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Small Business Owners

Asset Sale vs. Stock Sale: What’s the Difference?

When selling your small business, understanding the difference between an asset sale vs. stock sale is critical to minimizing risk and maximizing value. This post explains how each option impacts taxes, liability, and deal complexity, so you can make a smarter exit.

Morgan Tate
May 15, 2025
Small Business Buyers

Top ETA Groups to Know: How Joining One Can Accelerate Your Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Journey

Entrepreneurship through acquisition doesn’t have to be a solo journey. This guide breaks down the most active ETA groups across the U.S. that can help you find deals, avoid mistakes, and build lasting connections.

Brit Karel
May 9, 2025
Small Business Partners

Catch Joe Brown, SMB.co’s CEO, at the B2SMB Leaders Forum | May 14–15, 2025

Catch Joe Brown, SMB.co’s CEO, at the B2SMB Leaders Forum in Sonoma this May. We’re excited to connect with fellow innovators building tools, services, and partnerships that help small businesses grow, thrive, and exit successfully.

Brit Karel
May 6, 2025
Small Business Owners

Selling and Buying a Business Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At SMB.co, we work with thousands of business buyers and sellers every month, and we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions from real people navigating real transactions. These FAQs are designed to break down complex topics into straightforward, actionable advice — no jargon, no fluff.

Brit Karel
May 2, 2025
Small Business Owners

The Hidden Costs of Buying and Selling a Business

Buying and selling a business involves more than just agreeing on a sale price—hidden costs like taxes, broker commissions, and legal fees can add up quickly. This guide helps you understand and prepare for these expenses to protect your payout when buying and selling a business.

Brit Karel
April 28, 2025
Small Business Buyers

What Buyers Want When They Buy a Small Business: Top Trends from SMB.co

This post breaks down real-time data from thousands of buyers on SMB.co to help you better understand what others are searching for when they buy a small business. From top industries like service-based businesses and car washes to key buyer preferences like strong cash flow, absentee ownership, and warm-weather markets, this guide is packed with insights to sharpen your search or position your business to sell.

Brit Karel
April 22, 2025
Small Business Brokers

Unlocking Deal Flow: How to Partner with a Business Broker To Close More Deals

Business brokers aren’t deal blockers—they’re deal unlockers. This post breaks down how to partner with the right broker, avoid common mistakes, and use their expertise to access better deal flow and close smarter, smoother acquisitions.

Morgan Tate
April 17, 2025
Small Business Buyers

How to Spot a Good Small Business Deal (and Avoid a Bad One)

Not all small business deals are created equal. This guide walks you through the must-know signals of a solid opportunity versus a risky investment, so you can buy smarter.

Brit Karel
April 11, 2025
Small Business Buyers

Should You Get a Secured or Unsecured Loan to Buy a Small Business?

If you're exploring how to finance a small business purchase, understanding the difference between a secured or unsecured loan is crucial. This guide breaks down each option’s risks, benefits, and when they make the most sense for your goals.

Brit Karel
April 3, 2025
Small Business Partners

SMB.co Welcomes Isagani Yorke to Its Growth Network to Enhance Small Business Financial Consulting & Exit Planning

SMB.co has partnered with financial consulting firm Isagani Yorke to help small business owners better prepare for exit through expert valuation and deal support. This collaboration brings fractional CFO services and transaction advisory into the SMB.co ecosystem, making successful sales more accessible.

Brit Karel
March 28, 2025
Small Business Brokers

SMB.co’s Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) Generator: A Smarter Way to Sell

A Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) is a powerful tool for presenting a business’s value to serious buyers. SMB.co’s CIM Generator helps sellers and brokers create professional, streamlined Confidential Information Memorandums in just minutes—saving time while boosting buyer confidence and deal outcomes.

Brit Karel
March 25, 2025
Small Business Buyers

What Small Business Should I Start? Actually, It's Better to Buy One.

If you’re asking, "what small business should I start?", consider buying instead. Purchasing an existing business gives you instant customers, revenue, and a proven model—without the startup struggle.

