411 Funding’s Post

In 2006, I sold my third restaurant and BARELY broke even.  Two of my first three businesses failed. 🏳️🏳️ I needed to understand the transaction cycle to avoid more losses. ↳ In 2007, I became a business broker and quickly learned that unrealistic seller expectations were killing loans. ↳ So in 2008, I tried SBA loan brokerage, but valuations were still coming in low. ↳ By 2010, I found my stride as a business appraiser, valuing over 10,000 businesses. Since selling my valuation firm, I’ve reflected on my journey and identified the core issues at each stage: ➡️ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫:  Valuations are ordered by lenders late in the process and often fall short, leading to deal collapse or restructuring delays. ➡️ 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫:  Work directly with buyers but lack transparency with sellers and face last-minute valuation issues. ➡️ 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫:  Work with sellers who price businesses based on emotional value, not fair market value; brokers lack tools to bridge this gap. 💡𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? Launch a platform that prequalifies both a seller and buyer for SBA financing and connects the buyer to the right lender. I can do this by: ☛Providing business brokers with free access to Valzy for realistic pricing from the start; values will eventually align with SBA lender pre-screening; ☛Sending SBA lenders a Valzy report and complete summary to prequalify the business for SBA financing; and ☛Using LendUX to streamline SBA loan applications for buyers with intuitive digital forms and secure document uploads, ↳ 𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. 🚀 ✦ ⁉Brokers and lenders, could this platform speed up your deal closures?

This is why I tell all business owners they need a relationship with A CDFI.

📰 In our August blog post, we break down business lines of credit. There may be times as a business owner when you need immediate access to cash for unexpected costs or a desire to increase seasonal inventory. A line of credit is one solution that may be right for you. Learn more about what a business line of credit is and how you can take advantage of one. 💵 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ezF2HGry

🌟 Weekly Insight for Business Brokers from Your SBA Lending Partner 🌟 As business brokers, you play a crucial role in connecting buyers and sellers, but did you know that SBA lending can significantly enhance the transaction process? This week, I would like to highlight how SBA loans can benefit your clients and streamline deals: 1. Lower Down Payments: SBA loans often require lower down payments compared to traditional financing, making it easier for buyers to acquire businesses. How can this flexibility open up opportunities for your clients? 2. Longer Terms: With extended repayment terms, SBA loans can help buyers manage their cash flow more effectively. Have you seen this benefit in your recent transactions? 3. Support for Various Industries: SBA loans can cater to a wide range of industries. What industries have you found to be the most receptive to SBA financing? 4. Pre-Qualification Process: Understanding the pre-qualification process can help you guide your clients more effectively. What resources do you use to educate your clients about SBA lending? 5. Collaboration Opportunities: Partnering with an SBA lender can lead to smoother transactions and better client experiences. How do you typically collaborate with lenders in your deals? We’d love to hear your thoughts on how SBA financing has impacted your business brokerage transactions. Share your experiences in the comments! Together, we can create more opportunities for buyers and sellers in the marketplace! 🤝 #BusinessBrokers #SBALending #ClientSuccess #TransactionSupport #Collaboration

I wrote a blog about business lines of credit...and it makes sense! Do you know what a line of credit is or why you should have one? Check out the blog below!

You’ve got a great idea for a new business. Or maybe you already have a business and have plans to branch out in a new direction or space. That’s exciting. What may not seem as thrilling is the prospect of meeting with a lender to help you get the money you need to carry out those plans. Here are some ways that you can put yourself in a better position to get the financing you need: https://trst.in/xvqoKc

I once believed in simplicity and transparency, of aspiring business buyers completing the SBA personal financial statement. Like a novice way back in the day. But, the reality hit me hard. Business buyers may not always provide complete transparency in their statements... ...whether by accident or on purpose. I learned lessons. 𑁋Flexibility is key 𑁋Trust, but verify 𑁋Verify everything 𑁋Expect the unexpected 𑁋Look beyond the surface I've found statements that outright nix buyers from SBA loans. And then there's stuff other professionals missed. Stuff that got a "no" flipped to a "yes." All because I dove deep. Right from the start. I dig where others don't. Cash stacked in the freezer, is not cash in your bank savings account. Tell me, please, where your cash is stashed. Got secret cold cash? Let's turn that 'oops' into a 'woo-hoo' out of the gates. Transparency. It matters. Experience. It matters. Slide into my DM with 'SeekAndFinance' for credible biz buy prequals! #SBA #FindTheCash #CashDetective #BusinessBuyers #BusinessBrokers

Are you a business owner thinking about getting the Capital One Venture X Business Card? The Capital One Venture X Business Card is designed for business owners seeking premium benefits. Here’s what you need to know: ✅ You get 150,000 bonus points.
 ✅ No Preset Spending Limit. ✅ Business Expense Management Tools. ✅ Lounge Access. But there’s a catch: 
⚠️ You’ll need to spend $15,000 to get that bonus. 
⚠️ They’ll check your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. 
⚠️ Business expenses may impact your personal credit score. Why does this matter?
Business activities showing up on your personal credit can affect your ability to get other loans, like a mortgage. My advice:
Always weigh the opportunity cost and compare it with other options before choosing a card. What’s your go-to business card? Let me know in the comments!

Nothing beats the feeling of helping a small business owner like you get the financing you need—especially when traditional lenders have turned you away. When a client comes to us with a dream of buying property or securing funds for their business, and they’ve already faced rejection from the banks, we know the frustration they’re feeling. But here’s the thing: we love turning those “no’s” into a big YES! We get so much joy from seeing the relief and excitement on our clients’ faces when they finally get the funding they need to move forward. It’s not just about closing a loan for us—it’s about making your vision a reality and knowing we’ve played a part in helping your business grow. If you’ve been denied before or you’re just feeling stuck, don’t give up. We’re here to listen, understand your needs, and work with you to find a solution. No more roadblocks—just results. Need help securing a loan to buy that property you've been eyeing? We’re here to make it happen. Fill out our Funding Application today, and let’s start making things happen! https://lnkd.in/eQvMpFiB

Access to Capital In business ownership, you have to be prepared for anything – good or bad. You might encounter a new growth opportunity or difficult situation that requires additional funding you don’t have. VBOCs provide assistance based on your funding needs and help veteran and military spouse business owners come up with a plan to acquire new capital. VBOCs know about the various types of SBA-backed loans available and which ones will work for your business. SBA-backed loans come with competitive terms and support, as well as opportunities for assistance from your VBOC. Check out the different types of SBA loans https://lnkd.in/eeVuipt available for your veteran-owned small business. Then talk to your VBOC about your specific needs and how to apply for them using SBA’s lender match tool https://lnkd.in/guWSnCyV. Contacting your local VBOC is the first step to accessing a one-stop shop for all your veteran business-related questions. VBOCs provide mentorship throughout your entrepreneurship journey and connect you with the resources to help your business grow. Find your local VBOC and set up an appointment today! https://lnkd.in/daGxYnS   *This is an excerpt from a blog originally written by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development.