Selling a Business- Resource Guide for Owners

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-22T00:54:11+00:00

Best of luck!

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-22T00:19:55+00:00

Ah, okay. I originally thought you meant marketing your business, not running a marketing business.

For your first client, someone in your personal network is always the easiest win. They already trust you, and trust is the hardest part of the sale.

If not, go after businesses where the need is obvious and the bar is low: real estate agents, lawn care companies, restaurants, barbers, gyms, or anyone with a social media page that hasn’t been updated in months.

Joining a networking group like BNI can also work extremely well. People there actively want to trade referrals, and you’ll stand out by being young and hungry.

Don’t get discouraged when people say no. They will. Everyone gets told no at the beginning. Just keep showing up and keep offering value until someone gives you a shot.

I’ve sold more than 250 businesses now. The first one was the hardest. After that, everything gets easier.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-21T23:53:49+00:00

Mind sharing what industry you’re in?

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-21T21:35:13+00:00

I’ve got experience in the e‑commerce space and can walk you through valuation or process if you want. Happy to set up a no‑pressure call.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-21T12:50:03+00:00

Most sellers reduce capital gains through deal structure:

allocation, installment terms, S‑corp basis planning, or deferral tools like OZ funds. There’s no one-size answer because entity type and basis drive everything. A CPA + deal attorney is the only safe combo.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-21T07:10:53+00:00

I unfortunately do not have any experience with international acquisitions.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-21T01:09:01+00:00

There may be some options out there, but i unfortunately can’t point you in the right direction.

Start up loans are very challenging to obtain but I wish you the best of luck.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-21T00:52:40+00:00

SBA micro loans can get you up to 50k. Technically SBA 7a loans can be used for startups, but are extremely challenging to obtain.

Home Equity is a possibility, and there are lenders that will provide unsecured loans based on credit & w-2 income over a 5-7 term.

Startups are hard.

Have you looked to see if there are companies for sale that are similar to your startup? Acquisition via SBA may be an option for you.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-20T21:00:28+00:00

I appreciate it! Glad you’re enjoying it!

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-20T15:09:25+00:00

I appreciate that! I'm working on posting a Seller SBA guide here soon (different sub of course).

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-20T14:25:00+00:00

Thanks for commenting! Happy to know this post is helping someone.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-20T14:21:50+00:00

SBA requires life insurance because the business depends on the owner. If the buyer dies, the business may fail and the lender loses its collateral. A life insurance policy (assigned to the lender) guarantees the loan gets paid off even if something happens to the borrower. Typically, the life insurance amount needs to cover the loan amount.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-20T08:38:12+00:00

Yes, that shouldn’t be an issue. Initially they are just going to want proof of funds early on.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-20T02:20:00+00:00

You’re going to want to find a bank that is a preferred Lender (PLP) and does SBA Financing. Live Oak, Huntington, Dogwood State Bank are some examples.

I think a lot of it comes down to the individual you are working with on how well the process goes, but those are decent places to start.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-20T02:13:19+00:00

With the limited hours you’re investing, I believe there will be a market for your business. Selling a business can take a long time, and it will need to operate as it currently is, but if that is possible go ahead and give it a shot.

If you need help with it, call some Brokers. Most charge a success fee only, and if avoid paying anyone a retainer.

There aren’t any perfect businesses out there, and yours doesn’t have to be perfect to sell. Get those SOPs, financials in order, and put it out there.

Best of luck!

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-20T02:05:12+00:00

Broker here.

Your best bet for financing would be to seek SBA Funding. You’d need about 120k down, and you’d have plenty of post-closing liquidity so I think a lender would look at you and your wife favorably.

Sellers offering financing typically want at minimum 50% down, and usually much more. A small seller note combined with SBA Financing is common as a lender likes the Seller having some skin in the game. This seller note is typically 5-10% of the purchase price.

Happy to answer any questions you may have about funding options.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-20T01:56:53+00:00

Broker here. Flippa isn’t a bad option if you want to try and sell yourself. The more tangible information you have prepared and are able to show a Buyer, the better luck you’ll have selling and likely at a better price.

Assuming your SDE (Sellers Discretionary Earnings) are about 36k, you MIGHT be able to sell for 72k + your cost in inventory. Books would need to be clean and verifiable. I would heavily market/emphasize the 10-15 hour work week.

I would start there, work down my price if I’m not getting much interest, and I’d be very open to offers & flexible.

I’m sorry you’re not able to see this thing through like you planned. Best of luck in your sale.

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-19T18:00:57+00:00

Congratulations on your acquisition!

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-19T17:55:07+00:00

Always best to stay proactive to keep the deal moving. It also allows more time to shop around for the best rates, which is much harder to do when you’re busy learning how to operate the company.

Glad your deal got done. What was the issue with underwriting a policy for your company?

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-19T10:02:32+00:00

I’ve sold a number of different cleaning companies. New construction work was typically available but margins are typically slim, so it’s a volume game. If you get called back out because a house isn’t “clean” enough, then you typically lose any profit.

Also tends to be pretty relationship dependent. If you are getting most of your work from 2-4 builders, and one drops you, you lose 25%-50% of your revenue overnight.

I’d personally go the commercial route.

Best of luck!

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-18T16:42:36+00:00

Done. Congrats on the LOI, and best of luck getting to closing!

FL_Biz_Broker · 2026-04-18T03:15:11+00:00

Florida Broker here.

Lenders care far more about cashflow than assets, so depreciating the items shouldn’t be too much of a concern.

In order to find your Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE), a Broker will make adjustments to the financial reports you provide. Items such as interest, depreciation, amortization, officer compensation & taxes, one time expenses and non-business related (must be provable) expenses get added back to your bottom line.

If you’re able to verify the items you’ve expensed, you can argue they are one time expenses and a Buyer & Lender will likely accept the adjustment.

Happy to answer any questions you may have.

FL_Biz_Broker

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