Securing a loan to buy or scale a business is a monumental step for entrepreneurs and management teams aiming to enter the realm of business ownership. The process, filled with various financing options and extensive paperwork, can seem daunting. This article explains the ins and outs of SBA loans and how our advanced fundraising platform can streamline your end-to-end process to find and compare lenders and secure capital in a time and cost-efficient manner.

Among the myriad options in the USA, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, especially the SBA 7(a) loan, stand out as a popular choice due to their flexible terms and lower down payment requirements. This business acquisition loan offers hope for those looking to navigate the financial complexities of buying a business and the vast benefits they can bring. Lenders often like the same types of businesses acquisition entrepreneurs are drawn to, including healthy and scable companies.

This article will guide you through the essentials of using an SBA 7(a) loan for business acquisition, including a detailed overview of what an SBA 7(a) loan entails and how to utilise the SBA loan calculator effectively. The benefits of leveraging the SBA 7(a) loan for your business purchase, alongside a step-by-step explanation of the application process, will be explored. Additionally, we will delve into the factors to consider when using SBA loans to acquire a business, ensuring readers are well-equipped to make informed decisions. Throughout, the goal is to demystify the process and criteria for securing an SBA loan to buy a business, making your journey towards business ownership as smooth as possible.

What is an SBA 7(a) Loan?

The SBA 7(a) Loan Program is the Small Business Administration's principal initiative to provide financial assistance to small businesses. It offers loan guarantees to lenders, enabling them to extend financial support to businesses that meet certain eligibility criteria. The program encompasses a variety of loan types, each tailored to specific business needs, such as acquiring or improving real estate, refinancing existing debt, and purchasing necessary business equipment and supplies [1][2][3].

Under the 7(a) program, loans can be as large as $5 million, with eligibility based on the business's income sources, credit history, and operational location. The program is designed to accommodate a wide range of business activities, including but not limited to long-term working capital assistance and even facilitating changes in business ownership [1][3]

Different subprograms under the 7(a) umbrella cater to specific needs: from the SBA Express, which offers a streamlined approval process for loans up to $500,000, to the Export Express, which helps businesses expand into international markets. The CAPLines program supports businesses with their short-term and cyclical working capital needs, while the International Trade loan program is aimed at businesses facing competition from imports or looking to expand overseas [2].

Interest rates for 7(a) loans are negotiated between the borrower and the lender but are capped by SBA regulations to keep them reasonable. Terms can extend up to 25 years, depending on the purpose of the loan, and prepayment penalties may apply under certain conditions. Lenders must also pay an upfront guaranty fee, which they may pass on to the borrower, and an ongoing service fee based on the loan's guaranteed portion's outstanding balance [3].

This extensive program not only aids in immediate financial relief but also supports long-term business growth and stability, making it a cornerstone of SBA's offerings to small businesses [3].

How to Use the SBA Loan Calculator

Input Required Information

To effectively use the SBA loan calculator, one must first input essential details such as the loan type, amount, term, and interest rate. Additionally, fees and down payment information are crucial for a comprehensive calculation [4]. This initial step sets the foundation for accurate estimations of monthly payments and total loan costs.

Understanding the Results

Once the required data is entered into the SBA loan calculator, users will receive a detailed breakdown of their monthly payments, which includes principal, interest, and any applicable guarantee fees. The calculator also displays the total payments over the life of the loan and the total interest paid. This information is vital for assessing the cost-effectiveness of the loan and planning financial strategies accordingly [4].

Amortisation Schedule and Payment Breakdown

The amortisation schedule is a key feature of the SBA loan calculator, showing how each payment is allocated towards the principal and interest over the loan’s duration. This schedule aids in understanding how the loan balance decreases over time and how much of each payment goes towards reducing the principal versus covering interest charges. For loans like the SBA 7(a), the schedule will detail the amounts for up to 25 years, depending on the loan size and terms agreed upon [5][6]. This breakdown is crucial for businesses to manage their debt efficiently and forecast their financial obligations accurately.

Benefits of Using the SBA 7(a) Loan for Business Acquisition

Eligibility Criteria

The SBA 7(a) loan program offers a broad eligibility criterion that supports a wide range of businesses. To qualify, businesses must be operating and profit-oriented, located within the United States, and meet the SBA's size requirements. They should not fall under the category of ineligible businesses and must demonstrate an inability to secure similar credit under reasonable terms from other channels. Additionally, applicants must prove creditworthiness and a reasonable ability to repay the loan [1][2][3].

Flexible Terms

SBA 7(a) loans are renowned for their flexible repayment terms, which can significantly ease the financial burden on a business. The term of a 7(a) loan varies based on several factors, with the possibility of extending up to 25 years for real estate or equipment financing. This flexibility allows businesses to manage their cash flow more effectively, as most loans are repaid with monthly payments of principal and interest. Interest rates are negotiable between the borrower and the lender but are capped by the SBA to keep them affordable [1][3].

Government Guarantee

One of the most compelling benefits of the SBA 7(a) loan is the government guarantee, which covers up to 85% of the loan amount for loans up to $150,000 and 75% for loans exceeding this amount. This guarantee reduces the risk for lenders and encourages them to provide financing to small businesses that might otherwise be deemed too risky. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to acquire other businesses, as it provides lenders with an added layer of security, making it easier for borrowers to obtain necessary funding [7][3].

