Frequently Asked Questions

VerSquare is a vetted provider directory built for small business acquisitions and SBA lending. We help buyers find verified SBA lenders, M&A lawyers, loan brokers, due diligence firms, and buy-side advisors using real performance data and buyer reviews.

An SBA 7(a) loan is a government-backed loan program designed to help small businesses access financing with favorable terms. For business acquisitions, SBA 7(a) loans offer up to $5 million in financing with down payments as low as 10%, interest rates tied to Prime + a spread, and repayment terms of up to 10 years (25 years for real estate). Browse our SBA lender directory to compare lenders by loan volume and performance.

Focus on these factors when comparing SBA lenders:

1. Loan volume — Lenders with higher volumes in your loan size range tend to process faster
2. Default rates — Lower default rates suggest better underwriting and borrower support
3. Industry experience — Some lenders specialize in specific NAICS codes or industries
4. Geographic coverage — Confirm they lend in your target business's state
5. Processing speed — PLP lenders can approve without submitting to SBA individually

Our directory provides all of these data points for 955+ SBA lenders.

A typical acquisition follows these stages:

1. Search & Sourcing — Identify target businesses through brokers, marketplaces, or direct outreach
2. Initial Evaluation — Review financials, assess fit, and determine valuation
3. Letter of Intent (LOI) — Submit a non-binding offer outlining key deal terms
4. Due Diligence — Comprehensive investigation of the business (financial, legal, operational)
5. Financing — Secure SBA loan or other funding
6. Purchase Agreement — Negotiate and execute the definitive agreement
7. Closing — Transfer ownership, fund the transaction, begin transition

The entire process typically takes 3-6 months from LOI to closing.

We verify reviews through multiple methods: reviewers must create an account, provide details about their transaction (deal type, timeline, approximate size), and attest that they had a genuine professional engagement with the provider. We flag and investigate reviews that appear suspicious, and providers can respond to reviews publicly but cannot have them removed unless they violate our content policy.