Grand StageFinancing your next act.
Most business acquisitions in our size range are financed in part through an SBA loan. Here's who we work with, and how SBA financing generally works.
Lenders we work with directly.
These are financing partners our team has worked with on prior transactions.
Wells Fargo
A national bank with an active SBA 7(a) lending program, offering broad geographic reach and integrated commercial banking for buyers who want an established institution behind their financing.
Merchants Bank
An SBA Preferred Lender (PLP) with national reach, meaning Merchants can make final credit decisions in-house — which typically speeds up approval and closing versus non-PLP lenders.
Live Oak Banking Company
The largest SBA 7(a) lender by dollar volume nationally, with particular strength in acquisition financing and industry-vertical expertise. Digital-first application process.
Other leading SBA 7(a) lenders.
For buyers exploring options beyond our direct partners, these are among the most active SBA 7(a) lenders nationally by loan volume, based on SBA data for calendar year 2025. This list is informational — not an endorsement or referral relationship.
Huntington National Bank
One of the highest-volume SBA lenders by number of loans funded nationally, with a strong Midwest presence and an efficient process for smaller SBA loans.
Newtek Bank
A major SBA 7(a) lender with lending activity in all 50 states, and a diversified small-business services platform beyond lending alone.
Byline Bank
Known for a higher average deal size among top SBA lenders, making it a common fit for larger business acquisition loans, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast.
Celtic Bank
An SBA-focused lender with lending activity across nearly every U.S. state, offering broad geographic coverage for buyers outside major metro areas.
U.S. Bank
A nationwide bank offering SBA 7(a) financing alongside full commercial banking services, a common choice for buyers who want ongoing banking and lending under one roof.
Lender data reflects SBA 7(a) loan volume for calendar year 2025. Lender rankings change over time — always confirm current terms, rates, and eligibility directly with the lender.
What to expect from SBA financing.
Loan SizeStandard SBA 7(a) Cap
The SBA 7(a) program covers loans up to $5 million, backed roughly 75–90% by a government guarantee, which is why it's the most common financing route for business acquisitions in our size range.
TimelineTypical Days to Close
Straightforward deals with a Preferred Lender Program (PLP) lender can close in as little as 30–60 days. More complex deals, or those involving real estate, commonly take 60–90 days.
EquityTypical Buyer Down Payment
Most SBA-financed acquisitions require a buyer equity injection in this range, sometimes partly satisfied through seller financing depending on deal structure.