Seth Rudin | Business Broker | Dealmaker

Today on Entrepreneurship Unlocked, host Seth Rudin dives into the world of creative business financing with Paul Cook and Billy Hunley. We explore the "Rollover for Business Startups" (ROBS) program, a strategic way for entrepreneurs to fund their dreams using their own retirement savings as a partner in the deal.We discuss the transition from being an employee to an owner, specifically highlighting a successful $6 million aerospace deal where a former Boeing employee used ROBS to acquire a company in his field of expertise. The episode breaks down the technical requirements for these transactions, the role of commercial banking in underwriting, and why having the right team of experts is essential for navigating regulatory hurdles like government shutdowns.Key highlights include the pros and cons of different legal structures, the importance of post-closing liquidity, and why betting on yourself can be the most secure investment you ever make.#sethrudin #business #entrepreneurship #success #entrepreneur #businessowner #businessstrategy #businessgrowth #leadership #motivation #businessadvice #tipsforbusiness #howtogrowyourbusiness #howtosellyourbusiness #entrepreneurmindset #businesstips #entrepreneurshiplife #businessforsaleCore Categories & Keywords:Business for Sale, Entrepreneurship, Leadership Lessons, Startup Success, Business Growth, Founder Stories, Financial Success, Business Strategy, Capital Investment, Business Model.

What does it take to build an empire when you are supposed to be retired? Today on Entrepreneurship Unlocked, host Seth Rudin is joined by Gordon Lacey, the founder of Winners Sportswear, to discuss his journey from a small-town farm in Alberta to becoming a major player in the Pacific Northwest sportswear industry.#Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #SmallBusiness #FounderStories #MandA #BusinessExit #StartupLife #ScalingBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #PodcastLife #SuccessTips #Leadership #WealthCreation #SportswearBusiness #FinancialFreedom #BusinessOwner #EntrepreneurUnlocked #StrategicPlanning #ExitStrategyThis podcast is dedicated to the world of Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy, and Financial Success. Hosted by Seth Rudin, we explore the mindset and tactics required for Scaling a Business, achieving Long-term Growth, and mastering the art of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). Whether you are a Startup Founder, an aspiring Serial Entrepreneur, or a seasoned business owner looking for a profitable Exit Strategy, this show provides the Leadership Lessons and Startup Advice needed to navigate the modern economy.We break down the Success Stories of industry leaders and provide actionable Small Business Tips on everything from Business Model innovation to Strategic Leadership. Each episode is a masterclass in Wealth Creation, Building a Brand, and overcoming Entrepreneurial Obstacles. Discover how to develop a Success Mindset, optimize your Productivity, and understand the Business Value behind every decision. Join us to unlock the secrets of Successful Entrepreneurs and take your professional journey to the next level.Core Categories & Keywords: Business Strategy, Scaling a Business, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Success Story, Serial Entrepreneur, Small Business Tips, Business Exit Strategy, M&A, Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Broker, Exit Planning, Multi-Million Dollar Business

In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, Seth Rudin interviews Bryan Elliott, the owner of Stuart Range Consulting and a former 7-Eleven business consultant, to uncover how convenience store owners can significantly increase their profitability.Bryan shares how his twelve years of military experience and background in international scale operations translate into building successful retail teams and setting high-impact metrics for convenience stores and gas stations all over the nation.#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #CStore #RetailStrategy #PassiveIncome #BusinessConsulting #GasStationOwner #ScaleUp #EntrepreneurLife #FinancialFreedom #BusinessStrategy

How do you go from a conservative CPA career to owning the #1 hockey retail store in Washington—without ever having laced up a pair of skates?In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, host Seth Rudin is joined by Rick Bauman to pull back the curtain on a 35-year journey in the franchise world. Rick didn't just survive in retail; he dominated the "Play It Again Sports" system by leaning into adaptability, pioneering rental models, and knowing exactly when to exit at the top of his game.If you’ve ever wondered how to build a business that is "sellable" from day one, this conversation is your roadmap. Rick shares the raw, emotional reality of walking away from a legacy and the practical steps he took to ensure his financials were ready for a high-value broker exit.In this episode, we dive into:The CPA to Entrepreneur Pivot: Using analytical skills to build a retail empire.The Power of "Gut Feel": Why Rick tells younger entrepreneurs not to over-analyze in the age of the internet.The "Rental" Secret: How adding a rental and service arm transformed his store into a top-tier performer.Selling on Top: Why you should never wait for a "fire sale" to exit your business.The Identity Shift: What life really looks like the first year after selling a 30-year legacy.

