Glossary · The loan itself
Acquisition Loan
In short
A loan specifically used to finance the purchase of an existing business, including goodwill and assets. This is the primary use for SBA 7(a) loans in a business purchase.
What it means in a deal
The SBA 7(a) program is widely used for business "acquisition loans" because it allows financing of intangible assets like goodwill, which conventional banks often shy away from. As a buyer, you'll structure your deal to include the business purchase price, working capital, and closing costs, all financed through this type of loan. This is what you're getting.
Official sources
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about Acquisition Loan
- How does the SBA verify my management experience for an acquisition loan?
- Is a separate business valuation required for an SBA 7(a) acquisition loan?
- Is the SBA guaranty fee negotiable with the lender for my acquisition loan?
- How does the SBA define 'goodwill' in a business acquisition for loan purposes?
- Can an SBA 7(a) loan finance inventory immediately after a business acquisition?
- What is the fastest a typical SBA 7(a) business acquisition loan can close?
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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