Buy more business than your cash allows
Most of the businesses we close are bought with an SBA 7(a) loan — typically 10–20% down, with the business itself carrying the rest. Here's how it works, and how we help you get approved.
A $1,000,000 business for roughly $150,000 down
The SBA 7(a) program guarantees a large share of the bank's loan, so lenders finance acquisitions they otherwise wouldn't touch. Terms run up to 10 years for a business purchase, and the loan is repaid out of the cash flow you're buying.
Every listing we publish shows cash flow verified against the seller's books — the number a lender underwrites against. That's why ECBB deals tend to move through SBA approval quickly.
Common questions
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How much do I really need down?
Most SBA 7(a) acquisition loans require 10–20% of the total project cost as equity injection. On smaller Main Street deals sellers often carry a note as well, which can reduce your cash at closing further. Your registration asks for a down-payment range for exactly this reason — it tells us which listings a lender will finance for you.
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Do I need prior experience in the industry?
It helps, but transferable management experience is often enough. Lenders want confidence you can run what you buy — and most of our sellers stay on for a training and transition period, which lenders view favorably.
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How long does SBA approval take?
Plan on 45–90 days from accepted offer to closing. Deals with clean, verified books move fastest — which is why every ECBB listing is packaged with lender-ready financials before it goes to market.
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What can the loan cover?
The business purchase itself, real estate if included, working capital, equipment, and often closing costs. One loan, one payment, repaid from the business’s own cash flow over up to 10 years (25 with real estate).
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Which lenders do you work with?
We maintain relationships with SBA Preferred Lenders who know our market and our paperwork. Your broker introduces you directly — no cold-calling banks with a listing sheet.
Ready to see what you can afford?
Register with your down-payment range and we'll match you only to listings a lender would actually finance for you.