Brit Karel
March 20, 2025
Small Business Buyers

From Gym Member to Owner: Chris’s Business Purchase Journey

Chris went from gym member to owner, overcoming obstacles with the right guidance. His journey proves smart planning leads to success.

Brit Karel
March 20, 2025
Small Business Partners

SMB.co Raises $1M in Pre-Seed Funding to Make Small Business Transitions Easier and More Accessible

SMB.co has closed a $1M pre-seed funding round led by Collide Capital, with Fireroad Ventures also participating. This investment will fuel SMB.co’s mission to simplify and support small business transactions, helping entrepreneurs buy, sell, and grow businesses more easily while maintaining their legacies.

Brit Karel
March 20, 2025
Small Business Brokers

Why Use a Business Broker and What Role Do They Play?

Why use a business broker? Brokers simplify business sales by handling valuations, negotiations, and due diligence while ensuring confidentiality. SMB.co’s AI-powered tools help brokers streamline deal-making, manage listings, and connect with qualified buyers - closing deals faster and more efficiently.

Brit Karel
March 20, 2025
Small Business Buyers

What is the Due Diligence Process in Business Acquisitions?

What is the due diligence process when buying a business? It’s a structured review of financials, legal issues, operations, and market conditions to assess risks and opportunities. This guide explains why due diligence matters and how to conduct it effectively for a smooth and informed business acquisition.

Brit Karel
February 26, 2025
Small Business Owners

Simplifying Business Sales for Business Owners: SMB on the B2SMB Podcast

Selling a small business is harder than it should be - but SMB.co is changing that. In this episode of the B2BSMB Podcast, Co-founder & CEO Joe Brown shares how SMB.co is simplifying business sales with transparency, off-market opportunities, and smarter tools for buyers and sellers.

Brit Karel
February 10, 2025
Small Business Owners

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Business

Selling a business is a major milestone, but common mistakes can lower its value or stall the process. This guide covers the top 5 pitfalls to avoid and actionable steps to maximize your business’s worth before listing it for sale.

Brit Karel
February 3, 2025
Small Business Buyers

Your How-To Guide for Buying a Small Business. Small Businesses for Sale!

“Small businesses for sale”... are you in the market to purchase a small business and just put this phrase into Google to begin your search? Well, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time buyer, the journey from finding to acquiring a business is filled with a mix of both challenges and opportunities. ‍Our goal in this article is to provide you with actionable steps and insights to make this transition as smooth and successful as possible. Let’s get started.

Brit Karel
February 3, 2025
Small Business Owners

How do I grow my business? Leverage digital marketing!

Digital marketing can answer the question, "How do I grow my business?" This blog provides practical tips for leveraging tools like social media, SEO, and paid ads while introducing the SMB Growth Network as a resource to help small businesses thrive.

Brit Karel
January 21, 2025
Small Business Buyers

Off-Market vs. On-Market: Finding the Best Little Business for Sale

Off-market deals are the hidden gems of the small business world, offering buyers less competition and better opportunities to negotiate. If you're searching for a little business for sale, SMB.co's tools and outreach make it easier to find high-value businesses that might not even be listed yet.

Brit Karel
January 14, 2025
Small Business Partners

SMB.co and Zephyr Business Group Join Forces to Help Small Businesses Optimize Their Back-Office Operations

SMB.co has teamed up with Zephyr Business Group to provide small businesses with tools to optimize their back-office operations, from bookkeeping to HR services. This partnership offers SMB.co members an exclusive free financial review, empowering business owners to improve financial performance and focus on growth.

Brit Karel
January 8, 2025
Small Business Buyers

Negotiating a Turnkey Business for Sale

This blog post explores how to negotiate the best deal for a turnkey business for sale, highlighting key strategies like understanding the business’s value, crafting a fair offer, and negotiating essential terms beyond price. With tips on leveraging due diligence and focusing on long-term success, buyers can confidently secure a smooth and rewarding transaction.

