In most business purchases, you are buying assets rather than the entire legal entity - meaning the seller's existing debts stay with the seller unless specifically agreed otherwise. If you are doing a stock purchase (buying the shares of a corporation rather than its assets), you assume all liabilities, which requires careful due diligence. SBA loans generally cannot be used to pay off the existing debt of the target business as part of the acquisition, with narrow exceptions. Your attorney should clarify the structure before you proceed.
For acquisitions over $250,000 involving goodwill, the SBA requires an independent business valuation from a qualified appraiser. The appraiser uses multiple methods - income-based (DCF, capitalized earnings), market-based (comparable transactions), and asset-based - to arrive at a range of values and a concluded fair market value. If the agreed purchase price significantly exceeds the appraised value, the lender will only finance up to the appraised value, requiring additional equity from the buyer or a price renegotiation.
Yes, first-time business buyers regularly obtain SBA acquisition loans. The critical factor is relevant industry experience - not prior business ownership per se. If you have worked in the industry for years and can demonstrate management competence, lenders are generally comfortable. They are financing the business's cash flow, not just you. That said, first-time buyers benefit from working with advisors (brokers, CPAs, SBA-experienced lenders) who can help position the application compellingly.
The SBA charges a guarantee fee on the guaranteed portion of the loan. For 7(a) loans in 2026, the fee ranges from 0% for loans under $150,000 to approximately 3.5% for loans over $700,000 with terms above 12 months. This fee is technically the lender's obligation but is routinely passed through to the borrower - and can be financed into the loan rather than paid out of pocket at closing. For a $1 million loan with $750,000 guaranteed, the fee might be around $26,250, which can be rolled into the loan amount.
After closing, your relationship is with your lender, not directly with the SBA. You make payments to the lender per the agreed schedule. The SBA's guarantee only activates if you default and the lender needs to claim the guarantee. In normal operations, the SBA is a behind-the-scenes guarantee - you will not have ongoing reporting obligations to the SBA beyond what any standard business loan would require.
Yes, SBA loans can generally be refinanced after the fact, including into conventional loans if the business has grown sufficiently and the borrower's profile has strengthened. However, early payoff on SBA loans may trigger prepayment penalties - especially for 7(a) loans over 15 years. Review your loan documents carefully and discuss refinancing timing with your lender before proceeding. In many cases, the lower rate and longer term of the original SBA loan make it the best financing to hold long-term.
Expect to provide: 3 years of personal tax returns, 3 years of business tax returns (for the target company), personal financial statement, business plan with 3-year financial projections, purchase agreement or letter of intent, personal resume/CV demonstrating industry experience, documentation of equity injection sources, and any other documents the lender requests during underwriting. The lender will order the business valuation, credit report, and background check on your behalf.
A denial from one SBA lender does not mean you cannot get approved elsewhere. Different lenders have different overlays, appetites for specific industries, and underwriting standards. If declined, ask for a detailed reason and work with an advisor to address the gaps. Common solutions: improve your credit score, increase your down payment, find a business with stronger cash flow, or restructure the deal with a seller note. Crestmont Capital's specialists work with multiple SBA lenders and can help match you with the right partner for your specific situation.
Get Pre-Qualified for Your Business Acquisition
Know your SBA financing options before you sign an LOI. Our acquisition specialists will review your profile and identify the best path to closing - typically within 24-48 hours.
Start Your Application →Using an SBA loan to buy a business is one of the most powerful wealth-building moves available to entrepreneurs and working professionals in 2026. The combination of low down payment, long repayment terms, goodwill financing, and the ability to fund the full purchase price makes the SBA 7(a) program the go-to choice for the majority of small business acquisitions under $5 million.
The process is more involved than a simple working capital loan - you'll need organized documentation, a credible business plan, and a target business with verified cash flow. But for buyers who prepare properly and work with experienced SBA acquisition specialists, the result is transformative: you own an established, cash-flowing business funded primarily with other people's money, preserving your capital and accelerating your entrepreneurial journey.
Crestmont Capital's SBA specialists are ready to guide you through every step - from your first inquiry to closing day. Apply online, or call us to discuss your acquisition goals. There's no better time to become a business owner than when you have the right financing in place.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.