The timeline for selling a business is one of the biggest surprises for first-time sellers: how long the process actually takes. Most business owners assume they’ll list the business, find a buyer in a few weeks, and close in a couple of months. The reality is different — and understanding the real timeline helps you […]
A seller note is a piece of the price you agree to collect later. You are the lender for that piece. You are not the SBA, and you are not the senior lender. The useful question is what you receive at closing, what you are supposed to receive afterward, and whether you can live with […]
You can see the company now. That is why the question showed up. Ten years, fifteen, twenty. What comes next might be retirement, another venture, or simply getting paid for equity that has been stuck in the business. A sale at this age is one of the largest checks of your life. Treat it like […]
A business acquisition in the $5M–$20M range is active, competitive, and nuanced. Buyers in this range — private equity firms, strategic acquirers, search fund operators, and high-net-worth individuals — have clear criteria. Understanding what they want and positioning your business accordingly is the difference between a smooth sale at a premium price and months of […]
How to value your business before selling is the first question every owner should answer — before you list it for sale, before you talk to a broker, before you entertain a buyer’s offer. Most business owners either overestimate (leading to stalled deals) or underestimate (leaving money on the table). This guide walks you through […]
Merchant cash advance alternatives are worth exploring before you sign another MCA, since merchant cash advances (MCAs) are one of the most expensive forms of business financing available — with effective APRs that often range from 40% to over 200%. Yet thousands of business owners turn to them because they’re fast, accessible, and require minimal […]
Getting $500,000 or more in business financing is achievable for established business owners — but you need to understand exactly what lenders are evaluating and how to present your business in the strongest possible light. Here’s the inside view from someone who has guided business owners through this process repeatedly. The Six Factors Lenders Weigh […]
Working capital vs. term loans is a common source of confusion because the terms describe different things. Working capital describes what the money funds: day-to-day operations. A term loan describes how you borrow and repay: a lump sum paid back over an agreed period. A term loan can fund working capital. The right choice depends […]
How do SBA loans work? A participating lender makes the loan, and the Small Business Administration guarantees part of it. For an established business, the decision comes down to eligible use of funds, repayment capacity, cost and timing. Here is how to compare the main programs and prepare for a lender conversation. What Is an […]
If you built a business through the ’90s and 2000s, you know what it means to grind. You did it without a safety net, without a mentor in every corner, and without the startup culture hype. Now your business is generating real revenue — maybe $2M, $5M, $10M a year — and you’re ready to […]
