Small Business M&A Guides
Practical, plain-English guides for small and main-street business owners buying or selling a business -- valuation, due diligence, financing, deal structure, and the overall process. General education only, not legal, tax, or investment advice.
How to Value a Small Business Before Selling
A practical, plain-English guide to valuing a small business before you list it for sale, including EBITDA multiples, add-backs, and when to get a professional valuation.
Read guide →Buying vs. Building: Is Acquiring a Business Right for You?
Compare buying an existing small business against starting one from scratch -- the risk, cash flow, financing, and time tradeoffs every prospective buyer should weigh.
Read guide →The Small Business M&A Process, Step by Step
A step-by-step walkthrough of the small business M&A process, from first conversation and valuation through due diligence, financing, and closing.
Read guide →SBA Loans for Business Acquisition: What You Need to Know
How SBA 7(a) loans work for buying a small business, including typical down payment, eligibility, and the lender approval process buyers should expect.
Read guide →Due Diligence Checklist for Buying a Small Business
A practical due diligence checklist for buyers evaluating a small business acquisition -- financial, legal, operational, and customer items to verify before closing.
Read guide →How to Write a Letter of Intent (LOI)
What a letter of intent (LOI) covers in a small business acquisition, what's typically binding vs. non-binding, and what to include before signing.
Read guide →What Is an EBITDA Multiple and Why It Matters
A plain-English explanation of EBITDA multiples in small business valuation, why they vary by industry, and how to think about your own multiple.
Read guide →Asset Sale vs. Stock Sale: What Small Business Sellers Need to Know
The key differences between an asset sale and a stock sale when selling a small business, including tax and liability considerations for both sides.
Read guide →Want the full playbook?
Download our free Small Business Seller's Readiness Guide, or talk to an advisor about your specific situation.