The Business Ownership Show

Why Lenders Care About Your Personal Liquidity and Debt Ratios

Why do lenders care so much about your personal liquidity and debt-to-income ratio when you're buying a business? In this episode, Beau Eckstein breaks down how banks evaluate your financial strength, what "post-close liquidity" really means, and how to structure a deal that still gets approved even when you're light on cash. You'll learn how working capital and receivables factor into approvals, how to use business salary to strengthen your DTI, which red flags kill deals, and the compensating factors that can still win you the funding. Book a call at BookWithBeau.com or text (725) 712-6256.

SBA 7(a) vs SBA 504: Which Loan Gets You the Better Deal?

SBA 7(a) or SBA 504: which one actually gets you the better deal? Most entrepreneurs don't understand the real differences. In this episode, Beau Eckstein breaks down why the 7(a) is the Swiss-Army-Knife loan (business acquisition, working capital, buildout and equipment in one underwriting process with a Preferred Lender), why the 504's two-loan structure is built for bigger $10M–$20M projects, and how pari passu structures can get you to $7.5M+ on a 7(a) combined with conventional senior debt. Speed vs. scale, here's how to pick the right one. And if your bank said "no," it may just mean they're not a preferred SBA lender. Book a call at BookWithBeau.com to get matched with lenders who say yes in most cases at $0 in fees.

Emerging Franchise Opportunities in 2025 and Beyond

Looking to start a business in 2026? Franchising could be your best path to success! In this episode, we dive into the top emerging franchise opportunities, the benefits of franchising, and how to leverage SBA financing to minimize upfront costs. Whether you're transitioning from a W2 job, expanding your real estate income, or seeking a semi-absentee business, this episode has everything you need to get started.

SBA 7a Loans Explained

Want to buy a business while keeping your W-2 job? Learn how SBA 7(a) loans work, what lenders look for, and how to prepare for approval! Beau Eckstein breaks down everything from semi-absentee business models to financial projections and loan readiness.

The SBA Lending Playbook Has Changed New Rules That Could Make or Break Your Loan

SBA Construction Loans Explained Land Down Payment 7a vs 504 How It Works

Can you use an SBA loan to buy land and build a commercial property? Beau breaks down SBA construction financing, including 7(a) vs. 504 loans, down payments, using land you already own as equity, construction costs, working capital, construction reserves, loan payments, and how long it actually takes to get funded.

How to Increase Your Business Value Before You Sell

Want to sell your business for the highest possible price? Beau breaks down why 3–5 years of preparation, clean financials, accurate tax returns, and reducing owner dependence can dramatically increase your business value and why saving a few thousand dollars in taxes today could cost you hundreds of thousands when you sell.

SBA Business Acquisition Financing

Buying a business with SBA financing can be one of the most powerful ways to become an owner, but how much money do you actually need, what will the bank look at, and can seller financing reduce your cash requirement? Beau breaks down the 8 most common SBA business acquisition questions, including down payments, cash flow, DSCR, add-backs, seller notes, working capital, experience requirements, and what happens when the business valuation comes in below the purchase price.

How Does an SBA 504 Work

The Small Business Administration created the SBA 504 loan program for entrepreneurs just like you. Getting an SBA 504 loan is a pretty simple process, but it may seem a bit overwhelming at the start. Basically, you will get two loans: A first lien and a second lien. Let me explain. The first lien is the senior debt which is the bank part and the second lien (or loan) is the guaranteed piece by the SBA. If you're buying a million dollar property, you're financing an existing business expansion, where you can, under the SBA 504 loan program, finance ninety percent of the total cost. You would have to bring in about $100,000. Each loan would fund roughly half of the financed amount - the bank would provide a loan of, say, $500,000 and the Certified Development Company (CDC), or second loan, would be for $400,000. (NOTE: The bank technically makes both loans, one for itself and the second on behalf of the CDC.)

Does SBA do 100 financing-QandA

Hello Beau, I heard that I could buy a building that my business would occupy, and I could get 100% financing? Can you explain? I own an engineering firm, been in business for 23 years, and have always leased.