Buying a business is exciting, but the process can feel long and overwhelming. One of the most common questions we hear from acquisition entrepreneurs is, “How quickly can we close?”
On average, the SBA loan process takes 60 to 90 days from start to finish. While that may sound lengthy, much of the timeline is within your control. Buyers who prepare early and stay proactive can often close toward the lower end of that range. Remember the golden rule in acquisitions: time kills deals. The longer the process drags on, the greater the risk of losing momentum with sellers, lenders, or unforeseen issues.
Below are practical steps buyers can take to accelerate the closing timeline without cutting corners.
1. Get Prequalified Early
The biggest time-saver is starting with a prequalification. By sharing your financials upfront, lenders can quickly determine eligibility and flag potential issues. This not only speeds up the loan process but also gives you stronger negotiating power with sellers.
2. Assemble a Complete Document Package
One of the biggest causes of delays is missing or disorganized paperwork. Lenders can’t move forward until they have the full picture of your financials. At a minimum, you’ll need to provide items like your personal financial statement, tax returns, proof of income, and a business plan with projections. In reality, the list extends well beyond that.
At eCommerce Lending, we simplify this process by helping clients gather, organize, and package all required documentation before the deal is ever submitted to underwriting. This ensures your file is complete and presentation-ready, which helps underwriters move faster and keeps your acquisition on track.
3. Understand the Underwriting Timeline
Underwriting is where the lender reviews your financials, projections, and supporting documents in detail. This step typically takes 2–3 weeks. Timely responses and well-prepared documentation can prevent underwriting from dragging out and keep you moving toward closing.
4. Respond Quickly to Lender Requests
Underwriters often ask for clarifications, updated statements, or additional forms. Every day you delay responding adds to the timeline. Buyers who prioritize communication with their lender typically close weeks sooner than those who wait to reply.
5. Secure the Right Team Early
One of the most common reasons deals stall is because buyers don’t have the right team in place. Success in acquisitions requires more than just a lender. You need trusted advisors who understand the process and can move quickly.
At eCommerce Lending, we help our clients build that team. We connect buyers with experienced M&A legal representation, life insurance providers (a common SBA requirement), and the right lending partners from our extensive network. Having these relationships in place from the start keeps the process aligned and moving forward.
6. Be Flexible and Proactive
Sometimes unexpected challenges arise, such as appraisal delays or tax transcript issues. Buyers who stay flexible and proactive, anticipating requests before they come, can keep momentum going even when obstacles pop up.
Final Thoughts
Closing on a business acquisition does not have to take months. By preparing upfront, responding quickly, and surrounding yourself with the right team, you can cut down the timeline and move from accepted offer to ownership much faster.
At eCommerce Lending, we live by the saying time kills deals. Our role is to keep momentum on your side and make sure nothing stands between you and closing. With our experience, network, and hands-on guidance, buyers can move forward with confidence knowing their deal is progressing the right way and on time.
If you are serious about acquiring a business and want to close faster, partner with eCommerce Lending today. Let us help you streamline the process, avoid delays, and secure financing with confidence. Start your acquisition journey today!