What happens when a single regulatory shift unlocks millions of dollars in previously "lost" tax revenue for an entire industry?In this episode of Entrepreneurship Unlocked, we dive deep into the seismic shifts hitting the cannabis landscape. Hosts Kelsey Ellis and Diego De La Torre from Opsahl Dawson join the conversation to break down the massive implications of the recent executive order moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.For years, cannabis entrepreneurs have been hamstrung by the notorious Section 280E, a tax code that prevented them from deducting standard operating expenses—often resulting in effective tax rates as high as 70%. We explore the "how" and "when" of this reclassification and what it means for the future of the industry.In this episode, we dive into:The Death of 280E: How moving to Schedule III finally allows cannabis businesses to operate on a level playing field.Banking & Liquidity: Why this shift could finally open the doors to traditional financing and institutional investment.The R&D Incentive: How businesses can now leverage tax credits to innovate and scale.Strategic Timing: What business owners need to do right now to prepare their accounting for these massive changes.The Global Ripple Effect: How federal reclassification impacts state-level operations and future legalization efforts.

In this episode, Seth Rudin, Senior M&A Broker at IBA, sits down with Billy Huntley, Commercial Relationship Manager at Washington Trust Bank, to pull back the curtain on the complexities of buying and selling businesses within the high-stakes aerospace and defense sectors.Drawing from their successful track record of closing deals together—including suppliers for military operations and Boeing—Seth and Billy break down the unique variables that define this industry.From managing high customer concentration and long-lead working capital to navigating the critical "change of control" process with massive aerospace entities, this conversation is a masterclass in specialized business brokerage and commercial banking.#BusinessBrokerage #MandA #Entrepreneurship #AerospaceIndustry #DefenseContracting #CommercialBanking #BusinessExitStrategy #ManufacturingBusiness #WorkingCapital #InvestmentBanking #PacificNorthwestBusiness #SmallBusinessSales #AcquisitionEntrepreneurship

Most strategic plans fail not because they are bad ideas, but because of poor execution. In this exclusive interview with OneAccord, M&A expert and serial entrepreneur Seth Rudin breaks down the high-performance framework for bridging the gap between a visionary "Strategic Plan" and daily operational "Execution."Whether you are preparing a business for sale or scaling a mid-market company, Seth’s insights on strategic agility in 2026 are essential for every CEO.#StrategicPlanning #BusinessExecution #SethRudin #OneAccord #CEO #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessStrategy #StrategicAlignment #ManagementConsulting #ScaleUp #CorporateStrategy #KPIs #BusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship #OperationalExcellence #ExecutiveLeadership #GrowthMindset

Manufacturing is the backbone of the economy, but scaling a plant requires more than just hard work—it requires strategic capital.In this episode, we dive deep into the Capital Accelerator Program of CAMPS (Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound), a program designed to help manufacturing leaders bridge the gap between operational excellence and financial acceleration.We explore how manufacturing companies can leverage specific capital accelerators to modernize equipment, optimize supply chains, and prepare for high-value exits. #Manufacturing #CapitalAccelerator #CAMPS #IndustrialGrowth #Industry40 #ManufacturingFinance #SupplyChain #OperationalExcellence #SmartManufacturing #BusinessScaling #Lending #CapitalMarkets #FactoryAutomation #Reshoring #IndustrialStrategy #EngineeringManagement #B2BGrowth

Is buying a business the ultimate wealth-builder or a one-way ticket to a financial disaster?In this episode, we sit down with M&A experts Seth Rudin and Paul Long to peel back the curtain on the deals that never made it to the finish line—and some that did, only to become nightmares.From Chinese tariffs crushing margins overnight to police arriving at a contract signing to arrest an employee for embezzlement, these aren't your typical "guru" success stories.We explore the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions, the "invisible" red flags in due diligence, and the hard-won lessons every entrepreneur needs to know before signing an LOI.#Entrepreneurship #BusinessAcquisition #MandA #SmallBusiness #BusinessStrategy #Investing #PrivateEquity #SethRudin #PaulLong #BusinessDisasters #DueDiligence #SearchFund #SMB #BusinessOwner #VentureCapital #Startups #FinancialFreedom #CorporateFinance #RiskManagement #DealFlow #ScalingBusiness

