In today’s competitive marketplace, differentiating yourself from other buyers is critical to having your offer accepted. Here are a few things to consider that will help you stand out: Get A Financing Estimate Knowing what you can afford and showing the seller that you have the financial ability to close on the transaction will show...
If you are preparing to exit your business and sell to your business partner, one of the key questions that needs to be asked is “how will the transaction be funded?” Whoever the eventual buyer may be, one thing is for certain: They will need a funding resource. Whether through an SBA loan, conventional loan,...
Many business owners believe timing a transition is about waiting for the perfect moment. One more strong year. One more contract renewal. One more good season. But in our experience, the greatest risk isn’t moving too early, it’s waiting too long. Business Decline Can Be Sudden Value rarely disappears all at once. It erodes quietly:...
A new year has a way of bringing clarity. For many business owners in 2026, the best question to ask is: What would make my business stronger now and my future clearer? Step Back and Look at the Big Picture How resilient is the business?How dependent is it on you?How attractive would it be to...
Preparing Your Business for Exit: A Step-by-Step Guide Selling a business isn’t just a financial event. It’s the culmination of years (and, more likely, decades) of work. Whether you’re thinking about an exit in the next year or simply exploring your long-term options, preparing your business for an exit early will dramatically improve your outcome....
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has expanded its support for United States based production with a major increase to its lending limit. On December 1, 2025, the SBA announced that the loan cap for small manufacturers under its 7(a) and 504 programs has doubled from $5 million to $10 million through the Made in American...
When a buyer shows interest, it’s easy to feel relieved and confident: “Great, someone wants to buy my business, I’m all set.” But here’s what we’ve found: Interest doesn’t equal ability. And excitement doesn’t equal alignment. One wrong buyer can cost you months of time, deal momentum, and potential value. Buyer Red Flags to Watch...
Many business owners will, at some point, be approached by a familiar face about buying the business. A loyal employee. A family member. A friendly competitor. An investor who “heard you might be thinking about selling.” These incumbent buyers can be fantastic options. They know the business, appreciate the culture, and often want continuity. But...
Minnesota’s new Paid Leave laws go into effect January 1, 2026, and employer notice requirements will begin in the coming days on December 1st. For many small business owners, compliance with new laws like this is hard to keep track of and could lead to undiscovered liability and a potential risk to exit value. Here’s...
