Merger She Wrote®

Purchasing a business is exciting but often overwhelming, especially when it comes to financing. In this episode, Dan Foley from Evolve Bank pulls back the curtain on SBA lending, offering valuable insights into the process. He shares how his shift from processing applications to helping clients create compelling business plans led to higher approval rates and more confident buyers.

Dan reveals common pitfalls, like the challenges of earnouts, seller transitions, and industry licensing and shares eye-opening real-life stories, including one involving mistaken felony charges and a surprise $100,000 from the Treasury Department days before closing.

For buyers with tight timelines, Dan offers practical advice on navigating the SBA process, from document collection to underwriting, saving you time and money.Whether you're buying a business or exploring the idea, this episode is a must-listen for crucial financing insights.

Kazem Harfouche, Managing Partner at Cedar Crest Capital, explores a major market gap affecting small business owners across the U.S. Many successful businesses with decades of profitability and under $3 million in EBITDA face uncertain futures because they don’t fit the high-growth model private equity firms prefer. As Kazem puts it, “The kids don’t want to take them over because they’re not cool enough.”

Cedar Crest Capital takes a different approach—preserving what works rather than forcing aggressive growth. They focus on maintaining employee relationships, brand identity, and operational stability, offering owners a smooth transition with just two months of support.

Kazem also highlights the emotional side of selling a business: “Seventy percent of what we do is psychology, not investing.” For many owners, their business is their identity, making it hard to let go—often leading to missed financial opportunities.

This episode breaks down practical succession strategies, including Cedar Crest’s 51% partial buyout option, helping owners protect both their legacy and their wealth.