Financing and lending advisory
Loan packages built the way lenders read them.
Whether you’re buying a business, expanding, refinancing, or bringing on equipment, we figure out which type of lender fits and put together the package they expect to see.
Talk about your financingTypes of financing we work with
SBA 7(a) and 504
Government-backed loans for acquisitions, real estate, equipment, and working capital.
Conventional bank loans
Term loans and lines of credit from community and regional banks.
Equipment and asset-based
Loans secured by equipment, receivables, or inventory.
Seller notes and mezzanine
Financing from the seller or a junior lender to bridge the gap in a purchase.
Farm and rural programs
FSA, Farm Credit, and USDA Business and Industry loans for agriculture and rural businesses.
Public and community funding
CDFIs, Native CDFIs, and state and local programs, matched to what your business qualifies for.
What goes in the package
A lender’s credit officer has to defend your loan to a committee. We give them what they need to do that.
- Credit memo: who you are, what you need, and why
- Sources and uses of funds
- Debt service coverage: how many times cash flow covers the payments
- Projections over the life of the loan, with stated assumptions
- Collateral summary
- The lender’s likely concerns, answered up front
How we work with lenders
We recommend the kind of lender that fits your deal: a community bank, an SBA lender, a credit union, a CDFI, or Farm Credit. You choose who to apply with.
We never hold or move your money. You pay our fee, and we take no payment from lenders.
How fees work
Financing work is usually a success fee based on the amount raised, sometimes with a retainer for larger or more complex packages. Terms are in writing before work starts.
Common questions
Do you lend money?
No. We help you choose the kind of lender that fits your deal and build the package that lender expects. You apply with the lender you choose, and we never hold or move your money.
What kinds of lenders do you work with?
Community banks, SBA lenders, credit unions, CDFIs, and Farm Credit, depending on the deal. For farm and rural businesses we also look at FSA and USDA programs. We recommend a type of lender, and you decide who to apply with.
How much do I need to put down to buy a business with an SBA loan?
Under the SBA rules in effect in October 2026, a buyer generally needs at least 10% of the project cost as equity. A seller note can cover up to half of that, but only if the seller agrees not to collect payments for the life of the SBA loan. Our SBA article walks through an example.
What will a lender ask me for?
Most lenders start with business tax returns, current-year financial statements, a debt schedule, and a personal financial statement for each owner. Acquisitions add the purchase agreement or letter of intent and the seller’s financials. We tell you what is missing before the lender sees it.
Are you paid by the lender?
No. You pay our fee, and we take no payment from lenders.