Owners who understand how lenders evaluate businesses—long before they decide to sell—typically command stronger valuations, attract better-qualified buyers, and experience fewer surprises during due diligence.
sba
Case Study: Strategic Pivot and Rapid Execution in the Landscaping Sector
Given the buyer’s stage in life, this path presented significant financial exposure. A deep-dive consultation revealed that a high-leverage entry into a massive operation might not be the most efficient or safest way to achieve his long-term goals.
The “Safe Bet” List: Top Franchises Ranked by Lowest SBA Default Rates
To keep the data reliable, we look at charge-offs—instances where the borrower couldn’t repay and the SBA had to pay the lender guarantee. We’ve also filtered this list to brands with over 25 loans. Why? Because a brand with only 2 loans and 0 defaults doesn’t have a large enough sample size to prove it’s a “safe bet.”
The “Clean Books” Advantage: Why Financial Transparency is Your Best Exit Strategy
Maximizing Leverage: A lender is more likely to approve a higher loan-to-value ratio if the financial history is rock-solid, meaning the buyer needs less cash out of pocket—making your business more “purchasable.”
To Sell or to Wait? Why “Now” Might Be Your Best Exit Strategy
Selling now allows you to “lock in” your current margins and take advantage of the current financing environment. If you’re waiting for a higher revenue number, ask yourself: Is the extra effort worth the risk of a shifting economy or shrinking margins?