David C Barnett Small Business and Deal Making M&A SMB

Hosted by David C Barnett

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500

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Aug 2026

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About the show

I discuss buying, selling, financing and managing small and medium sized businesses either alone or with guests. I've started, bought, sold and closed businesses. Author of three best-selling business books; 'Invest Local: a guide to superior investment returns in your own community,' 'Franchise Warnings: What you really need to know before you buy' and 'How To Sell My Own Business: A guide to selling your own business without paying a broker's commission.' all available as well as 5 other books on Amazon or from www.DavidCBarnett.com

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60 recent

August 24, 202633 min

New SBA rules Nobody is Talking about and how they're GOOD For buyers

- Join David's email list, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com See my video on ‘Non-SBA Deal Financing’ to learn more https://youtu.be/Pwa_EsrHl58 **New Video Alert! New SBA rules for buying a business take effect October 1, 2026—and there's already plenty of confusion about what they actually mean. In this video, I break down the major SBA changes affecting business acquisitions, including the 10% equity injection requirement, seller financing, investor capital, debt service coverage, Quality of Earnings reports, real estate amortization, and longer seller transition periods. I also explain why I believe many of these changes could actually benefit first-time business buyers. The goal shouldn't be to buy the biggest business possible with the least amount of your own money. It's to acquire a good business with enough financial resilience to survive after closing. If you're planning on buying a business with an SBA loan, understanding these new rules—and discussing your specific deal with an experienced SBA lender—is essential. **** Chapters: 0:00 Navigating the New SBA Lending Landscape 1:03 Why These SBA Changes Are Actually Good News 1:54 The Dangerous Reality of the Day Two Problem 4:40 New Equity Requirements and Skin in the Game 16:49 The Importance of Quality of Earnings Reports 28:39 Building a Resilient Business for the Long Term **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com ----- #SBALoan #SBA7a #BuyABusiness #BusinessAcquisition #BuyingABusiness #SBALending #BusinessBuyer #SmallBusiness #ETA #SellerFinancing Youtube music licensing code: 5PJWQOE5ZZHTQSRY

August 22, 202655 min

2025HC 07 Phil looks at some businesses for sale

Phil wants to buy a business and he’s got a great network built up over the years who can help him grow a B2B services company, but being in a smaller city means he’s got limited options and the best businesses are taken right away? What are his options? Should he do his own search? Start something? How could he grow his search to other cities in a manageable way? What about a manufacturing business that is actually a carveout? Are there things to be careful of in that situation? Watch now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4xsqf-ehvvk **** - Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com - Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com - Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com - Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com -Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

August 20, 202645 min

Premiere - Franchising a Creative Driven Business with Alisa Sparks

- Join David's email list, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com Find Alisa online here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisasparkslc/ or here: https://linden-creek.com/ **** Franchising a Creative Driven Business New guest – Alisa Sparks I’m joined by Alisa Sparks, Founder and CEO of Linden Creek, to talk about how she transformed a home staging and interior design business into a franchise model. Alisa came from a finance background, not interior design. That analytical mindset helped her break a seemingly creative business into systems that could be taught, measured, and eventually replicated by franchise owners. Tune in as we discuss how she systematized home staging, the investment required to build a franchise, managing furniture inventory for ROI, and why sales and marketing can be more important than creative talent when building the business. We’ll also explore what makes a good franchisee, why Alisa has deliberately chosen to grow Linden Creek slowly, and the lessons business owners should consider before trying to franchise their own company. This is a ‘must see event’ for business owners, entrepreneurs, prospective franchisees, and anyone interested in franchising a service-based or creative business. **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com ----- Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero . Terms & Conditions apply.* See the video of my Xero story here: https://youtu.be/LfaGUfwStqo Youtube music licensing code: 5PJWQOE5ZZHTQSRY

August 17, 202637 min

Your First Business is Probably Not a Platform

- Join David's email list, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com Sam's Searchfunder Post: https://searchfunder.com/post/the-holdco-ambition-is-showing-up-earlier-and-earlier Videos mentioned: BizOwner Advantages in Buying Small Businesses - Grow via acquisition https://youtu.be/EnXLDD2BQg0 HC2020#6 Dean Asks About Rollups and Conglomerates and How to Make a Plan https://youtu.be/B2CvQ91_fbI Proven Investment Strategies for Entrepreneurs https://youtu.be/GlqCelWVNb0 **New Video Alert! Thinking about building a HoldCo, executing a business roll-up, or buying multiple businesses? Buying your first company is one thing. Turning it into a platform for multiple acquisitions is something completely different. In this video, I break down what business owners and acquisition entrepreneurs should understand before buying business #2. We cover management capacity, debt, integration, business systems, roll-ups vs. conglomerates, operational synergies, personal financial risk, and why one successful year doesn't automatically mean you've built an acquisition platform. You'll also learn why every acquisition should make sense on its own, why spreadsheet synergies can be dangerous, and how buying more businesses can actually increase your personal financial risk. **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com ----- #HoldCo #BuyABusiness #BusinessAcquisition #RollUp #BusinessBuyer #Entrepreneurship #ETA #SmallBusiness Youtube music licensing code: 5PJWQOE5ZZHTQSRY

August 15, 20261 hr 0 min

2025HC 06 Paul plans retirement EARLY in life!

