Buying an established business is one of the smartest paths to ownership — you inherit revenue, customers, and operations from day one. BBC helps you finance that acquisition with the right capital structure for your deal.
Business Acquisition Financing
No hard credit pull to review your options
Business acquisition financing is capital specifically structured to help you purchase an existing, operating business. Unlike starting from scratch, you're buying into an enterprise with an established customer base, proven revenue, trained staff, and existing operations.
The financing can come from multiple sources — most commonly SBA 7(a) loans, which are the gold standard for business acquisitions due to their low down payment requirements and long repayment terms. Conventional business loans, seller financing combinations, and even unsecured funding can also play a role depending on the deal structure.
BBC's role is to match your specific acquisition to the right lender and loan structure — whether that's a Main Street SBA deal, a franchise purchase, or a larger mid-market transaction requiring a more complex capital stack.
Starting a business from zero means months or years before you see meaningful revenue. Buying an existing business means you inherit revenue on day one.
Lenders actually prefer acquisition loans over startup loans because the business has a documented track record. That means better approval odds, better terms, and higher loan amounts than most startups could ever access.
For buyers, the math often works in your favor: if the business cash flows enough to cover the loan payment and still leaves the owner a salary, the deal is essentially self-financing. That's why business acquisitions are one of the most powerful wealth-building strategies available to entrepreneurs.
Most business acquisitions use one or more of these financing structures. BBC helps you identify which combination is right for your deal.
The go-to structure for buying a small business. Government-backed, low down payment, and the longest repayment terms available. Best for deals under $5M where the business has documented cash flow.
Non-SBA acquisition financing for buyers who want faster closing or don't meet SBA requirements. More flexible underwriting with slightly higher rates and shorter terms than SBA.
The seller carries back a portion of the purchase price as a promissory note. Combined with bank or SBA financing, this can reduce your required down payment and improve deal economics for both parties.
Buying into a franchise system? Many SBA lenders have pre-approved franchise brands, which accelerates underwriting significantly. BBC works with both new franchise purchases and resales.
You find the business you want to buy through a broker, marketplace, or direct approach. Before making an offer, contact BBC to get a sense of what financing you can qualify for — this helps you negotiate from strength.
Before you make an offerApply through BBC with details on the target business — financials, asking price, your background, and how much you're putting down. We match you with the right lenders for your deal size and structure.
~1 hour of your timeYour assigned lender reviews the deal — your background, the target business's financials, and the purchase structure. If approved, they issue a term sheet outlining the loan amount, rate, and conditions.
1–2 weeks typicalThe lender conducts due diligence on the business being acquired. You work with your attorney and accountant to finalize the purchase agreement. Funds are disbursed at closing.
2–6 weeks to closeProfessionals leaving corporate careers who want to own something. SBA loans are ideal — low down payment, long terms, and the business's existing cash flow services the debt.
Buying a competitor, a complementary business, or a second location. Your existing business's financials can strengthen the acquisition loan application.
Purchasing a franchise resale or new franchise unit. SBA lending is well-suited to franchise acquisitions, especially with pre-approved brand lists.
Key employees or managers buying the business from the current owner. The buyer's intimate knowledge of the business is a strong underwriting factor.
General guidelines for acquisition financing. Every deal is different — talk to a BBC specialist if you're unsure.
Don't see yourself in either column perfectly? Apply anyway — BBC has lenders for complex situations and we'll give you an honest assessment.
Whether you've found your target or you're still exploring, talk to a BBC specialist. We'll walk you through what you can qualify for — before you make an offer.
Government-backed loans with the lowest rates and longest terms.
Up to $5M →Fixed payments, predictable structure. Great for growth capital.
Up to $500K →Fast working capital based on monthly revenue. Funded in 24 hours.
Up to $500K →No collateral required. Based on personal credit and business profile.
Up to $150K →