Hey there, deal hunters!

With less than 100 days left in 2025, I wanted to share some real talk about closing SBA-financed acquisitions before the ball drops. If you're serious about getting a deal done this year, we need to chat about timing, because the window is getting tight - but it's absolutely still doable.

Let's Talk Timeline Reality

Here's the deal: Once your SBA loan hits underwriting at the bank, you're looking at 8-10 weeks to get to the closing table. That's just the reality of how long these things take when you factor in underwriting, final due diligence, legal docs, and all the coordination that happens behind the scenes.

Working backward from December 31st, this means your financing needs to be in underwriting by early-to-mid October. Add in holiday schedules and the usual hiccups that come with any deal, and you can see why we're talking about this now.

Bottom line: If you don't have serious momentum on a target deal yet, it's time to put the pedal to the metal. Every day that slips by in October makes your year-end timeline that much tougher.

Building Your A-Team

Look, I've seen too many good deals go sideways because someone tried to cut corners on their professional team. You absolutely need the right people in your corner for this.

Your Must-Have Players:

• M&A Attorney - And I mean someone who actually does SBA deals regularly, not your buddy who "knows some business law." Trust me on this one.
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• Financial Due Diligence Pro - Whether it's a specialized CPA firm or a dedicated due diligence shop, you need someone who can move fast and knows what SBA lenders are looking for.

Pro tip: Get these folks lined up before you need them. The good ones stay busy, and you can't afford to be hunting for an attorney when you're trying to close by year-end.

The SBA Financing Game Plan

Here's where things get real. Managing SBA financing while juggling everything else in your deal? It's a lot. Like, really a lot.

Before you sign that LOI, make sure you've got:

• Your personal financials buttoned up and reviewed
• Credit report pulled and any issues handled
• Conversations started with SBA lenders
• A realistic picture of how much you can put down

Why We Exist (And How We Can Help)

This is exactly why I started Pioneer Capital Advisory. We've seen firsthand how overwhelming it gets when you're trying to negotiate a deal, manage due diligence, AND navigate SBA lending requirements all at the same time.

Meet the team:

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​Click to meet our team and see what we're all about​

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And here's a recent conversation I had with Ray Drew from Truliant Federal Credit Union about the SBA loan brokerage industry

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What We Bring to Your Deal:

• Faster lender matching - We know who's lending and who's not
• Streamlined paperwork - We've done this hundreds of times
• Proactive communication - We stay on top of your lender so you don't have to
• Timeline coordination - We make sure financing doesn't slow down your deal

Big news: We just brought on a dedicated Head of Closing who works exclusively with clients from underwriting through closing. This means you've got someone in your corner during the most critical (and stressful) part of the process.

Looking ahead: We're also building out our non-SBA lending capabilities for larger deals—think companies doing $2M+ in earnings. If you're a lender in that space (SBIC funds, etc.), let's talk.

Here's the thing: This year alone, we've helped close about $82.4 million in SBA loans. Our lending partners are still very active in the business acquisition space, working with both first-time buyers and experienced acquirers. The money is definitely out there.

The Business Plan Situation

Real talk: Every SBA lender is going to want a comprehensive business plan and three-year financial projections. This isn't optional, and it's not something you want to throw together at the last minute.

What they're looking for:

• A solid executive summary that explains why this deal makes sense
• Market analysis showing you understand the business and competition
• Your transition plan with real timelines and milestones
• Financial projections that actually make sense (monthly for year 1, quarterly for years 2-3)

Here's the deal: If writing business plans isn't your thing (and honestly, it's not most people's thing), my business partner Joe Thomas at SMB Business Plans LLC specializes in exactly this. He knows what SBA lenders want to see and can save you a ton of time.

Check him out:
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​Website: www.smbbusinessplans.com​
​Connect with Joe: LinkedIn Profile​

Just remember - quality business plans take time. Don't wait until your lender is asking for it.

Got a Deal Under LOI Already?

If you're sitting on a signed Letter of Intent and trying to get to closing before year-end, we should talk ASAP. Time-sensitive deals need immediate attention, and we can help you figure out if your timeline is realistic and spot any potential roadblocks before they become deal-killers.

And hey, if you're reading this with a live deal in progress, I sincerely hope your transaction is going more smoothly than Wisconsin's 2025 football season.

Let's chat:​
​Book Your LOI Deal Strategy Call​

Or just email me:​
​matthias@pioneercap.com​

Your This-Week Action Plan

If you're serious about closing something in 2025:

1. Deal Pipeline Check - If you don't have an LOI yet, it's time to get aggressive on your best prospects
2. Team Assembly - Call your attorney and due diligence folks this week and make sure they can handle Q4 timing
3. Financing Reality Check - Let's talk about your financing strategy and timeline before you need it
4. Business Plan Decision - Figure out if you're doing this yourself or bringing in the pros

The Real Talk Conclusion

Look, closing an SBA deal in Q4 2025 is totally doable—but only if you're smart about it and get the right help. I've been doing this long enough to know that trying to handle everything yourself is usually a recipe for missing deadlines.

The buyers who succeed are the ones who recognize that their time is better spent on strategy and deal execution, not learning the ins and outs of SBA lending requirements.

The cost of missing your 2025 deadline isn't just a few months of delay—you might lose your target company entirely.

Ready to make this happen?

Pioneer Capital Advisory is here to handle the SBA financing complexity so you can focus on what you do best. Let's get on a call and figure out how to get your deal across the finish line before the champagne starts flowing on New Year's Eve.

Reach out today. Let's make 2025 your acquisition year.

Ready to Have a Real Conversation About Business Buying?

If you're serious about acquiring a business and want to work with people who'll give you the straight truth (not social media fantasies), we'd love to connect with you.

For pre-LOI buyers ready to explore opportunities: Schedule a meet & greet call​

Already have a deal under LOI and need financing help: Schedule an LOI consultation​

Got questions or just want to chat? Drop me a line directly at matthias@pioneercap.com​

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Business buyers are encouraged to consult with their legal counsel and accountant to ensure the proper structuring of their transactions and to fully understand the tax implications of seller financing.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to reply directly to this email with any questions or thoughts.