Whether you’re buying a business, building a location, or expanding operations, SBA’s updated guidelines may open up new opportunities for your plans. The new rules take effect for loans approved by SBA on or after October 1, 2026. You may have seen headlines about tighter requirements, and some of that is true, especially for business acquisitions. But there’s plenty in this update that works in your favor as a small business owner. Here’s what to know: 

If you’re buying a business

A smoother handoff. The seller can now stay on as a consultant for up to two years, double the previous 12 months. That’s two full years of institutional knowledge, customer introductions, and time to get up to speed instead of a rushed transition. For first-time buyers especially, this is a meaningful win.

A loan that fits the deal. If the business comes with its building, the purchase can be structured as two separate loans or blended into one. That flexibility can give you a structure that fits how your business actually operates, rather than forcing everything into a single mold.

What to have ready. The biggest shift is in how purchases are evaluated, and a little preparation goes a long way:

• The business’s real track record carries the deal. Lenders will lean more heavily on the business’s past performance than on future projections. Projections still matter, but they can’t be the only reason the loan works. The upside is that you’re buying a business that’s already proven it can pay its bills.
• Plan your down payment. First-time buyers should expect to put in a minimum of 10%, and at least half of that needs to be your own cash. Seller financing can help, but it can only cover half of the requirement.
• Budget for a deeper financial review on larger deals. Purchases of $3 million or more now require an independent review confirming the business earns what the seller says it does. It adds time and cost, but it gives you a professional second opinion on one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make.

If you’re buying, building, or expanding a facility

Planning a new building, expansion, equipment purchase, or energy-efficient upgrade? The updated SBA rules give you more flexibility to structure the financing around your project:

• You can finance a building and major equipment at the same time.
• Construction budgets can include a cushion of up to 15% for surprises.
• The aggregate cap on eligible energy projects is removed.

If you already have an SBA line of credit

If your line of credit repayment schedule is set to kick in sooner than what works for your business, your lender may be able to reissue the capital and allow you to access the funds for a  longer period of time.

The bottom line

The rules are changing, but our approach isn’t. There’s rarely just one way to structure a deal, and we’ll work with you to find the one that fits your business, whether that’s buying a company, a new building, or new equipment. Ready to chat? Contact us.