Success in M&A isn't just about finding the right target—it is about finding the right banker.In this episode, Billy Huntley of Washington Trust Bank explains what business owners need to know about banking solutions when acquiring a company.We explore how to structure your debt, what lenders look for in a buyer, and the common mistakes that kill deals during the financing stage.If you are looking to grow through acquisition, this deep dive into the world of commercial lending is a must-listen.#Podcast #BusinessPodcast #Acquisitions #Banking #Finance #MandA #Entrepreneur #Lending #BusinessGrowth #Investment #WashingtonTrust #CEO #FinancialFreedom #Success

Operating a successful C-store is about more than just selling fuel—it is about mastering the retail ecosystem.In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Elliott of Stuart Range Consulting to discuss the nuances of optimizing gas stations for maximum cash flow.We explore inventory selection, layout efficiency, and the common pitfalls that keep owners from hitting their true profit potential. If you want to turn your retail location into a high-performance asset, this conversation is essential listening.Joined today by Bryan Elliott from Stuart Range Consulting#Podcast #BusinessPodcast #GasStation #CStore #Entrepreneurship #RetailStrategy #ProfitGrowth #BusinessOwner #Consulting #WealthBuilding #CommercialReal Estate #Management #SuccessMindset

How can a manufacturer bridge the gap between heavy equipment needs and daily operating cash?For manufacturers, capital is often locked away in machinery and raw materials, creating a constant tension between long-term investment and short-term liquidity.The introduction of the SBA’s MARC (Manufacturers’ Access to Revolving Credit) program has changed the game, offering a specialized vehicle designed specifically for the cyclical and capital-intensive nature of the factory floor.Joined Today by Paul Long#Manufacturing #MARCLoan #SBA #BusinessFinancing #WorkingCapital #FactoryFinance #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

Why is a banker often more comfortable with a deal when the seller is still financially "on the hook"?While it might seem like just another layer of debt, a seller note is actually one of the strongest signals of quality a banker can see in a business acquisition.In this episode, we are breaking down the strategic and technical reasons why bankers frequently request or even require a seller note to move a deal toward approval. We explore how seller financing bridges valuation gaps, the "full standby" rules required for it to count toward a buyer's equity injection, and how it acts as a form of insurance that ensures the seller provides a high-quality transition and training period.Joined Today by Paul Long#SellerFinancing #SBALoans #BusinessAcquisition #MandA #Banking #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Podcast

What is the safest way to acquire a business without inheriting its past mistakes or hidden debts?An asset sale is the most common way to structure a small business acquisition because it allows the buyer to hand-pick exactly what they are purchasing—such as equipment, inventory, and customer lists—while leaving the legal liabilities and "skeletons" with the seller. For the buyer, this structure provides a powerful "step-up" in basis for tax depreciation, while for the seller, it often requires a careful strategy to manage the resulting tax implications.In this episode, we explore how to allocate the purchase price across different asset classes, the protection it offers against undisclosed lawsuits or tax liens, and the specific ways SBA lenders view asset-based deals compared to stock transfers.Joined Today by Paul Long#AssetSale #BusinessAcquisition #SBA #TaxDepreciation #MandA #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Podcast

What is the fundamental difference between buying a company’s history and simply buying its equipment?When you structure a deal as an equity sale, you aren't just picking up the furniture and the client list; you are taking over the entire legal entity, including its tax history, contracts, and potential liabilities.In this episode, we are breaking down the mechanics of equity sales and why they are often the preferred route for complex, established corporations. We explore the critical importance of "successor liability," how equity deals impact capital gains taxes for the seller, and the tactical reasons why a buyer might choose to inherit a company’s legal "shell" to preserve valuable long-term contracts and brand continuity.Joined Today by Paul Long#EquitySale #BusinessAcquisition #MandA #TaxStrategy #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessLegal #Podcast

