Why We Get SBA Pre-approvals for Our Sellers

How One Step Can Make Your Business More Attractive to Buyers and Speed Up the Sale

At EDGE Business Advisors, we believe in setting up our sellers for a smooth and successful transaction. One of the most effective ways we do that is by helping businesses get SBA pre-approval before going to market.

If you’re a business owner preparing to sell, you might be wondering: What does SBA pre-approval mean, and why does it matter?
Let’s break it down.

What is an SBA Pre-approval?

SBA (Small Business Administration) loans are one of the most common ways buyers finance business acquisitions. An SBA preapproval means a lender has reviewed your business’s financials, tax returns, and other key metrics—and is willing to finance a qualified buyer’s purchase, subject to final underwriting and buyer qualifications.
It’s not a loan in hand, but it’s the next best thing: a green light from a lender that says, “Yes, this business is financeable.”

Why It Matters for Sellers

Here’s why we make SBA pre-approval a standard part of our process:

 It Attracts More Serious Buyers

Many qualified buyers need financing. Seeing that your business has already passed lender scrutiny gives them confidence and saves time. Without preapproval, some buyers may walk away, unsure whether your business will even qualify for financing.

  It Speeds Up the Sale Process

When we go to market with a preapproved SBA lender in place, we cut out weeks—or even months—of uncertainty. Buyers can get started on their own prequalification immediately, rather than waiting for a lender to evaluate the business from scratch.

  It Supports a Higher Valuation

Lenders care about cash flow and risk. If an SBA lender preapproves your business at or near your asking price, that reinforces your valuation with objective third-party support. In short: your price is more defensible.

  It Helps Us Structure Better Offers

We can guide buyers to structure offers that work within SBA lending guidelines, including minimum down payments, seller financing terms, and working capital needs. This avoids wasted time on deals that banks won’t approve.

  It Signals a Clean, Ready-to-Sell Business

A pre-approved business sends a message: this company is well-documented, profitable, and lender-ready. That elevates your listing above the noise and helps buyers—and brokers—take you seriously.

How We Do It at EDGE

We have relationships with multiple SBA lenders who understand small business acquisitions and know how to move quickly. Before listing your business, we coordinate directly with our lending partners to review your financials and prepare a lending package that gets your deal moving fast.

It’s one more way we add value and increase your chances of a successful exit.

Thinking of Selling? Let’s Talk

Whether you’re planning to sell in the next 6 months or 2 years, getting SBA-ready is a smart step. Contact us at EDGE Business Advisors to start the conversation—and let us help you position your business to sell for maximum value.

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 Helping You Exit with Confidence