What Is Business Buyer Advantage?
Business Buyer Advantage is a comprehensive online training program created by David C. Barnett, a veteran business broker, appraiser, and acquisition advisor based in Canada. The program is designed to take aspiring business buyers through the entire process of finding, analyzing, negotiating, financing, and closing a business acquisition.
With over 55 hours of content, AI-powered tools, Excel-based analysis templates, and a structured case study approach, Business Buyer Advantage is one of the most thorough self-paced training programs available for people who want to buy a small or medium-sized business.
Who Is David C. Barnett?
David C. Barnett is one of the most recognized names in the small business acquisition education space. He brings a rare combination of credentials to the table:
- Former Business Broker: David has hands-on experience helping people buy and sell businesses, giving him perspective from both sides of the transaction.
- Business Appraiser: He has performed numerous business valuations, which informs his teaching on how to properly analyze and value acquisition targets.
- Author: David wrote “Franchise Warnings” (an Amazon best-seller in 2015, updated in 2025) and “21 Stupid Things People Do When Trying to Buy a Business” — both practical, no-nonsense guides for aspiring buyers.
- YouTube Educator: With hundreds of videos answering real viewer questions, David has built a reputation for candid, practical advice that cuts through the noise.
- Active Advisor: He continues to work with individual buyers through one-on-one consulting and his group coaching program.
David’s reputation for being straightforward and anti-hype is well-earned. Multiple testimonials from program graduates specifically call out his “candor and matter of fact approach” as a differentiator from the many “snake-oil” style business courses on the market.
The Four-Step System
Business Buyer Advantage is structured as a four-step system, each building on the previous:
Step 1: Education
Before diving into the course, David recommends building a foundation through:
- His YouTube playlist with over 100 videos on buying businesses
- Reading “Franchise Warnings” for a primer on business valuation and systems
- Reading “21 Stupid Things People Do When Trying to Buy a Business” to learn from others’ costly mistakes
Step 2: Online Training (The Core Program)
This is the heart of Business Buyer Advantage — a comprehensive online course that includes:
- 55+ hours of content covering the complete acquisition process
- Case study approach: Follow a sample company through every phase — finding, analyzing, negotiating, financing, writing offers, and managing the transition
- AI-Powered GPT tools to assist with analysis and decision-making
- Excel-based analysis tools for financial modeling and deal evaluation
- Lifetime access to all materials and future updates
- Self-paced format so you can study on your own schedule
The program originally started as a full-day in-person event that David has been running since 2009 and has evolved significantly over the years with bonus modules and updated content.
Step 3: Preparation & Group Coaching
After completing the online training, the next level is David’s group coaching community (“Business Buyer Adventure”), which includes:
- “The Next Step” Workbook: A buyer preparation guide with exercises covering personal skills analysis, financial worksheets, industry identification, and deal parameter setting
- Regular Q&A Calls: Live sessions with David and other members, plus access to the full archive of past calls
- Proprietary Deal Hunting Process: Learn to find and approach business owners before businesses hit the open market
- Premium Monthly Content: In-depth interviews with professionals on buying and improving businesses
- Member Spotlights: Networking opportunities with other searchers and successful acquirers
- Three Membership Tiers: Including options with one-on-one calls with David
Step 4: Insight Analysis & Guidance
For buyers who have found a specific deal, David offers:
- Buyer Insight Analysis: One-on-one pre-diligence analysis that includes up to three initial offer structures and a negotiation/diligence roadmap
- Ad Hoc Consulting: Bookable calls to discuss specific deals or situations
Who Is Business Buyer Advantage Best For?
- Complete beginners who have never bought a business and need a thorough education from the ground up
- Self-directed learners who prefer to study at their own pace before engaging with coaches or advisors
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a comprehensive education without paying for expensive one-on-one coaching upfront
- Canadian and international buyers — David’s Canadian background means the content isn’t exclusively U.S.-focused, though principles apply broadly
- Buyers who value depth over speed — 55+ hours of content means this isn’t a weekend crash course
- People who are skeptical of “guru” culture and want practical, no-nonsense education
Strengths of Business Buyer Advantage
- Unmatched Depth: At 55+ hours, this is one of the most comprehensive business buying courses available anywhere. The case study approach ensures you see every step applied to a real scenario.