Why do some business acquisition deals sail through underwriting while others face a mountain of rejectionsPersistence is often the most undervalued asset in the M&A world, especially when it comes to securing SBA financing. A "no" from one lender isn't necessarily a reflection of your deal’s quality; it’s often just a sign that you haven’t found the right banking partner whose specific risk appetite aligns with your industry and transaction structure.In this episode, we are breaking down the reality of the SBA loan search and what it actually takes to move from a rejection to a commitment letter. We explore the common reasons for initial denials—ranging from industry-specific "blacklists" to collateral shortfalls—and provide the tactical roadmap for refining your pitch, identifying the right lenders, and staying in the game until you secure the "yes" your deal deserves.Joined Today by Paul Long#SBALoans #BusinessAcquisition #Entrepreneurship #MandA #SmallBusiness #BusinessFinancing #Persistence #Podcast

Why would a tech visionary choose to buy an established business instead of building a startup from zero?For tech entrepreneurs, the "build vs. buy" debate is shifting as acquisition becomes a faster route to scaling innovation, securing an existing customer base, and leveraging proven infrastructure.In this episode, we are breaking down the specific advantages and strategic tips for tech entrepreneurs entering the M&A space. We explore how to identify "low-tech" businesses ripe for digital disruption, the technical due diligence required when inherited code or systems are involved, and the tactical ways to use your tech background to secure better financing terms and increase operational efficiency from day one.Joined Today by Paul Long#TechEntrepreneur #BusinessAcquisition #SBA #DigitalTransformation #MandA #Entrepreneurship #SaaS #Podcast

Is your business a personal ATM or a sustainable enterprise?For many entrepreneurs, the line between personal and business finances is dangerously blurred, but failing to pay yourself a formal salary is a move that can hinder your company's growth and complicate future exit strategies.In this episode, we are breaking down the strategic and tax-related reasons why business owners must take a W-2 salary. We explore how "owner add-backs" affect your valuation during a sale, the impact of reasonable compensation on IRS compliance, and why a formal salary is a prerequisite for securing SBA financing and other traditional business loans.Joined Today by Paul Long#BusinessOwner #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Payroll #BusinessFinance #TaxStrategy #SBA #Podcast

How do you distinguish between a business that is a "financial asset" and one that is an "heirloom legacy"?Deciding whether to exit your business through an external sale or by transitioning leadership to the next generation is one of the most significant emotional and financial crossroads an owner will ever face. While a sale might offer a clean break and maximum liquidity, passing the torch requires a deep dive into family dynamics, succession planning, and the preservation of a multi-generational vision.In this episode, we are breaking down the critical considerations business owners must weigh when choosing between a market exit and a family transition. We explore how to assess if the next generation is truly ready for leadership, the psychological shift required to move from owner to advisor, and the tactical frameworks used to align family values with long-term operational success.Joined Today by Savannah Suttle#BusinessSuccession #ExitStrategy #FamilyBusiness #MandA #LegacyPlanning #Entrepreneurship #BusinessTransition #Podcast

How can you close a business deal when the bank’s funding doesn't cover the full purchase price?Seller financing is often the "glue" that holds complex M&A deals together, acting as a powerful tool to bridge valuation gaps and align the interests of both the buyer and the seller. When structured correctly, it not only provides a smoother path to loan approval but also serves as a vote of confidence in the future success of the company.In this episode, we explore the specific requirements SBA lenders have for "standby" periods, how seller financing can be used to meet down payment requirements, and the tactical ways this leverage can be used to protect a buyer’s post-closing cash flow.Joined Today by Paul Long#SellerFinancing #BusinessAcquisition #SBALoans #MandA #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessFinancing #Podcast

How can strategic negotiations and market insights turn a standard listing into a high-value acquisition?The process of buying or selling a business is rarely just about the numbers on a balance sheet; it is about the relationships built and the expertise brought to the negotiation table. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, having a trusted advisor who understands the nuances of market trends and property valuation is key to securing peace of mind throughout the transaction.In this episode, we are breaking down the critical role of expert consultation in the business and real estate landscape. We explore the importance of specialized negotiation tactics, how to identify the "comfort zone" for buyers in terms of price and budget, and the innovative marketing techniques used to maximize value for sellers in a competitive market.Joined Today by Alina Araujo#BusinessAdvisory #RealEstateInvesting #NegotiationSkills #BusinessAcquisition #Entrepreneurship #MarketTrends #BuyingABusiness #Podcast

