What Is Evergold Partners?
If you are an aspiring entrepreneur looking to acquire a small or medium-sized business, you have probably heard the term “search fund” or “self-funded search.” The concept is straightforward: instead of building a company from scratch, you find an existing, profitable business, buy it, and run it as your own. But the biggest hurdle for most acquisition entrepreneurs is not finding the right business — it is finding the capital to close the deal.
That is where firms like Evergold Partners come in. Founded by Alex Goldberg in Los Angeles in 2024, Evergold Partners is a search fund investment firm built by searchers, for searchers. Their mission is simple yet powerful: acquire enduring, family-run small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that are worth operating forever.
Unlike traditional private equity firms that buy companies, strip them for parts, and flip them in three to five years, Evergold takes a long-term approach. They prioritize what matters most — happy customers, thriving employees, and sustainable growth. For business owners approaching retirement who want to ensure their legacy is preserved, Evergold offers an ideal succession path.
Who Is Alex Goldberg?
Alex Goldberg is an LA-based entrepreneur and the driving force behind Evergold Partners. As a searcher himself, Alex understands the challenges that acquisition entrepreneurs face firsthand. He built Evergold to address a gap in the market: self-funded searchers need flexible, supportive capital partners who understand the unique dynamics of acquiring small, owner-operated businesses.
Alex has assembled a diverse team of proven entrepreneurs who bring operational expertise, deal-making experience, and a genuine passion for preserving the legacy of family-run companies. The Evergold team does not just write checks — they provide hands-on support, strategic guidance, and the kind of mentorship that can make the difference between a successful acquisition and a costly mistake.
Evergold Partners Investment Criteria
Evergold Partners focuses on acquiring family-run SMBs with $750K to $5M in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). This sweet spot represents businesses that are large enough to generate meaningful cash flow but small enough that they are typically overlooked by larger private equity firms.
Their ideal investment targets share several characteristics:
- Family-run businesses with loyal customer bases and strong employee cultures
- Durable, “boring” businesses that provide essential services or products
- Stable or growing earnings with a proven track record
- Owners looking for succession who care about what happens to their employees and customers after the sale
In addition to their direct acquisitions, Evergold also provides minority investments for self-funded searchers. This is a game-changer for entrepreneurs who need equity capital to close a deal but want to maintain majority ownership and operational control of their acquired business.
How Equity Investors Like Evergold Partners Enable Zero-Down SBA Loan Deals
Here is where things get really exciting for aspiring business buyers. The SBA 7(a) loan program is one of the most powerful tools available for acquiring a small business. These government-backed loans can finance up to 90% of the total project cost, with favorable interest rates and repayment terms of up to 25 years.
But there is a catch: SBA lenders typically require that the buyer inject at least 5% to 10% of the total deal value as an equity injection. For a $2 million acquisition, that means you need $100,000 to $200,000 in cash — money that many first-time buyers simply do not have sitting in their bank account.
This is where equity investors like Evergold Partners become essential. Here is how the zero-down SBA deal structure works:
- You find the business. You identify a profitable SMB with strong financials, stable cash flow, and a motivated seller.
- You secure SBA financing. An SBA-preferred lender agrees to finance 90% of the purchase price through an SBA 7(a) loan.
- The seller provides a note. The seller agrees to carry 5% of the purchase price as a seller note, which is placed on standby (meaning no payments are due for the first two years).
- An equity investor provides the remaining 5%. A firm like Evergold Partners injects the final 5% as equity capital. In exchange, they receive a minority ownership stake in the business.
- You close the deal with zero money down. The combination of SBA debt (90%), seller note (5%), and equity injection (5%) means you acquire the business without putting any of your own cash into the deal.
This structure is not theoretical — it is happening every day across the country. And it is the reason why equity investment firms featured on platforms like VerSquare.com are so valuable to the search fund community.
Want to learn more about how zero-down SBA deals work? Check out our comprehensive guide: How to Buy a Business with Zero Down Using an SBA Loan.
Why Evergold Partners Stands Out
The SMB acquisition space is getting more competitive every year, and not all equity partners are created equal. Here is what sets Evergold Partners apart:
Built by Searchers, for Searchers
Alex Goldberg and his team have walked in your shoes. They understand the emotional rollercoaster of searching for a business, negotiating with sellers, navigating due diligence, and working with SBA lenders. This firsthand experience means they can provide practical, actionable advice — not just capital.
Long-Term Orientation
Evergold is not looking for a quick flip. Their “forever hold” philosophy means they are aligned with operators who want to build lasting value. This long-term orientation creates better outcomes for everyone: the buyer, the seller, the employees, and the customers.
Flexible Capital Solutions
Whether you need a minority equity investment to close a deal or you are looking for a full acquisition partner, Evergold offers flexible capital solutions tailored to your specific situation. This flexibility is especially valuable in the SBA lending world, where deal structures need to meet specific lender requirements.
Portfolio Diversity
Evergold has already built a portfolio that includes businesses in private armed security and branded mat distribution. This diversity demonstrates their ability to evaluate and acquire businesses across different industries — a skill that benefits their searcher partners.
Working with Evergold Partners: What to Expect
If you are a self-funded searcher considering Evergold as an equity partner, here is what you can expect from the process:
- Initial consultation: Whether you are under LOI or still refining your buy box, Evergold welcomes early conversations. They want to understand your search thesis, your background, and your goals.
- Deal evaluation: Once you have a specific opportunity, Evergold evaluates the business based on their investment criteria and the overall deal structure.
- Capital commitment: If the deal is a fit, Evergold commits the equity capital needed to close. They work directly with your SBA lender to ensure all requirements are met.
- Post-acquisition support: Evergold does not disappear after closing. As a minority investor, they remain engaged and available to provide strategic guidance as you operate and grow the business.
How GoSBA Loans Can Help You Close the Deal
Finding the right equity partner is only half the equation. You also need the right SBA lender — and that is where GoSBA Loans comes in.
GoSBA Loans is a free service that connects aspiring business buyers with a network of 50+ SBA-preferred lenders. With over $320 million funded to date, GoSBA has the experience and relationships to match you with the right lender for your specific deal.
Here is what you get when you work with GoSBA Loans:
- Access to 50+ SBA lenders — instead of applying to banks one at a time, GoSBA shops your deal across their entire network to find the best terms
- A free business plan valued at $2,500 to $5,000 — SBA lenders require a detailed business plan, and GoSBA provides one at no cost to you
- Expert guidance on deal structuring, equity injection requirements, and SBA eligibility
- Zero cost to you — GoSBA is completely free for borrowers
When you combine an equity partner like Evergold Partners with the SBA lending expertise of GoSBA Loans, you have everything you need to acquire a business with zero money out of pocket.
Ready to Buy a Business?
If you are serious about acquiring a small business and want to explore zero-down SBA financing, the first step is simple: contact GoSBA Loans today. Our team will help you understand your financing options, connect you with the right SBA lenders, and guide you through every step of the acquisition process.
Whether you are partnering with Evergold Partners for your equity injection or exploring other investor options on VerSquare.com, GoSBA Loans is here to make your business ownership dreams a reality.
