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Financing can help you buy a business

Financing can help you buy a business

But it can't fix a bad one

Jack Carr
June 15, 2026

Welcome to the JackQuisitions newsletter,

The best acquisition financing in the world won't save a bad business. Cash flow, industry experience, and business quality still determine whether a deal works long after the loan closes.

That’s what this week’s newsletter is all about.

Watch: The 90% SBA Guarantee That Changes Business Acquisitions

Ready For Your Next Acquisition?

Check out these acquisition opportunities that caught my eye this week:

A Florida landscaping and land services company generating more than $500K in annual cash flow.
A Tampa-area HVAC company with more than 35 years of operating history and $4.3 million in annual revenue.
An Arizona HVAC company generating $304,000 in annual revenue with a $225,000 asking price

Funding Your Next Acquisition

Looking at buying a business?

Alan Peterson and the team at First Internet Bank have become a go-to financing partner for acquisition entrepreneurs, helping buyers navigate SBA loans, secure pre-qualification, and get deals across the finish line.

Top SBA lender nationwide
SBA loans up to $5 million
Preferred Lender status for a faster approval process
Buyer pre-qualification letters that help you stand out with sellers

Whether you're evaluating your first acquisition or planning your next one, Alan can help you understand what you can afford before you start searching.

A Good Deal Still Has to Be a Good Deal

The SBA recently expanded lending incentives for certain manufacturing acquisitions, creating more opportunities for buyers to access capital. On paper, that sounds like great news for anyone looking to buy a business.

But financing doesn't change the fundamentals.

During a recent conversation with Alan Peterson of First Internet Bank, one point stood out: lenders may have more flexibility today, but they still aren't looking to finance bad businesses. The underlying company still needs strong cash flow. The buyer still needs relevant experience. The business still needs to be capable of supporting the debt.

That's an important distinction because many acquisition entrepreneurs spend significant time thinking about deal structure. They focus on SBA programs, seller financing, earnouts, investor capital, and creative ways to reduce the cash needed at closing.

Those tools matter. They can help bridge valuation gaps, improve returns, and make larger acquisitions possible.

But what they can't do is turn a declining business into a great investment.

A company with shrinking revenue, deteriorating margins, customer concentration issues, or weak operations doesn't become attractive simply because a lender is willing to provide more leverage.

In many cases, additional debt amplifies existing problems.

The buyers who consistently succeed tend to focus on fundamentals first:

Strong and predictable cash flow
Healthy margins
Transferable customer relationships
A business they understand and can operate
Clear opportunities for future growth

Once those pieces are in place, financing becomes an accelerator.

For acquisition entrepreneurs, that's the lesson worth remembering. More capital availability is a positive development. More acquisition opportunities are entering the market. Competition for quality businesses remains strong.

The goal is to find a great business and use financing as a tool to acquire it.

Turn Your Google Business Profile Into a Lead Engine

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Get a free Location Health Grade and discover what's helping (or hurting) your local rankings.

Tell Me What You’re Thinking

More financing options create more opportunities, but they don't change what makes a business worth buying. Never forget that.

Happy hunting,

Jack

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Disclosure: Some of the content and links in this newsletter are sponsored or affiliate links, which means we may receive payment or earn a commission if you click through or purchase. However, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.