How do you successfully merge two distinct business cultures while maintaining financial stability?When a merger or acquisition takes place, the technical and financial hurdles are only half the battle; the real challenge lies in integrating different operations, teams, and visions into a single, high-performing entity. Navigating these transitions requires a strategic blend of expert brokerage and sophisticated lending to ensure the deal doesn't just close, but thrives in the long term.In this episode, we are breaking down the complexities of the M&A landscape through a special panel discussion on Afternoons with Monique. We explore the current trends in small business acquisitions and the specific strategies brokers use to bridge the gap between buyer expectations and seller legacies.#MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessBroker #SBA #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #MandA #Podcast

What are the hidden friction points that cause most SBA loan applications to stall or fail?Securing an SBA loan is often viewed as a daunting mountain of paperwork and red tape, but most obstacles are predictable and avoidable if you know how to navigate the lender's perspective. Identifying these "10.5 obstacles" early in the process allows you to proactively address credit issues, collateral gaps, and cash flow concerns before they become deal-breakers.In this episode, we are breaking down the most common hurdles buyers face when seeking SBA financing and providing the specific solutions to overcome them. We explore the nuances of "bankability," how to handle character or credit "dings," and the tactical adjustments you can make to your application to ensure it moves to the top of the underwriter's pile.Joined Today by Paul Long#SBALoans #BusinessFinancing #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #MandA #LoanApproval #BusinessAcquisition #Podcast

What is the actual timeline from finding a business to signing the final closing documents?The business acquisition process can be a minefield of due diligence, legal hurdles, and financial scrutiny if you go in without a roadmap. Mastering the sequence of events—from the initial Letter of Intent to the final transfer of funds—is the only way to ensure your deal remains on track and your capital is protected.In this episode, we are breaking down the step-by-step lifecycle of a business acquisition. We explore how to manage the due diligence phase, the critical communication required between your legal and lending teams, and the tactical moves you need to make during the final 30 days to ensure a successful handover.Joined Today by Paul Long#BusinessAcquisition #BuyingABusiness #MandA #Entrepreneurship #SBA #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #Podcast

What are the deal-breakers that keep a business from ever making it to the closing table?Preparing a business for sale requires more than just a "For Sale" sign; it requires meticulous alignment between what a broker can market and what a banker can actually finance. When you understand the specific documentation and operational transparency that professionals look for, you can significantly increase your valuation and decrease the time your business spends on the market.In this episode, we are breaking down the essential prep work required to make a business "bankable" and attractive to high-quality buyers. We explore the necessity of clean financial statements, the importance of removing "owner-dependency," and the specific red flags that cause bankers and brokers to walk away from a deal.Joined Today by Paul Long#BusinessExit #SellingABusiness #Brokerage #BusinessFinance #SBA #ExitStrategy #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

How do you secure funding for a business where the primary value walks out the door every evening?Financing the acquisition of a professional services firm presents a unique challenge because the assets are often intangible, built on relationships, expertise, and recurring contracts rather than heavy machinery or real estate. To win over a lender, you must show how that human capital and client loyalty will remain stable under new ownership.In this episode, we are breaking down the specific strategies for financing service-based businesses like accounting practices, law firms, or consulting agencies. We explore how lenders view "goodwill" as collateral, the importance of transition periods for key personnel, and how to structure a deal that protects your investment while satisfying SBA requirements.Joined Today by Paul Long#ProfessionalServices #BusinessAcquisition #SBA #Lending #ServiceBusiness #MandA #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

Is it better to finance the business operations or the dirt it sits on?When a business acquisition includes real estate, the entire financing structure shifts, offering different loan terms, longer amortizations, and varied risk profiles. Knowing how to distinguish between these two paths is vital for maximizing your cash flow and choosing the right lending vehicle for your specific deal.In this episode, we are breaking down the fundamental differences between financing a standard business sale and a business acquisition that includes real property. We explore how real estate can act as a powerful anchor for your loan, the impact on interest rates, and why your down payment requirements might change when the land is part of the package.Joined Today by Paul Long#BusinessFinancing #RealEstate #CommercialRealEstate #SBA #SmallBusiness #MandA #Podcast #Entrepreneurship

What happens when it’s time to transition a legacy that has been built over decades?Selling or acquiring a family-owned or privately held business comes with a unique set of emotional and financial complexities that standard corporate deals simply don't face. In this episode, we are breaking down the intricate process of buying and selling private firms with expert insights into the current brokerage landscape. We explore how to value a family legacy, the common pitfalls in private negotiations, and the strategic steps required to ensure both the buyer and the seller walk away with a winning deal.Joined Today by Alina Araujo#BusinessBroker #FamilyBusiness #MandA #PrivateEquity #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #BusinessTransition #BuyingABusiness