- Proven Track Record: David has been teaching this material since 2009. The program has evolved through thousands of student interactions and real-world feedback.
- Credible Instructor: David’s background as a broker, appraiser, and author gives him multi-dimensional expertise that pure educators can’t match.
- Lifetime Access: You can revisit the material as you progress through your own acquisition journey, and you benefit from future updates at no additional cost.
- Progressive Learning Path: The four-step system allows you to invest incrementally — start with education, move to training, then coaching, then deal-specific guidance.
- Strong Testimonials: Graduates consistently praise the program’s practical value and David’s honest, no-hype teaching style.
- AI and Excel Tools: The inclusion of modern AI-powered analysis tools alongside practical spreadsheet templates shows the program keeps evolving with the times.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
- Volume of Content: 55+ hours is a lot. Buyers who want a quick-start, action-oriented program may feel overwhelmed. This is an education-first approach, not a “get your first LOI in 30 days” program.
- Canadian Perspective: While David’s principles apply universally, some specifics around financing, legal structures, and market dynamics may differ for U.S.-based buyers, particularly when it comes to SBA lending.
- Self-Paced Limitations: The core online training doesn’t include built-in accountability or cohort-based progression. Motivated self-starters will thrive; those who need external structure may struggle.
- Group Coaching Is Separate: The live coaching, community, and preparation components require additional investment beyond the base online training.
- Limited SBA-Specific Content: David covers financing broadly, but the specific nuances of SBA 7(a) loan packaging, lender requirements, and deal structuring for SBA approval may not be deeply addressed.
Pricing and Value
Business Buyer Advantage online training is available through Gumroad. The program has been refined since 2009, making it one of the most mature offerings in the space. The group coaching component (Business Buyer Adventure) is available at three tiers with varying levels of access to David, and the Insight Analysis service is available for buyers with specific deals.
Compared to other training programs that charge $5,000-$15,000+ for similar content, Business Buyer Advantage offers strong value — particularly given the lifetime access and ongoing updates.
What Real Students Are Saying
The testimonials for Business Buyer Advantage paint a consistent picture:
- “A breath of fresh air” — Students repeatedly praise David’s candor and contrast it with the hype-driven marketing of competitors
- “Just when I thought I knew where you were going, you would put in a twist” — The depth of insight goes beyond surface-level education
- “We both feel that we have learned quite a lot” — Couples and partners appreciate the accessibility of the material
- “I am glad to have found a legitimate source of information” — Students specifically note David’s credibility versus other online educators
How GoSBA Complements Your Business Buyer Advantage Education
David Barnett’s program gives you an excellent educational foundation for buying a business. But when it comes time to actually secure financing — particularly SBA 7(a) loans — you’ll want a specialist in your corner. That’s where GoSBA comes in.
Here’s what GoSBA provides that perfectly complements your training:
- Free SBA Loan Packaging: We prepare your complete loan package at no cost to you — the lender pays our fee.
- Free Business Plans & Financial Projections: Professional business plans and financial projections (a $2,500-$5,000 value) included with every deal — no additional cost.
- SBA Lender Network: We match you with the right SBA preferred lender for your specific deal, industry, and profile.
- Deal Structuring: We help structure your acquisition to meet SBA requirements — equity injection, seller notes, goodwill limits, and more.
- Hands-On Guidance: From LOI through closing, we’re with you every step of the way through the SBA process.
Think of it this way: Business Buyer Advantage teaches you how to buy a business. GoSBA makes sure you can actually finance it.
Final Verdict: Is Business Buyer Advantage Worth It?
Business Buyer Advantage is one of the strongest educational programs available for aspiring business buyers. The depth of content, credibility of the instructor, and practical case-study approach make it a standout in an increasingly crowded market.
It’s best suited for serious, self-motivated learners who want to deeply understand the business buying process before jumping in. If you’re looking for a quick-hit course that promises immediate results, this probably isn’t for you. But if you want genuine expertise from someone who has done the work — and continues to do it — Business Buyer Advantage is an excellent investment.
Just remember that education is one piece of the puzzle. When you’re ready to finance your acquisition, having the right SBA lending partner is equally critical.
Ready to finance your business acquisition? Contact GoSBA today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the right SBA loan for your deal.