What can Paul do today to make his business more valuable when he retires? Hard to tell, it’s 25 years away. Is it true that you can start planning retirement too early? Retirement planning should start early, but that’s not the same thing as planning a business sale. Tune in as I talk to Paul about his biggest concerts while operating his very seasonal small business. Watch now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N1ZsS_pZQ6A **** - Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com - Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com - Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com - Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com -Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

August 13, 202646 min

The Financial Blind Spots Hurting Your Business | Ed Patton

- Join David's email list, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com In this "best-of" interview, I sit down with financial expert Ed Patton to discuss the financial fundamentals every small business owner needs to understand. We explore the difference between accounting and finance, why focusing only on your profit and loss statement can create dangerous blind spots, how to understand liquidity, and why expenses like taxes, capital expenditures, debt payments, and working capital can catch business owners by surprise. We also discuss how to make smarter decisions about borrowing, investing, growth, and where to deploy your limited business capital. **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com ----- #SmallBusiness #BusinessFinance #CashFlow #FinancialLiteracy #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #FinancialManagement Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero . Terms & Conditions apply.* See the video of my Xero story here: https://youtu.be/LfaGUfwStqo Youtube music licensing code: 5PJWQOE5ZZHTQSRY

August 10, 202620 min

10 Reasons to be optimistic about buying a business

- Join David's email list, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com Buying a business isn't easy but for a prepared buyer, this could be one of the most interesting times in decades to become a business owner. In this video, I break down 10 reasons to consider buying an existing business, from acquiring proven cash flow and customers to taking advantage of new technology, retiring business owners, fragmented industries, financing options, and businesses with untapped growth potential. You don't need to find hundreds of great businesses. You only need to find one good business at the right price with the right deal structure. **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com ----- Youtube music licensing code: 5PJWQOE5ZZHTQSRY

August 8, 202652 min

2025HC 05 Alex Takes on an Online Business Challenge in Ukraine

2025HC#05 Boom-Whiiiiiiinnnnnneee. What’s that noise? Those are actual bombs and air raid sirens. Welcome to Kyiv where everyone is trying to live as normal a life as possible while the country is at war. But maybe there is a whiff of opportunity here too? Today, I speak with Alex who has found an online business for sale and wants to know what I think of making an investment in a country that has some uncertainty in its future. Watch now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ERStfHmPyrk **** - Join David's email list so you never miss any new videos or important information or insights, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com - Get better organized in your business, https://www.EasySmallBizSystems.com - Learn to make better cash flow forecasts and write incredibly effective business plans from scratch!, https://www.BizPlanSchool.com - Learn to build an equity asset with insurance! visit https://www.NewBankingSolution.com -Did you sign up for an expensive Merchant Cash Advance for your business and now struggle to make the payments? Find out how you can negotiate your way out at https://www.EndMyMCA.com

August 6, 202650 min

Business Funding Secrets: How to Raise Private Capital | Spencer Hilligoss

- Join David's email list, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com In this "best-of" interview, I sit down with Spencer Hilligoss to discuss what it really takes to raise private capital and build lasting relationships with investors. We explore how to find the right investors, build trust before you have a deal, create compelling investment presentations, avoid common fundraising mistakes, and why transparency is the key to attracting long-term investment partners. Whether you're raising money for a business acquisition, real estate investment, or another entrepreneurial venture, this conversation is packed with practical advice for first-time capital raisers. Watch the video and learn how to raise private capital for your business. **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com ----- #PrivateCapital #BusinessFunding #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #Investing #CapitalRaising #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness Special Xero offer: Get 90% off for 6 months using this link: https://referrals.xero.com/DavidCBarnett_xero . Terms & Conditions apply.* See the video of my Xero story here: https://youtu.be/LfaGUfwStqo Youtube music licensing code: 5PJWQOE5ZZHTQSRY

August 3, 202624 min

Why Business Brokers Ask for Proof of Funds Before Showing a Business

- Join David's email list, RECEIVE 7 FREE GIFTS!!- https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com Find the Linkedin post here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/davidbarnettmoncton_the-truth-about-buy-a-business-with-no-money-ugcPost-7484600420158398465-3qww/?rcm=ACoAAAOVpf4BZ-xaB5MqWUGsddWFIh8HwKM8lXU Find the interview with Ted Leverette here: https://youtube.com/live/lpbtq6YVYJk Why do business brokers ask for proof of funds before they'll share confidential information about a business for sale? In this video, I explain why this practice has become much more common and how today's business acquisition market has changed. We discuss why brokers need to qualify serious buyers, how the rise of "no money down" business acquisition programs has affected sellers and intermediaries, and why many legitimate buyers are concerned about sharing sensitive financial information. I also share a practical strategy for demonstrating financial capability without revealing your entire financial picture. Whether you're buying your first business or working with brokers regularly, understanding how proof of funds works can help you build credibility, protect your privacy, and move through the acquisition process more effectively. Cheers **** Do Business with David using these incredible internet links... - David's Blog where you can find hundreds of free videos and articles, https://www.DavidCBarnett.com - Book a call with David and let him help you with your project, https://www.CallDavidCBarnett.com - Learn how to buy a successful and profitable business in a risk-controlled way https://www.BusinessBuyerAdvantage.com - Get help selling your business, https://www.HowToSellMyOwnBusiness.com ----- Youtube music licensing code: 5PJWQOE5ZZHTQSRY