How can you maximize your borrowing power without putting your personal assets at risk?When you are navigating the world of mergers and acquisitions, understanding how to use collateral as strategic leverage is the difference between a stalled deal and a successful acquisition. Mastering the relationship between your assets and your financing options allows you to scale faster and win more competitive bids.In this episode, we are breaking down the tactical ways to use collateral to strengthen your position in the M&A market. We explore how to identify high-value assets within a target company, how to present leverage to your lenders, and the specific ways you can minimize personal liability while maximizing deal size.Joined Today by Paul Long#MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessBuying #Leverage #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #CapitalStrategy #BusinessGrowth

Christina's journey is a testament to the incredible fulfillment found in moving from the structure of Big Tech to the creative freedom of true ownership.This transition represents more than just a career change; it is the realization of a vision where you finally have the autonomy to design a business culture and lead a team entirely on your own terms.In this episode, we talk about how Christina successfully translated her high-level expertise into an independent enterprise, finding joy in every step of the entrepreneurial process!Joined Today by Christina Kwong#Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #BusinessOwnership #Leadership #Innovation #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth

Tariffs are no longer just news—they are critical variables that can make or break a business sale.Seth Rudin and Paul Long break down how shifting trade policies and import duties silently erode company valuations and disrupt supply chains during the due diligence process. Whether you are looking to exit your business or seeking a new acquisition, understanding how to price in these risks is essential for protecting your margins and ensuring a successful deal.#MAndA #Tariffs #BusinessSale #Acquisitions #BusinessStrategy #TradePolicy #ExitStrategy #BusinessValuation #DealMaking #PrivateEquity #Trades #Entrepreneurship #FinanceTips #InvestmentBanking #MergersAndAcquisitions

Join Seth Rudin and Billy Huntley for an unfiltered fan’s look at the Emerald City’s favorite teams. From the gridiron at Lumen Field to the diamond at T-Mobile Park, we’re breaking down the latest news, roster moves, and season outlooks for the Seahawks and the Mariners.Whether you're bleeding Blue and Green or Northwest Green, this is your home for Seattle sports.Joined today by Billy Huntley#Seahawks #Mariners #SeattleSports #GoHawks #TridentsUp #TrueToTheBlue #EmeraldCity #NFLPlayoffs #MLBOffseason #PNW #Seattle #SeaSportsTalk #LumenField

Planning to Buy a Business in 2026? Do it the right way!With shifting interest rates, a massive wave of retiring Baby Boomers, and new digital transformation trends, the landscape for acquisitions has changed.Preparing to buy a business in today’s market requires more than just a down payment—it requires a strategic roadmap.Today, we are joined by SBA Lending Extraordinaire, Paul Long, and we are breaking down the essential preparation checklist for anyone looking to acquire a company in 2026. The best deals aren't found; they are prepared for. Start your journey to ownership with the right foundation.#BusinessAcquisition #BuyABusiness #Entrepreneurship #2026Economy #SmallBusiness #Investing #AcquisitionEntrepreneurship #ExitStrategy

Will your SBA loan application be approved?When you're applying for an SBA loan to buy a business, understanding exactly what your lender is looking for is the key to securing your funding, locking in the best rates, and closing your deal on time.Today we are joined by an SBA Lending Extraordinaire, Paul Long. And in this episode, we are breaking down the specific criteria SBA lenders use to evaluate both the buyer and the business being acquired. We dive into the "Five C's of Credit" and explain how your personal credit, industry experience, and the business's historical cash flow determine your success.In this episode, we cover:The Buyer Profile: What lenders look for in your background and credit.Business Viability: How "Quality of Earnings" impacts your approval.Collateral & Equity: What you need to bring to the table.Red Flags: Common mistakes that kill SBA deals before they start.If you’re an entrepreneur, a searcher, or anyone looking to acquire a small business using government-backed financing, this is essential listening. Don't go into your bank meeting blind—knowing what the lender wants is the real power behind the deal!#SBA #SmallBusiness #BusinessAcquisition #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #BusinessFinance #BuyingABusiness