Brit Karel
January 4, 2025
Small Business Buyers

Is Business Seller Financing Right for You?

Business seller financing offers buyers and sellers a flexible, accessible way to complete a sale while addressing common hurdles of traditional lending. From attracting more buyers and commanding higher sale prices to the security provided by a well-structured seller note, this guide explores how seller financing creates win-win opportunities for smoother, more rewarding transactions.

Brit Karel
January 4, 2025
Small Business Owners

Don’t Think You Have a Sellable Business? Think Again: What Makes a Local Business for Sale Valuable

Many small business owners underestimate the value of what they’ve built, but even a local business for sale can hold immense appeal for buyers. From established operations and loyal customers to growth potential and strong community ties, these factors make your business not only sellable but highly attractive.

Brit Karel
December 13, 2024
Small Business Partners

Simplifying Business for Sale Online

At SMB.co, we believe the process of buying and selling small businesses should be simpler, clearer, and more accessible for everyone. Our Co-founder & CEO, Joe Brown, shares the story behind SMB.co and how we’re transforming the business for sale online experience.

Brit Karel
December 13, 2024
Small Business Buyers

The HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business Was Great, But It’s Time for an Update.

The HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business remains a cornerstone resource for entrepreneurs, but the landscape has evolved significantly since its 2017 publication. From AI-driven search tools to simplified due diligence and community collaboration, SMB.co is transforming how buyers and sellers navigate the small business marketplace. Explore how modern technology and transparency are making business buying smarter and faster.

Brit Karel
November 22, 2024
Small Business Owners

How to Sell a Business Quickly? Tips for Selling Smart AND Selling Fast

Learn how to sell a business quickly and effectively with this step-by-step guide. We cover key preparation steps, pricing tips, boosting your SMB.co listing, and leveraging local networks. With SMB.co’s marketplace and tools, you can attract the right buyer and achieve a successful sale without cutting corners.

Brit Karel
November 15, 2024
Small Business Owners

What is a Quality of Earnings (QofE) Report and Do You Need One?

A Quality of Earnings (QoE) report can be a game-changer in assessing a business’s true financial health during acquisitions. Our latest blog explains what a QoE is, why it’s valuable, and when it might not be necessary for smaller deals.

Brit Karel
November 9, 2024
Small Business Owners

How Fundable is Your Small Business? SBA Loan Eligibility Quiz

If you're planning to sell or buy a business, understanding its fundability is key. Our quiz helps evaluate critical factors like cash flow, debt-to-income ratio, and customer concentration, providing insights into whether the business is likely to attract financing - crucial for a successful sale or acquisition.

Brit Karel
October 24, 2024
Small Business Buyers

What is a Seller Note? A Guide & FAQs.

What exactly is a seller note, and how does it factor into small business acquisitions? This blog post breaks down everything you need to know, including how seller notes work, their benefits and risks, and why they can be a game-changer for both buyers and sellers. If you’re considering buying or selling a business, this guide will help you navigate the process with confidence!

Brit Karel
October 17, 2024
Small Business Partners

SMB.co to Attend Main Street Summit 2024

SMB.co is excited to be attending Main Street Summit 2024, a premier gathering of small business owners, operators, and investors who are passionate about strengthening their businesses and communities.

Brit Karel
October 13, 2024
Small Business Owners

How to Prepare Your Business for Sale When It’s Reliant on You

Preparing your business for sale when it’s heavily reliant on you requires careful planning. This post covers actionable steps like documenting processes, delegating tasks to your team, and creating a succession plan to ensure the business can run smoothly without you. By gradually stepping back, you’ll position your business for a premium sale and make it attractive to potential buyers.

Brit Karel
October 2, 2024
Small Business Buyers

Business Acquisition Process Guide: How to Prepare for Your First Buyer-Seller Meeting

The business acquisition process involves several crucial steps that both buyers and sellers must carefully navigate. Whether you're a buyer conducting due diligence or a seller preparing to present your business, the first call is an essential moment in building trust and setting the foundation for a potential deal. By preparing with key documents, clear questions, and a focus on your goals, you ensure a smoother and more productive business acquisition process.

