Let's get you pre-qualified

Takes about 3 minutes. You'll get your SBA pre-qualification amount and a letter at the end.

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Liquid assets & deal structure

Your pre-qualification amount is based on the cash you can put toward the down payment.

Every SBA business acquisition loan requires a 10% downpayment. A minimum of 5% of the project cost has to be funded with "unlimited equity". Unlimited equity includes cash, investments, eligible retirement (ROBS) funds, a gift, or a personal loan that the guarantors can repay from outside income. The remaining 5% of the downpayment can be funded with "limited equity". Limited Equity includes seller notes on full standby or funds from non-guaranteeing investors.

List all liquid assets available for your down payment (combined with your spouse if married). There are two main structures for business acquisitions. Standard = 10% down / 90% SBA 7(a). Split = 5% down + 5% seller note on full standby / 90% SBA 7(a). Lenders also want 2%+ in post-close liquidity. A minimum of 5% has to be funded with unlimited equity.
Please enter an amount (0 is fine).
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If yes, we'll ask how much of your retirement balance is eligible for ROBS. Only that part counts toward your pre-qualification.
Usually a 401(k), 403(b), or traditional IRA from a former employer qualifies. Roth IRAs typically don't, and a current employer's 401(k) often can't be rolled over while you still work there. Your plan administrator can confirm.
Please enter how much of your retirement balance is eligible.
Deal structure

You put in 10% cash and the SBA 7(a) loan covers the other 90%.

You put in 5% cash and the seller finances 5% as a seller note on full standby — meaning the seller receives no payments until your SBA loan is fully paid off. The SBA 7(a) loan covers the remaining 90%.

Helps lenders assess overall financial strength (not used for the down payment).
Equity above 25% of value means SBA lenders may require a lien on the home. A HELOC can reduce equity below that threshold.
A co-borrower who personally guarantees the loan counts toward the 5% unlimited equity.
Money from investors who won't guarantee the loan is limited equity: it adds to your pre-qualification but can't cover the 5% unlimited equity. If an investor will personally guarantee the loan, list them as a co-borrower / guarantor instead.
A true gift with no repayment, documented with a gift letter. Gift funds count toward your own 5%.
Counts toward your own 5% only if you'll keep outside income (like a W-2 job) to repay it.
Without outside income to repay it, a personal loan can't be counted toward your down payment.

Upload your documents

Two files SBA lenders require to proceed. PDF, Word, or image, up to 20 MB each.

⇩ Download the blank SBA Form 413
Drop your completed form here or browse
Please upload your completed SBA Form 413.
Please upload your latest resume.
Drop your resume here or browse
Please upload your resume.

Income & eligibility

A few final questions lenders use to confirm SBA eligibility.

Total yearly income from all sources, before taxes.
Please enter your annual income.
Your spouse's total yearly income from all sources, before taxes (0 is fine).
Please enter your spouse's annual income (0 is fine).
Your most recent personal tax return, if available.
Drop your 2025 return here or browse
Most recent score (a minimum of 650 is typically required).
Please enter your credit score.
Scores under 650 narrow the lender pool, but we can still take a look.
As of March 2025, SBA loans require 100% ownership by U.S. citizens.
SBA eligibility requirement SBA 7(a) loans require 100% ownership by U.S. citizens. We can't issue a pre-qualification, but an advisor can discuss other options — call 1-855-381-6448.
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A free report or score screenshot from Credit Karma works.
Drop your credit report here or browse

Choose your program

Pick the program that best fits your needs. Click a program or choose below.

Please choose a program type.

Priority Program & Exclusivity Agreement

Please review the full agreement below, then sign to enroll.

Can't see the agreement above? Open it here.

Draw your signature below (optional), then type your full legal name to sign.
Please type your full legal name.
Please confirm you agree to the terms.
Signed electronically under the U.S. E-SIGN Act. A copy is emailed to you and kept on file.

Your pre-qualification

Here's your estimated SBA 7(a) pre-qualification based on what you entered.

You're pre-qualified for up to
$0
SBA 7(a) loan
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You're pre-qualified!

$0

For a business acquisition of up to .

Your pre-qualification letter will be emailed to . A senior advisor will reach out within one business day to review your file and start lender outreach.

Reference:

You chose the Standard Program. Whenever you'd like the full Priority Program (also free), just let us know.

You're in the Priority Program

Your pre-qualification letter and signed agreement will be emailed to . Your dedicated advisor will reach out within one business day to begin priority processing and lender outreach.

Reference:

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