New SBA Loan Rules Just Changed! What Business Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Are you planning to buy or sell a business using an SBA loan? In this episode of My SBA Loan Pro, Rob Kale discusses important changes to SBA lending rules effective October 1 and explains what business buyers, sellers, and owners need to understand before moving forward with a business acquisition.

We explore how the updated SBA loan requirements may affect business acquisitions, ownership changes, seller transitions, and the loan approval process. We also discuss quality of earnings (QofE), financial due diligence, investor distributions, debt, and how buyers and sellers can better prepare for an SBA-financed transaction.

In this video, you'll learn about:
- New SBA loan rules and their potential impact on business acquisitions
- What business buyers and sellers should know before applying for an SBA loan
- Ownership changes and seller transition considerations
- Why financial documentation and quality of earnings matter
- Common due diligence challenges in business acquisitions
- How buyers and sellers can prepare for the SBA lending process
- The role of AI in business acquisition research and due diligence

Whether you're a first-time business buyer, an entrepreneur, a business owner planning to sell, or a professional working in business acquisitions, this discussion can help you understand the issues to consider before pursuing SBA financing.

Watch until the end for insights that may help you prepare for your next business acquisition.

Subscribe to My SBA Loan Pro** for more discussions about SBA loans, business financing, buying a business, and business acquisition strategies.

More ThinkSBA Resources

⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

Thinking about using an SBA loan to become a business owner? In this episode, we break down the three most common paths: starting an independent business, opening a franchise, or buying an existing business.

▶️You’ll learn:

➡️Which option is easiest to finance
➡️How lenders evaluate each type of deal
➡️SBA down payment and liquidity requirements
➡️Business plans and financial projections
➡️How lenders evaluate experience and credit
➡️Why business acquisitions can be easier to finance
➡️Working capital and collateral requirements
➡️Business valuations and seller financing
➡️Common mistakes first-time borrowers make

Whether you're considering a startup, a franchise, or a business acquisition, this episode will help you understand what lenders look for before you apply for SBA financing.

🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Smith

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro

More ThinkSBA Resources

⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

From W-2 Employee to Business Owner: How She 10X’d Her Insurance Agency

What does it really take to leave a W-2 job, start your own business, and build a company that grows beyond you?

In this episode of the My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, Ryan Smith sits down with Stephanie Petrickova, Principal and Founder of SSA Insurance, for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, business growth, commercial real estate, and the mindset required to take the leap from employee to business owner.

Stephanie shares the story of how she went from working at a financial planning firm to launching her own benefits agency—and how she eventually grew the business by more than 10X.

We also dive into one of the biggest decisions she made as a business owner: buying a commercial building instead of leasing one.

▶️In this episode, we discuss:

• How Stephanie transitioned from a W-2 employee to business owner
• The risks and fears involved in starting a business
• How she prepared for six months before making the leap
• Building and growing an insurance and employee benefits agency
• How her business grew more than 10X
• Leadership, confidence, and overcoming self-doubt
• Why getting outside your comfort zone matters in business
• How to build a strong company culture
• Managing time as a growing business owner
• Delegation and hiring an executive assistant
• Building a community of fellow business owners
• Why Stephanie chose to buy commercial real estate instead of leasing
• How owning a commercial building changed her company culture
• Using commercial real estate as part of your business strategy
• Community events, networking, and business development
• Moving from working “in” the business to working “on” the business
• Advice for W-2 employees who want to become entrepreneurs

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro

More ThinkSBA Resources

⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

What if your 401(k) or IRA could do more than invest in traditional stocks and mutual funds?

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Davis, founder of Independent IRA, to explore the world of **self-directed IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, real estate investing, private companies, alternative investments, and retirement wealth building**.

▶️Timestamp:
➡️00:00 The Retirement Mindset Shift
➡️02:27 Meet Brian Davis
➡️02:47 From Mortgage Lending to Independent IRA
➡️05:40 What Is a Self-Directed IRA?
➡️08:39 Can You Move Your 401(k)?
➡️10:54 How Alternative Investments Work
➡️11:15 Trust Deed Investing Explained
➡️13:14 Where Investors Are Putting Money Today
➡️15:48 Biggest Investment Wins & Losses
➡️18:33 Tax Benefits of Self-Directed IRAs
➡️20:28 Crypto, Private Equity & Precious Metals
➡️21:42 The Risks of Alternative Investing
➡️25:57 Solo 401(k) Explained
➡️27:43 Why Solo 401(k)s Have More Flexibility
➡️30:29 Borrowing From Your Own 401(k)
➡️33:24 What Happens to Old 401(k)s?
➡️36:05 Who Should Consider a Self-Directed IRA?
➡️39:03 The Future of Real Estate Investing
➡️43:16 Final Advice for Business Owners
➡️45:09 Outro

Brian explains how investors can potentially use retirement accounts to access alternative assets such as:

• Real estate
• Private equity and private companies
• Trust deeds and real estate notes
• Cryptocurrency
• Private funds
• Precious metals
• Alternative investments

We also discuss the difference between traditional retirement accounts and self-directed accounts, when old 401(k)s can be rolled into an IRA, Solo 401(k) options for self-employed business owners, and the risks that come with alternative investing.

