SBA 7(a): the workhorse for buying a business
The SBA 7(a) program is how most people finance a business acquisition — and it's where FTI Capital does the bulk of its work. $41.3M+ arranged across 28 funded deals means we know how these get to close.
Up to $5M
loan amount
~10%
typical down payment
10–25 yr
terms (working capital vs. real estate)
$41.3M+
arranged by FTI (2025–2026)
One program, many uses
The 7(a) program is flexible — here are the ways we most often put it to work for clients.
- Business acquisitions — buy an existing, profitable business
- Partner buyouts — buy out a departing owner or partner
- Working capital — fund growth, hiring, or operations
- Debt refinancing — restructure higher-cost business debt
- Owner-occupied real estate tied to the business
This is the deal we close most
Most of our $41.3M+ in arranged financing is SBA 7(a) — largely business acquisitions, partner buyouts, and refinancing. We know which lenders say yes to which deals, how to package an acquisition so it underwrites cleanly, and how to keep a close on schedule. You work with one advisor who has done this before, not a call-center queue.
From first call to funded
- 1
Consult
A free call to understand the deal, your goals, and whether financing is a fit — straight answers, no runaround.
- 2
Package & underwrite
We build a lender-ready package and take it to the right lenders in our network, not just one bank's box.
- 3
Close & fund
We manage underwriting to the finish line and coordinate closing so the capital lands when you need it.
Good to know
How much do I need to put down to buy a business?
SBA 7(a) acquisitions often require around 10% down, though the exact figure depends on the deal, the business, and the lender. Part of that can sometimes come from seller financing. We'll map out the real structure for your specific deal.
Can I use a 7(a) loan to buy a business I don't already own?
Yes — business acquisition is one of the most common uses of the 7(a) program, whether you're a first-time buyer (search-fund/M&A) or an existing operator expanding.
How long does a 7(a) acquisition take to close?
Typically about 45–75 days from a complete application to funding, depending on the lender and how quickly diligence and documents come together. We manage the process to keep it moving.
What makes a strong 7(a) application?
Solid personal credit, relevant experience, a business with reliable cash flow to service the debt, and a clean, complete package. Our job is to present your deal to the right lender in the strongest possible light.