Brit Karel
September 19, 2024
Small Business Owners

Can Small Businesses Get Grants?

Yes, small businesses can get grants, and they should actively seek out these opportunities to support growth and innovation. In the blog post, "Can Small Businesses Get Grants?" we explore the types of grants available, how to use them, and the challenges involved. SMB.co’s Grant Matching Tool simplifies the process by helping small businesses find personalized grant opportunities to fit their specific needs.

Brit Karel
September 11, 2024
Small Business Owners

SMB.co Launches Grant Matching Tool for Small Business Grants

SMB.co is excited to announce the launch of its innovative Small Business Grant Matching Tool, designed to connect small businesses with the right grants to fuel their growth. As part of this launch, SMB.co is opening up a waitlist for early access to the tool, giving small business owners the opportunity to be among the first to find and secure grants tailored to their needs.

Brit Karel
August 29, 2024
Small Business Partners

SMB.co and Profit Mastery: Guiding Small Businesses to Financial Mastery

SMB.co is teaming up with Profit Mastery to help small businesses achieve financial mastery. This collaboration brings essential financial education and tools to SMB.co members, enabling them to optimize operations and increase profitability. The upcoming Profit Mastery University live cohort offers a comprehensive six-week course to build a strong financial foundation. Discover how this initiative can support your business's success.

Brit Karel
August 29, 2024
Small Business Buyers

Exploring Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) for Buying a Business

Explore how Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) offer a unique path to business ownership, benefiting both buyers and sellers by providing a smooth transition, preserving company legacy, and enhancing employee engagement, all while offering financial advantages.

Brit Karel
August 29, 2024
Small Business Buyers

How to Get Financing to Buy a Business

In this blog post, we explore "How to Get Financing to Buy a Business," covering various financing options such as seller financing, SBA loans, traditional bank loans, and alternative methods. We delve into the benefits, requirements, and pros and cons of each option, providing a comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an experienced investor, discover practical tips and strategies to secure the funds needed to turn your business ownership dreams into reality.

Brit Karel
August 8, 2024
Small Business Owners

What is Discounted Cash Flow vs. Earnings Multiplier?

Understanding the value of your business is crucial for selling, buying, or attracting investors. This blog post breaks down the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) and Earnings Multiplier methods, explaining how each works and providing practical examples. Learn how to choose the best valuation method for your small business to ensure accurate and fair pricing.

Brit Karel
August 7, 2024
Small Business Buyers

What Small Business is the Most Profitable in 2024?

What small business is the most profitable in 2024? Having served many small businesses throughout my career, I’ve seen the ups and downs of various industries. However, in 2024, certain types of businesses are proving to be more profitable than others.

Brit Karel
August 7, 2024
Small Business Buyers

How to Find a Business for Sale: Matching Business Types to Your Ideal Working Hours

How to find a business for sale that matches your lifestyle? Here’s a breakdown of business types that match different working hour preferences to help you find the perfect business for sale.

Brit Karel
June 21, 2024
Small Business Buyers

How to Value a Small Business

Valuing your small business accurately involves understanding various methods and applying the right tools. By leveraging resources like those at SMB.co, you can feel more comfortable that you have a comprehensive and accurate understanding of how to value a small business, making you better prepared for a successful sale. For more insights and tools on valuing your business, join our waitlist and be among the first to know when we launch in your target market.

Brit Karel
June 18, 2024
Small Business Owners

How do I sell my business? Your How-to Guide for Selling Your Small Business

“How do I sell my business?” Are you in the market to sell your small business and just ventured to Google to begin your journey? Whether you've owned and sold multiple businesses or are in the market to sell a business for the first time, the journey of selling your business comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.This guide aims to equip you with practical steps and valuable insights to ensure your transition is smooth and successful. Let’s dive in.

Brit Karel
June 18, 2024
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