Guides: buying a business with an SBA 7(a) loan
Plain-English explanations of the SBA rules for buying an existing business, each one cited to SBA SOP 50 10 8.1 (Lender and Development Company Loan Programs, with Technical Updates), effective Oct 1, 2026 and reviewed on the date shown.
SBA loan to buy a business: 2026 requirements
The SBA 7(a) change-of-ownership rules in one page: transaction types, 10% equity, DSCR minimums, valuation and QoE triggers, seller limits and loan terms.
Reviewed 2026-10-20
SBA DSCR requirement for buying a business
DSCR minimums by transaction type, the EBITDA / post-transaction debt service formula, which adjustments need support, and a worked example.
Reviewed 2026-10-20
SBA 10% equity injection and seller notes
The 10% minimum on total project cost, what counts as cash versus limited sources, full-standby seller notes (at most half), and a worked example.
Reviewed 2026-10-20
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