Factors to Consider When Using SBA Loans to Acquire a Business

Business Viability

When considering an SBA loan for business acquisition, it is crucial to evaluate the viability of the business. Entrepreneurs must present a convincing business model that demonstrates profitability and potential for future success [8]. This includes assessing whether the business can continue to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations and grow. The SBA requires a thorough examination of the business’s financial health, including cash flow projections and historical financial performance [9].

Repayment Terms

Understanding the repayment terms of an SBA loan is essential. These loans can have terms up to 25 years for real estate and 10 years for working capital, with the possibility of penalties for early repayment [10]. The terms are designed to align with the borrower's ability to repay, which is assessed based on various factors including the debt-to-income ratio and the business’s earnings [11]. Fixed-rate loans offer consistent monthly payments, whereas variable rate loans can adjust, impacting the payment amounts [1].

Additional Costs

Acquiring a business involves various additional costs that can significantly impact the total financial commitment. These include legal fees, due diligence costs, and financing costs such as loan origination fees [12]. The SBA loan can cover many of these expenses, but it is important to consider them when calculating the total amount of funding needed [12]. Furthermore, lenders may pass on certain costs to the borrower, like the Upfront Fee and the Lender’s Annual Service Fee, which vary depending on the loan amount and terms [13].

Foundy can assist you with the fundraising process

Explore Foundy today to take advantage of our comprehensive resources and expert guidance in the M&A landscape. If you are fundraising, check out our advanced platform for capital raising. We have over 1000 lenders embedded into the tool.

Foundy additionally offers specialised M&A advisory services across a wide variety of industries. If you're in the process of growing your business towards a funding round or an acquisition, clients have repeatedly recommended utilising a portal. It starts with a free business valuation. This will help you and our M&A advisors understand your company's current position and the necessary steps to position yourself for a successful sale. Foundy factors in over 29 key elements that contribute to your business valuation, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate assessment.

Similarly, if you're a buyer, Foundy's M&A advisors can help you find your next acquisition and streamline your end to end process via an all in one portal.

Ready to discover your business's value?
Running a business and deciding to sell or acquire another can feel like having two full-time jobs. While some business owners thrive on the excitement of buying and selling on their own, many, including myself, benefit from collaborating with experts who bring more sector specific experience. However, it’s important to note that working with M&A advisors is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Hence why we built our advanced portal and Find An Advisor programme to empower you with the tools, education and relevant expert support to help you navigate the end-to-end process and secure a higher valuation.

Check out the free calculator on our pricing page, which shows you the six to seven figures in additional share value Foundy can provide your business.

No matter where you are on your business journey, connect with Foundy to access the resources needed for a smoother acquisition or sale process.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to use an SBA loan to acquire a business?
Yes, the SBA's primary business loan program, the 7(a) Loan Program, provides guarantees to lenders to help them offer financial assistance to small businesses with specific needs. Among other uses, 7(a) loans can be utilised for acquiring, refinancing, or improving real estate and buildings.

2. What is the maximum amount I can borrow from the SBA to purchase a business?
You can borrow between $500 and $5.5 million to fund your business through the SBA. It's important to note that some loan programs have restrictions on how you can use the funds. Always consult with an SBA-approved lender to find the right loan to meet your specific business requirements.

3. How are SBA loans calculated?
The interest rates for SBA loans are determined by adding a margin to the prime rate, which can vary based on the loan type. The final rate may also depend on factors such as the loan amount and the repayment term. Additionally, borrowers should be aware of extra costs such as origination fees, closing costs, annual fees, and other miscellaneous charges.

4. What are the requirements to qualify for a business acquisition loan?
Lenders typically require a personal credit score of 690 or higher to qualify for a business acquisition loan. Additionally, most SBA lenders mandate a minimum of two years in business. You should either have an established business or be planning to purchase one that is already established to be eligible for this type of loan.

If you want to access a marketplace of lenders in the USA (or UK), check out  https://foundy.com/fundraising. After completing a quick questionnaire, you will enter a dashboard to see various options from SBA lenders, investors, and grant capital providers. A Swoop fundraising specialist will then help you find the best options.

References

[1] - https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans
[2] - https://www.sba.gov/partners/lenders/7a-loan-program/types-7a-loans
[3] - https://www.sba.gov/partners/lenders/7a-loan-program/terms-conditions-eligibility
[4] - https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/sba-loan-calculator
[5] - https://www.sba7a.loans/sba-7a-loans-small-business-blog/what-is-an-sba-loan-amortization-schedule/
[6] - https://answeraide.com/what-is-a-business-loan-amortization-schedule/
[7] - https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/sba-business-acquisition-loan
[8] - https://acquira.com/sba-loan-qualifications/
[9] - https://www.fnb247.com/education-center/news/sba-loans/sba-loan-eligibility-requirements-essential-criteria-explained/
[10] - https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/small-business-loan-terms
[11] - https://quietlight.com/do-you-need-a-business-valuation-for-your-sba-loan/
[12] - https://acquira.com/cover-supporting-costs-on-sba-loan/
[13] - https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/5000-836123%28R%29.pdf

Disclaimer

Please note that this information is not financial or legal advice. Always seek professional advice before making any financial decisions relating to business acquisitions.