Glossary · Doing the deal
Business acquisition
In short
The process of buying an existing business, including its assets, liabilities, and operations. This is the goal of your 7(a) loan.
What it means in a deal
An SBA 7(a) loan is a common financing tool for small business acquisitions. You'll need to clearly define what you're buying (assets vs. stock), value the business, and structure the deal for SBA approval. Work closely with your lender and advisors to navigate this complex process.
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 Business acquisition
- Does the SBA 7(a) program require a minimum loan amount for business acquisitions?
- How do SBA loan rates compare to conventional bank loan rates for business acquisitions?
- How does the SBA evaluate goodwill in a business acquisition?
- How does the SBA define "management experience" for a business acquisition?
- Does the SBA require an independent business appraisal for a business acquisition costing $400,000?
- What is the importance of a professional business valuation for an acquisition?
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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