Glossary · Doing the deal
Option
In short
A contract giving the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a specified price within a certain timeframe.
What it means in a deal
In a business acquisition, an option might relate to real estate or future equity. Ensure any options held by the seller or others are clearly understood and don't create unexpected obligations or dilution for you after closing.
Related terms
Common questions about Option
- Does the SBA 7(a) loan program have an 'Express' option for quicker approvals?
- Does an unfunded stock option agreement trigger affiliation for SBA 7(a) size standard calculations?
- Is an SBA 7(a) loan a good option for someone just starting a brand-new business?
- Can a lender change the base rate option for a variable rate 7(a) loan after closing?
- When does an unexercised option to acquire ownership in a business trigger affiliation for SBA size standard purposes?
- Is an SBA 7(a) loan an option if I want to buy out a business partner's share?
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.
Line up financing while you're under LOI
Tell us the business, the price, and your timeline — we'll match you with lenders who close deals like yours and flag anything that stalls the process.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day
Backed by data on 1,000+ SBA lenders and 300,000+ funded deals. Your details go only to lending partners you ask to be matched with — never sold to advertisers.