SBA Business Acquisition Loans vs. Private Funding: Which Gets You to Revenue Faster?

SBA Business Acquisition Loans vs. Private Funding: Which Gets You to Revenue Faster?

Starting a business from scratch takes time — months or even years to build customers, hire staff, and become profitable. Buying an established business, on the other hand, gives you instant infrastructure and immediate cash flow. But when you’ve found the right opportunity, one question can make or break the deal: how fast can you fund it?

For many entrepreneurs, the first option that comes to mind is an SBA business acquisition loan. And while SBA loans can offer favorable terms, they’re often not the fastest — or the most flexible — way to secure capital when timing is critical.

That’s where private funding comes in.

The Appeal of SBA Business Acquisition Loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) helps entrepreneurs access capital through government-backed loans offered by traditional lenders. In theory, it’s a great way to buy a business:

  • Competitive interest rates

  • Longer repayment terms

  • Lower down payment requirements

However, while the SBA’s support reduces risk for lenders, it doesn’t eliminate the bureaucracy. Borrowers must still meet strict qualification criteria, provide extensive documentation, and endure a slow approval process that can stretch for 8–12 weeks — or longer.

If your deal is time-sensitive, waiting months can mean losing the opportunity altogether.

Top view of dollar bills and letter tiles promoting small businesses.Why Private Funding Wins on Speed and Flexibility

Private lenders like Grammont Enterprises take a more entrepreneurial approach. Instead of relying on rigid government guidelines, we evaluate your business plan, project potential, and ability to execute — not just your credit score.

Our private lending process typically moves from application to approval in as little as 15 days, meaning you can close on your business and start generating revenue while others are still waiting for an SBA response.

With private funding, you get:

  • Fast approvals and funding — often within weeks, not months

  • Flexible qualification — even with imperfect credit

  • No personal guarantee required

  • Customized loan structures to fit your acquisition goals

The 90/10 Advantage

Through our exclusive 90/10 Funding Model, Grammont Enterprises covers up to 90% of your project cost, while you contribute just 10%.

If you don’t have that full 10% available, we can often help you structure or source it — ensuring you don’t miss out on a great acquisition simply because of cash on hand.

SBA vs. Private Lending: A Realistic Comparison

Feature SBA Business Acquisition Loan Private Funding (Grammont Enterprises)
Approval Time 8–12 weeks 10–15 business days
Collateral Required Yes Often no personal guarantee
Flexibility Limited by SBA rules Tailored to your project
Credit Score Focus High Secondary to project viability
Speed to Close Slow Fast, streamlined process
Funding Timeline Can be months ~60 business days

When time is money — especially in acquisitions — private funding wins.

The Bottom Line

Buying an existing business is one of the fastest ways to generate income, but only if your funding keeps pace with your opportunity.

While an SBA business acquisition loan may offer lower rates, private funding from Grammont Enterprises gives you the speed, flexibility, and freedom to act when timing matters most.

We’re here to help you move from intention to ownership — without waiting months for approval.

👉 Explore Business Acquisition Funding Options