What we’re reading,
writing, and saying.
Deal analysis, operator playbooks, and honest conversations with buyers, lenders, and operators building the next generation of digital businesses.
Why Your SBA 7(a) Term Sheet Isn't the Deal You Think It Is
The commitment letter is the deal. The term sheet is a handshake. Here's what changes between the two, and how to protect yourself before you're 45 days in.
The 12 Metrics Every Ecommerce Buyer Should Pull Before LOI
Contribution margin by SKU, return rate by channel, supplier concentration, and eight more. Most buyers look at the wrong numbers until it's too late.
The 100-Day Playbook for New Ecommerce Operators
What to do in weeks one through twelve after wire hits. Vendor renegotiation, team retention, tech stack audit, and when to touch the ad account.
Seller Notes: When to Take Them, How to Structure Them
A seller note on full standby satisfies the SBA's 5% equity injection rule. A seller note on partial standby does not. The difference costs deals.
De-Risking Your First Acquisition: 3 Red Flags to Spot in Due Diligence
A practical framework for identifying platform dependency, founder-centric operations, and financial noise before you acquire an online business.
New SBA 7(a) Rule Takes Effect March 1: Here's What's Changing
Updated SBA financing eligibility affects how lenders can structure acquisition loans. Here's what buyers need to know before submitting an application.
How Buyers Can Speed Up the Closing Timeline
Most delays in SBA acquisition closes are buyer-caused. Here's the checklist that keeps your deal moving from LOI to wire.
What First-Time Buyers Get Wrong About SBA Loans
The five misconceptions that cause first-time acquirers to either miss deals they could have financed or overpay for deals they should have passed on.
Stephen Speer,
on the mic.
Stephen joins brokers, operators, and searchers on industry shows to talk SBA financing, deal structure, and what actually closes.
- Seller PlexJul 30, 2024·55 min
The Truth About SBA Loans for eCommerce from Over $250 Million in Lending with Stephen Speer
- Website ClosersMar 19, 2024·40 min
Small Businesses and SBA Loans with Stephen Speer
- Truth About ExitsNov 7, 2023·48 min
$200M+ In SBA Loans For E-commerce Acquisitions – Stephen Speer
- Inside the Lion's DenAug 14, 2023·35 min
Successful Business Acquisition using Financing with Stephen Speer
- Buying Online BusinessesMay 22, 2023·42 min
Getting Finance for Buying Online Businesses with Stephen Speer #69