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FAQ

First, the buyer finds and values the target business based on its assets, cash flow, and growth potential. Next, they choose a financing option debt (bank loans, SBA loans, or private lenders), equity (selling ownership to investors), or both. Lenders then review the buyer’s credit, industry experience, and the target company’s financial position, often using the business’s cash flow or assets as collateral. Once approved, the funds are structured to cover the purchase price and closing costs. After the deal closes, the buyer repays the loan or manages investor expectations using the acquired business’s revenue.

Business acquisition financing is the funding used to buy an existing business, franchise, or a major share in another company. It helps you take over a business that already has customers, revenue, staff, and daily operations set up. The capital can be approved from banks, SBA, private lenders, investors, or even the seller, and it may be structured as a loan, equity investment, or both. This financing usually covers the purchase price, legal and broker fees, and working capital after the deal. It allows businesses to grow faster, enter new markets, and avoid the risks of starting from zero.

Yes, business acquisition loans can include real estate. Many buyers use a single loan to cover the business itself and the property it occupies. This approach is common with SBA loans or commercial real estate loans. Bundling real estate helps you build equity, reduce long-term costs, and make it better for those looking for business loans for buying a business.

Industries that are hardest to finance are usually high-risk, heavily controlled, or capital-intensive. Sectors like biotechnology, cannabis, oil & gas, airlines, adult entertainment, cryptocurrency, and large-scale real estate often face extra scrutiny from banks. For buyers in these areas, traditional funding is difficult, so specialized lenders are needed. 

Getting acquisition financing usually takes 2 to 4 months, but it can be more or less based on the deal. Things like reviewing financials, lender approvals, and due diligence take time. At Yaw Capital, we help buyers go through the process and secure business loans for buying a business without delay.

Yes, you can get SBA loans to buy a business. The SBA 7(a) loan is the most popular option and is widely used as one of the best loans to buy a business because of low down payments, long repayment terms, and competitive rates. However, the SBA is a kind of bank loan, which makes approvals easier for buyers.

The best loan to buy a business depends entirely on your situation. The right choice depends on your credit profile, available collateral, deal size, and how the business generates cash flow. Some loans to buy a business may offer low interest rates but under some vague conditions.

Business acquisition financing is the capital used to buy an existing business. It can be bank loans, SBA loans, private lenders, or even seller financing to cover the purchase price and working capital. Buyers use it to grow faster, enter new markets, or acquire proven cash flow, customers, and systems without building everything from scratch.

Because we focus exclusively on business acquisitions, maintain a deep lender network, and know how to get deals structured and approved.

Most SBA and U.S. banks do not, but private capital may consider international transactions.

Highly seasonal businesses, startups, or industries with regulatory uncertainty (like cannabis) are more challenging.

Yes. Many buyers refinance after stabilizing the business to secure better terms.

Yaw Capital can pivot to alternative lenders or restructure the capital stack to keep deals alive.

Not always, but lenders prefer reviewed or audited statements for deals above $5M.

Many lenders hesitate, but SBA and niche banks can finance them if cash flow and supplier relationships are strong.

Yes. Real estate can be financed separately or alongside the business, often improving collateral.

Yes. SBA and banks often finance franchises, especially if they’re on approved lender lists.

If too much revenue comes from one client, lenders may require mitigations like contracts, guarantees, or higher equity injections.

Yes, as long as ownership structure and guarantees are clear.

Lenders prefer buyers with relevant industry or management experience, though strong structures can offset gaps.

SBA loans may require liens on assets. Private capital may rely more on cash flow and guarantees.

Financing becomes harder. Lenders prefer stable or growing businesses, but Yaw Capital can explore private capital or creative structures.

It’s the ratio of cash flow to debt payments. Lenders usually require a DSCR of 1.25x or higher.

Yes. Equity investors can contribute to the down payment or co-invest alongside debt financing.

Yes, goodwill (the intangible value of the business) is often included in SBA and bank loan financing.

An arrangement where part of the purchase price is paid based on the acquired business meeting performance milestones.

When the seller carries a portion of the purchase price as a note, usually subordinated to lender debt.

It’s an early-stage review where lenders evaluate your background, deal size, and target business to estimate financing options.

We source lenders, negotiate terms, and structure complex capital stacks to meet buyer goals.

Yes. Many PE firms use debt to enhance returns while providing equity.

They involve larger deal sizes, layered financing, and syndications across multiple lenders.

It’s the mix of debt and equity used to fund an acquisition, including senior debt, mezzanine, and equity.

Yes, especially for larger acquisitions, but terms and pricing are different.

Flexibility. Private capital can move faster, handle complex deals, and structure financing creatively.

Healthcare, technology, business services, logistics, and consumer brands are common focus areas.

Typically $5M–$250M+, though some funds specialize in lower middle-market deals.

Family offices, private credit funds, mezzanine lenders, and high-net-worth investors.

Mezzanine financing is a hybrid of debt and equity that fills funding gaps in larger acquisitions, often subordinated to senior loans.

Yes, personal guarantees are standard for SBA loans.

60–90 days is typical, depending on lender workload and deal complexity.

Yes. Seller notes are common and often required by SBA lenders.

Typically 10–20%, though seller financing can sometimes count toward the injection.

Business tax returns, P&Ls, balance sheets, purchase agreement, buyer’s financial statements, resumes, and credit history.

Yes, SBA loans can include working capital for operations after closing.

10 years for goodwill acquisitions, 25 years if real estate is included. Rates are usually tied to the prime rate plus a margin.

Up to $5M under SBA guidelines, though lenders may impose additional limits.

7(a) loans are versatile for acquisitions and working capital, while 504 loans focus on fixed assets like real estate or equipment tied to the acquisition.

It’s the most common SBA loan for buying businesses, offering up to $5M with favorable terms like 10-year amortization and lower down payments.

SBA deals often fund 70–90% of the purchase price with debt. Mid-market capital markets deals can reach higher leverage levels with layered debt structures.

Asset purchases are more common because lenders prefer clean structures. Stock purchases can be financed but may involve more due diligence.

Yes, but eligibility is stricter. Lenders usually require U.S. residency, a guarantor, or a strong partner structure.

For SBA loans, a credit score of 650+ is typically preferred. Private capital providers may focus more on deal structure and collateral than personal credit.

Most cash-flow-positive businesses are eligible, including eCommerce, healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, logistics, and franchises.

SBA loans typically take 60–90 days. Private capital and bank financing can close faster — sometimes in 30–45 days — depending on deal complexity.

While rare, 100% financing may be possible with a mix of SBA debt, seller financing, and earn-outs. Most lenders require at least some equity injection.

Down payments usually range from 10% to 25% of the purchase price, depending on whether you use SBA, bank, or private capital financing.

Acquisition financing is based on the performance of an existing business, while startup loans rely on projections. Lenders prefer acquisitions because they can underwrite proven cash flow.

Business acquisition financing refers to loans, capital, or funding structures that provide the money needed to buy an existing business. It can include SBA loans, bank loans, mezzanine debt, or private capital.

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Before you make an offer, know exactly where you stand. Yaw Capital’s prequalification gives buyers and sellers clear, professional guidance backed by acquisition financing experts.

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