If you are buying or selling a business with SBA-backed financing, October 1, 2026 belongs on your calendar. The U.S. Small Business Administration has published SOP 50 10 8.1, the next version of the operating rules for 7(a) and 504 lenders. The new SOP takes effect October 1, 2026, and the SBA has created a […]
39 of 77 HVAC deals this year went to private equity HVAC M&A in 2026 is running hot, and here’s a number I can’t shake. Private equity took 39 of the last 77 HVAC deals tracked this year. More than half. The sector’s already at 149 transactions, up almost 13% over last year. If you […]
I got on a call with a founder who turned his single biggest fear, selling to private equity, into his business model. He started a managed services provider (MSP) in 2010. Grew it to about 75 people and $12 million a year. He’s not a finance guy. He’s an operator who got tired of his […]
The Business Only You Can Run Is Worth Less Than You Think An owner-dependent business is one of the biggest reasons business owners leave money on the table when they sell. A few months ago I got on the phone with the owner of a residential HVAC company here in the Hudson Valley. Good business. […]
Every dollar you pull out in cash is a dollar that quietly lowers your exit price. “I put thirty, forty grand a month in my pocket. Cash.” An owner told me that recently like it was a selling point. I get why he thinks it is. To him, that cash is proof the business prints […]
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 […]
Seller financing — also called a seller note — is one of the most powerful tools in a business sale. It can help you close deals that otherwise wouldn’t happen, command a higher sale price, and potentially reduce your tax burden. But it also comes with real risk. Here’s a complete breakdown of how it […]
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 sell a business after 50 is a question a lot of owners start asking once they realize how much they’ve built. You’ve run your business for 10, 15, maybe 20 years. Now you’re thinking about what comes next — whether that’s full retirement, a new venture, or just getting paid for the years […]
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 […]