Most importantly, this conversation is about understanding your options and knowing what you're investing in—not simply chasing the next big opportunity.

🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Smith

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro

More ThinkSBA Resources

⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

Commercial real estate attorney Kevin Simonsen explains the legal mistakes that can cost business owners and real estate investors hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even millions.

In this episode of the My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, Ryan sits down with Kevin Simson to discuss the legal side of commercial real estate, including commercial leases, purchase agreements, negotiations, due diligence, and common mistakes business owners and real estate investors should avoid.

Kevin brings nearly two decades of experience in sophisticated commercial real estate transactions, including leases, acquisitions, development, construction, and financing.

In This Episode:

• Why commercial real estate is different from residential real estate
• Why you should involve a real estate attorney before signing an LOI
• What a retrade is and how it can affect a deal
• Commercial lease negotiation strategies
• Common commercial real estate contract mistakes
• Why due diligence matters before buying a commercial property
• How unclear lease terms can create massive unexpected costs
• The difference between a commercial real estate broker and attorney
• How one property owner faced foreclosure after years of unpaid property taxes
• Why liability protection and proper entity structure matter
• What buyers and tenants should negotiate in commercial real estate deals
• Insights into the San Diego life science and biotech real estate market

If you're a business owner, commercial property investor, landlord, tenant, or entrepreneur considering a commercial real estate transaction, this episode will help you understand the risks before you sign.

🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Smith

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro

More ThinkSBA Resources

⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

Can you really trust your financial advisor?

For more than 35 years, investor rights attorney Mark Brewer has helped people recover millions lost to broker misconduct, investment fraud, financial elder abuse, unsuitable investments, and retirement account mismanagement.

In this conversation with United Stage, Mark explains how investors unknowingly lose their retirement savings, why reading your account statements matters, how brokers earn hidden commissions, and what warning signs every investor should know before trusting a financial advisor.

You'll also learn:

• How investment fraud really happens
• Why some brokers prioritize commissions over clients
• The difference between brokers and fiduciary advisors
• How retirees become targets of financial abuse
• The dangers of excessive trading (churning)
• Why unsuitable investments destroy retirement accounts
• AI scams and crypto investment fraud
• How to protect yourself and your family from financial exploitation

Whether you're investing for retirement, helping aging parents manage their finances, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, this conversation offers practical advice that could help you avoid costly mistakes.

🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Smith
👨‍⚖️ Featuring Investor Rights Attorney Mark Brewer

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro

More ThinkSBA Resources

⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

Before making any move, watch this conversation with Juan Felipe Sanchez, Principal Attorney and Partner at Mexico Business Lawyers.

In this episode, we discuss:

✅ Starting a business in Mexico
✅ Legal requirements for foreign investors
✅ Buying real estate in Mexico
✅ Manufacturing opportunities
✅ Cross-border business strategy
✅ Hiring employees in Mexico
✅ Mexican labor laws
✅ Best places to invest
✅ Tijuana vs Monterrey vs Cabo
✅ Mexico business culture
✅ US companies expanding into Mexico
✅ Real estate investment opportunities
✅ Todos Santos, La Paz & Baja California
✅ Best restaurants in Mexico

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, business owner, or someone considering expanding internationally, this episode provides valuable insights on how to successfully do business in Mexico.

🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Smith
👨‍⚖️ Featuring Mexico Business Attorney Juan Felipe Sanchez

If you liked this content, let's connect on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysbapro
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mysbapro

Guest:
Juan Felipe Sanchez
Principal Attorney
Mexico Business Lawyers

More ThinkSBA Resources

⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel

After nearly 20 years in banking and financing hundreds of business acquisitions, I finally became the buyer.

In this episode of My SBA Loan Pro Podcast, I share the complete story of buying my first business—a profitable trampoline park—and the lessons I learned before, during, and after the acquisition.

▶️We discuss:

➡️Why I chose to buy an existing business instead of starting one
➡️How I evaluated cash flow and risk before making an offer
➡️What I discovered during due diligence
➡️The financing structure and negotiations behind the deal
➡️The biggest surprises after taking ownership
➡️Why cleaning up the business didn't automatically increase profits
➡️Cash flow, taxes, and wealth-building strategies every buyer should understand
➡️My advice for first-time business buyers and entrepreneurs
➡️Why I'm already searching for my next acquisition

Whether you're considering buying a business, exploring SBA financing, or interested in Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), this episode offers practical insights from someone who has been on both sides of the table—as a banker and now as a business owner.

If you're serious about business acquisitions, SBA loans, and building long-term wealth through entrepreneurship, make sure to subscribe for more episodes.

🎙️ Hosted by Ryan Smith

More ThinkSBA Resources

⁠https://calendly.com/thinksba - Schedule Call
https://g.page/thinksba - Google Business Page & Reviews
https://thinksba.com/faq - Frequently Asked Questions
https://mysbaloanpro.com⁠ - My SBA Loan Pro Podcast
http://youtube.com/@thinksba - YouTube Channel