Buyer FAQ

It depends on the size of the business. Businesses in our portfolio range from $50K to $50M. Many sellers offer financing terms, and SBA loans are available for qualified buyers — which means you can often leverage your capital to acquire a larger business than you might expect. A good starting point is having at least 10-20% of the purchase price in liquid capital, plus the ability to demonstrate proof of funds.

An NDA is a confidentiality agreement that protects the seller's proprietary information. It prevents buyers from using confidential business details — like financials, customer lists, and trade secrets — to start a competing business. It's standard practice in every business transaction and is required before we can share detailed information about any business for sale.

Due diligence is the investigation period after your offer is accepted. It's your opportunity to thoroughly review the business's financial records, contracts, leases, employee agreements, customer data, and anything else specified in your purchase agreement. If something doesn't meet your approval during this period, you typically have the right to withdraw from the transaction and receive your earnest money deposit back.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the deal. A straightforward transaction can close in 60-90 days from an accepted offer. Larger or more complex deals — especially those involving SBA financing, lease negotiations, or multiple stakeholders — may take 4-6 months. Your FCBB broker will give you a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your deal.

Not necessarily. Many successful business owners buy into industries they had no prior experience in. What matters most is your willingness to learn, your management skills, and the strength of the existing team and systems. That said, some businesses require specific licenses or certifications. Your broker will help you identify opportunities that match your skills and goals.

An EMD is a good-faith deposit that shows the seller you're serious about the purchase. It's typically 10% of the purchase price or $10,000, whichever is greater. The deposit is held by a third-party closing entity (not the seller) and is not released until the offer is accepted and contingencies are met. If the deal falls through during due diligence, your EMD is typically returned.

The most common options are SBA loans (backed by the Small Business Administration), seller financing (where the seller carries a note for part of the purchase price), conventional bank loans, and sometimes a combination of all three. Your FCBB broker can help you understand which financing structure makes the most sense for your specific deal and connect you with trusted lending professionals.

Absolutely. A business broker gives you access to vetted opportunities, handles negotiations, manages the paperwork, and guides you through each step of the process. We also have access to off-market deals you won't find on public listing sites. Most importantly, we protect your interests and help you avoid costly mistakes that first-time buyers often make.

Focus on six key areas: 1) Why is the seller selling? 2) What's the company's reputation and history? 3) Do the financials check out? 4) What's the rate of return on your investment? 5) Can you sustain the operational costs? 6) Are there any outstanding legal issues? We cover all of this in detail on our How to Buy a Business page.

In most business transactions, the seller pays the broker's commission — not the buyer. This means you get professional guidance and representation throughout the buying process at no direct cost to you. There are no upfront fees. Our success is tied directly to yours.