Buyer Financing
Most Main Street deals close with SBA financing. We match qualified buyers with the right lender from a network of 20+ acquisition specialists, then guide the deal from pre-qualification to funding. Free to the buyer.
Minimum Requirements
$250,000 loan size · $20,000 down payment
The Complete Guide
From eligibility to closing — the SBA 7(a) acquisition loan, explained.
Financing backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration that helps buyers purchase existing businesses. The 7(a) program provides up to $5 million with favorable terms built for small business buyers.
Compared to conventional loans: lower down payments (5-10%), longer terms (up to 10 years), competitive rates, and up to 85% SBA guarantee — which gives lenders room to say yes to deals they otherwise couldn't.
We provide SBA loan consultation free of charge to buyers. We match the deal with the right lender, prepare the package, and guide every step from pre-qualification to closing.
Why free? We're compensated by the SBA lender when the loan funds. The buyer pays nothing for guidance that can save weeks and dramatically improve approval odds.
Our Process
We start with a call to understand the deal, the buyer, and the seller's goals. Then we map the fastest path to approval.
We match the deal with the right SBA lender from a network of 20+ acquisition specialists. Industry, geography, and deal size all matter.
We prepare the package, coach the buyer through documentation, and pre-empt underwriting questions before they slow the deal down.
We stay involved through underwriting and closing, advocating for the deal so it actually funds — not just gets approved.
Why Us
Our SBA advisory is free to buyers. We're compensated by the lender when the loan funds.
We work exclusively on SBA acquisition financing. That's the deal type we know cold.
Direct relationships with the top SBA acquisition lenders in the country. We know who says yes to your kind of deal.
Our team has helped fund over $70 million in SBA acquisition loans. With deep lender relationships and a specialist focus on acquisition financing, we know which lenders say yes to your industry, deal size, and geography.
FAQ
An SBA acquisition loan is government-backed financing through the SBA 7(a) program used to buy an existing business. It offers lower down payments (5-10%), terms up to 10 years, and competitive rates because the SBA guarantees up to 85% of the loan.
Buyers generally need a credit score of 680+, relevant industry or management experience, 5-10% equity injection, and a business showing a DSCR of 1.25x or higher. The business must operate in the U.S. and meet SBA size standards.
The 7(a) program allows up to $5 million for business acquisitions. Most acquisition loans we work with range from $500,000 to $5 million and can cover purchase price, working capital, and closing costs.
Debt Service Coverage Ratio measures the business's ability to service the loan. It's net operating income (or SDE) divided by annual debt service. Lenders typically require 1.25x, meaning the business generates 25% more cash than the loan payment requires.
Nothing. There are no fees, retainers, or hidden costs. We're paid by the lender when the loan closes, so the buyer gets expert guidance at no charge.
Typical timelines run 60-90 days from application to closing. Pre-qualification can happen in 1-2 weeks. Matching to the right lender up front is what keeps deals on schedule.
Not usually. SBA loans require a 5-10% equity injection. That can come from personal savings, certain retirement accounts (via ROBS), home equity, gifts, seller notes, or outside investors.
Tell us about the deal. We'll respond within one business day.
Summit Succession is not a lender. We do not make loans or credit decisions. We are not an agent of any lender. We may be compensated by the lender you are connected with. We are not affiliated with the Small Business Administration or the federal government.