SBA Questions, Answered Simply

Quick reads on 504 vs 7(a), down payments, eligibility, and what lenders actually look at β€” written by an SBA advisor, not by regulation.

Latest Articles

Why Your SBA Loan Was Declined β€” and Which Fixes Actually Work
sba 7a

Why Your SBA Loan Was Declined β€” and Which Fixes Actually Work

A declined SBA loan isn't always a dead end. Here are the 6 most common reasons lenders say no β€” and an honest assessment of which ones you can actually fix.

May 23, 2026 Β· josh.pickett

SBA 10% Down: Every Eligible Source (and 4 That No Longer Qualify)
sba 7a

SBA 10% Down: Every Eligible Source (and 4 That No Longer Qualify)

The SBA's 10% equity injection requirement is one of the most misunderstood rules in small-business lending. Here's exactly what counts β€” and what doesn't.

May 23, 2026 Β· josh.pickett

Using a HELOC as Your SBA Down Payment: What to Know First
sba 7a

Using a HELOC as Your SBA Down Payment: What to Know First

A HELOC can satisfy the SBA's equity injection requirement β€” but only if you handle the paperwork and debt-service math correctly. Here's what lenders actually check.

May 23, 2026 Β· josh.pickett

When Your SBA Loan Takes 90 Days: How to Build an LOI That Survives
acquisitions

When Your SBA Loan Takes 90 Days: How to Build an LOI That Survives

SBA 7(a) loans routinely take 60–90 days to close. Here's how to write an LOI that keeps the deal alive when the timeline slips β€” and what kills it when you don't.

May 23, 2026 Β· josh.pickett

The SBA Franchise Directory Is Back: What It Means for Your Resale
sba 7a

The SBA Franchise Directory Is Back: What It Means for Your Resale

The SBA Franchise Directory is back, and it changes the financing timeline for franchise resales. Here's what buyers, sellers, and their advisors need to know.

May 23, 2026 Β· josh.pickett

How to Price a Business So an SBA Buyer Can Actually Afford It
acquisitions

How to Price a Business So an SBA Buyer Can Actually Afford It

Most deals fall apart not because the buyer walks, but because the math never worked. Here's the debt service framework every seller and broker should run before listing price is set.

May 18, 2026 Β· josh.pickett

Your Buyer Needs $200K Down and Only Has $120K β€” Here's Where the Other $80K Comes From
acquisitions

Your Buyer Needs $200K Down and Only Has $120K β€” Here's Where the Other $80K Comes From

Coming up $80K short on a business acquisition down payment doesn't kill the deal. Here are the real, lender-accepted ways to close the equity gap.

May 18, 2026 Β· josh.pickett

The One Lease Clause That Will Kill Your Buyer's SBA Loan
sba 7a

The One Lease Clause That Will Kill Your Buyer's SBA Loan

A single lease provision β€” the landlord's right to terminate on sale β€” can derail an SBA 7(a) acquisition loan weeks before closing. Here's how to spot it and fix it before you list the business.

May 18, 2026 Β· josh.pickett

HelmPoint
sba 7a

How to Sell-Side Prep Your Business So a Buyer Can Get SBA Financing

Most deals die not because the buyer walks away, but because the business can't clear SBA underwriting. Here's how sellers can fix that before going to market.

May 18, 2026 Β· josh.pickett

HelmPoint
sba 7a

The Seller Note Standby Rule Is Killing Deals β€” 5 Ways to Save Yours

The SBA's seller note standby requirement trips up more acquisitions than almost any other rule. Here are five concrete strategies to keep your deal alive.

May 18, 2026 Β· josh.pickett

On Deck

Articles in the queue. Want one prioritized? Tell us via the contact form β€” the question we hear most jumps the line.

  • industry specific SBA 7(a) for HVAC Acquisitions: Why Most Banks Get It Wrong Coming soon
  • acquisitions Reading Your Business Valuation: What the SBA Actually Wants to See Coming soon
  • industry specific Restaurant SBA Loans: The Industry Most Banks Won't Touch Coming soon
  • acquisitions SBA vs Seller Financing: The Math Most Buyers Skip Coming soon
  • programs Refinancing an MCA with an SBA 7(a): When It Actually Works Coming soon

Ready to See What You Qualify For?

Book a 15-minute call or send us a quick note. No fees to apply, no pressure β€” just a real advisor who can tell you whether 504, 7(a), or something else fits your deal.

Schedule a Call