Buying a business is a big move — and the SBA loan process can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At Beyondthebank, we guide you through every step of the SBA 7(a) process with white-glove support and lender-ready documentation. Our sweet spot? Business acquisitions, partner buyouts, and franchise purchases between $1 million and $5 million.
We don’t try to be everything to everyone. We specialize in SBA 7(a) loans and only take on acquisition deals where we know we can deliver. That focus means better advice, faster timelines, and stronger outcomes.
From your first call to closing day, we’re with you. Our process includes consultation, SBA document review, loan packaging, lender introductions, and guidance through approval and funding — all at no cost to you.
The No.1 SBA deal killer? Unrealistic or incomplete financials. That’s why we offer a Financial Projections & Business Plan Package to help you put your best foot forward. It includes:
We don’t leave you to fend for yourself. We introduce you directly to SBA lenders who are the right fit for your deal, and we stay involved throughout the process to make sure your deal crosses the finish line.
Total Timeline: 5 to 10 weeks (depending on responsiveness and deal complexity)
Discuss your goals with a Beyondthebank SBA specialist.
Submit preliminary docs and review your funding strategy.
We connect you with a lender who can fund your deal.
Collaborate with your underwriter and provide a full loan package.
Work through the lender’s checklist and get cleared to close.
We make the SBA process simple with hands-on guidance and proven results. Whether you’re acquiring a new business, buying out a partner, or expanding your franchise footprint, we’ll help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
To qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan, your business must:
Nonprofits, insurance companies, private clubs, and businesses that don’t operate for profit are not eligible under SBA guidelines. If you’re unsure, let’s assess your options together.
Your business must meet certain size, industry and financial health criteria. Under the size and industry criteria, manufacturing businesses must have less than 500 employees and non-manufacturing businesses must average an annual receipt of under $7.5M. For the financial health criteria, creditworthiness, cash flow, and debt service coverage ratio are all evaluated. You must also provide an equity injection (usually 10% for business acquisitions)
Documents like borrower information form, personal background and financial statement , business financial statement, business license, loan application history, business and personal tax returns (last 2-3 years), business history, and business lease are required when applying. The application typically has 3 components: 7(a) LGPC Submission Cover Sheet, SBA Form(s) 1919 and 1920.
A minimum credit score of 640 is generally required, but lower scores aren’t always a dealbreaker. Other factors like strong cash flow, business experience, and collateral can help offset a lower score.
Yes, but with conditions. Gifted funds must be properly documented, showing: A letter stating the funds don’t require repayment, bank statements proving the transfer, the source of the gift (it must be from a legal, verifiable source)
Seller financing allows the seller to finance part of the purchase price, reducing your upfront cash requirement. It works like this: The seller agrees to finance a portion of the sale price, you and the seller sign a promissory note outlining terms like interest rates, payment schedule and default consequences.
For SBA-backed loans, the SBA 7(a) loan must be the primary debt, meaning the lender gets paid back before the seller in case of default.
For loans under $50,000, no collateral is typically required. For larger loans, collateral may be needed, but SBA loans don’t always require full collateral coverage.