The SBA 7(a) loan program is the SBA’s primary vehicle for financing business purchases. Under SBA’s new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP 50 10 8, effective June 1, 2025), many pre-2021 rules have returned, tightening underwriting and clarifying eligibility. In a 7(a) acquisition loan, a participating lender (bank, credit union, or other SBA-approved lender) provides the…
Blog
SBA 7(a) Loans for Business Acquisitions effective June 1, 2025
Wednesday, April 30th, 2025
Pipe Dreams to Profits: Selling Your Plumbing Business the Smart Way
Monday, April 28th, 2025Giving up your plumbing business can be an emotional and financial crossroads. Whether you built it up on your own or took it over from family, saying goodbye is never easy; however, if you do it smartly, it could mean a great payday and a long-lasting legacy. The demand for established service-based businesses such as…
Selling a Business in the Digital Age: Strategies That Work in 2025
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025Selling a business has always been a massive milestone, but by 2025, the digital age will have changed how selling is done today. With the evolution of technology, AI-driven analytics, and online platforms, today’s entrepreneurs have tools that help them streamline everything from valuation to closing deals. Whether your business is a brick-and-mortar shop or…
How Gateway Helps Business Owners Sell with Confidence
Monday, February 10th, 2025Selling your business isn’t like selling a car—or even a house. It’s more complex, more personal, and often more emotional. For many business owners, it’s the single largest financial transaction of their lives. After years—sometimes decades—of blood, sweat, and sacrifice, walking away from your company is a huge decision. At Gateway Mergers & Acquisitions, we…
The #1 Reason Businesses Don’t Sell—And How to Avoid It
Friday, January 10th, 2025For many business owners, building a company from the ground up is a lifelong labor of love. They pour their energy, time, and money into growing something from nothing. But when it comes time to sell that business, too many owners are blindsided by a hard truth: most small businesses never actually sell. It’s not…
Why Selling Your Business While You’re Young Enough to Enjoy Retirement Makes Sense
Tuesday, November 19th, 2024As a business owner, you’ve dedicated years of hard work and sacrifice to building your company. But now, as you look toward the future, it’s time to ask yourself: Are you ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor while you still have the health and energy to do so? Selling your business while you’re…
Executing an Exit Strategy
Friday, February 23rd, 2024Thinking of Selling Your Business? 7 Ways To Execute Your Exit Strategy For Your Business There is no better time to sell your business than the first of the year. Buyer activity is the highest at the start of each year. Let us share with you 7 key components of selling your business: 1. Preparation:…
The Strategic Advantage of Complementary Business Acquisitions
Friday, October 13th, 2023If you are not ready to sell your business, you may currently be implementing growth strategies. We sell many businesses to existing owners, growing their business by acquisition. Maintaining growth and competitiveness is paramount for small enterprises in the current business environment. These are some of the reasons that owners choose to grow by business…
The Balance Sheet: A Keystone in Your Business Sale
Tuesday, August 1st, 2023What is the Balance Sheet? As a business owner preparing to sell your business, one of the critical documents that potential buyers will scrutinize is your balance sheet. The balance sheet, essentially a snapshot of your business’ financial health, holds significant weight in negotiations and can influence the ultimate sale price. The balance sheet provides…
Archives
contact us
Gateway’s brokers are always willing to assist business owners and prospective business buyers with education, resources, and guidance through the process of buying and selling businesses. We are here to answer any questions to make the selling & buying process a smooth transition. Call or Email for a free consultation.