---
title: SBA Business Acquisition Loans Made for Entrepreneurs Like You
description: Get SBA-backed business expansion loans from First Bank of the Lake. Fast approvals, flexible terms.
---
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# Get The Right SBA Loan to Power Your *Business Expansion* Plans
### *Designed to close in as little As 30 days.*
[](https://www.sba.gov/document/support-active-sba-lender-list-eastern-missouri)
[](https://g.co/kgs/geXzN3w)
## Get started by answering a few simple questions.
This loan is a great fit if you’re:
- **Buying your first business** and need expert guidance
- **Expanding through acquisition**—buying out a competitor or related business
- **Purchasing a franchise** with a proven model
- **Taking over a family or generational business**
Great opportunities don’t wait. Don’t miss out because your bank doesn’t understand business acquisitions.
## You’ve got the vision to grow your business. As a top SBA lender, we’ll help you get there.
We know applying for an SBA business loan can feel overwhelming. That’s why we walk with you through every step offering expert guidance, honest feedback, and constant communication. You’ll never wonder where things stand or what comes next.
- Step 1: Tell Us Where You're Headed Open or Close
Start by sharing your business goals and what you're hoping to achieve. Whether you're buying, expanding, or just getting started. This short form helps us connect you with the right specialist.
✔ Quick and simple to complete
✔ No credit check
✔ Helps us understand what success looks like for you
- Step 2: Meet Your Loan Specialist Open or Close
You’ll talk one-on-one with a lending expert who’s here to support you, not sell to you. We’ll listen, ask questions, and start mapping out a path that fits your timeline, your experience, and your vision.
✔ Personal guidance from someone who knows SBA loans inside and out
✔ No pressure, no confusion
✔ You’ll leave knowing exactly what to expect
- Step 3: See If You’re Ready to Move Forward Open or Close
Together, we’ll look at the essentials to make sure you're in a strong position to move ahead. If something’s missing, we’ll help you prepare.
✔ Review your credit, experience, and ownership background
✔ Talk through available cash or capital
✔ Learn what strengths you already have—and what we can help strengthen
- Step 4: Build Your Business Profile Open or Close
We’ll help you gather the details needed to tell your business’s story. You’ll never have to guess what to send. We’ll walk you through it all.
✔ Business plan and projections (don’t worry, we can help!)
✔ Financials, tax returns, or purchase documents
✔ Clarity around what lenders need and why
- Step 5: Submit with Confidence Open or Close
Now it’s time to officially apply. But you’re not doing it alone. We’ll help package everything with you, submit it, and keep you updated every step of the way.
✔ We help the heavy lifting
✔ Constant communication. No black holes
✔ You'll always know where things stand
## Ready to take the first step toward buying a business?
We’re here when you are, and we’ll be with you the whole way.
[Talk to Your Loan Specialist](https://loans.fblake.bank/business-expansion-loans#leadform)
## What you’ll typically need to qualify for an SBA business loan.
Thinking about expanding your business? If you're considering an SBA loan through First Bank of the Lake, here are the common minimum requirements we’ll look at during the application process:
You Must Meet SBA Eligibility
---
To qualify, you'll need to meet the SBA’s standard requirements. This includes operating a for-profit business located in the U.S., being a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and showing responsible credit and financial history.
Ready to Invest at Least 10%
---
Most SBA business acquisition loans require an equity injection of 10% or more. This can come from your own funds or, in some cases, include a portion of seller financing if it meets SBA terms.
A Credit Score of 680 or Higher
---
We typically look for a personal credit score of 680 or above. This helps us assess your overall financial picture and repayment ability.
**Strong Historical Financials**
---
The business you’re buying should have at least three years of financial records or tax returns. We like to see stable or growing revenue and positive cash flow, as this speaks to the health and viability of the business.
[Talk to Your Loan Specialist](https://loans.fblake.bank/business-expansion-loans#leadform)
## Real success stories from real business owners.
Read their stories and see how First Bank of the Lake turned business goals into reality.
#### Reed’s Moving & Storage
Reed’s Moving & Storage secured a $3.3MM SBA 7(a) loan in under 30 days, giving them the stability they needed for their warehouse and the funding to grow their moving business.
*"They got my loan done in under 30 days in very, very trying circumstances. Miraculously, First Bank of the Lake was able to push up the closing date and close our loan after another SBA lender went out of business."* *—Reeds Moving Service *
[Read More](https://www.fblake.bank/first-bank-of-the-lake-sba-loan-case-study/reeds-moving-case-study/)
#### Winter Park Ski Rental
In just 35 days, a Colorado entrepreneur closed a $2.2MM SBA 7(a) loan to purchase a long-standing ski rental business from a retiring owner—thanks to our fast and flexible financing.
*"First Bank of the Lake was the best banking experience I have ever had."
—Andy, President, Winter Park Ski Rental*
[Read More](https://www.fblake.bank/first-bank-of-the-lake-sba-loan-case-study/winter-park-ski-rental-case-study/)
#### Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Franchise
By securing a $345,000 SBA 7(a) loan, Kasia Anderson was able to open her own Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming franchise. We helped turn her dream of owning a dog grooming business into a reality.
"I got my $345,000 SBA loan approved from First Bank of the Lake in 35 days!" —Kasia Anderson, President, [Woof Gang Bakery - Bradenton, FL](https://woofgangbakery.com/pages/locations/west-bradenton)
[Read More](https://www.fblake.bank/first-bank-of-the-lake-sba-loan-case-study/woof-gang-bakery-franchise-case-study/)
#### Freelite AZ
Tyler Green took over Freelite AZ, a window and door installer in Phoenix, with a $363,000 SBA 7(a) loan. We guided him through the business acquisition process with confidence.
*"The bank process was as easy it could be. The biggest thing is how transparent and reliable they were." —Tyler Green, Co-founder, President, Freelite AZ*
[Read More](https://www.fblake.bank/first-bank-of-the-lake-sba-loan-case-study/freelite-az-case-study/)
#### Tint World
Dan Billings used a $585,000 SBA 7(a) loan to launch his Tint World franchise—and reached breakeven within his first year. We were proud to help drive his success.
*"My First Bank of the Lake rep was great – Easily the finest banker I have dealt with in my life." —Dan Billings, President, Tint World - San Antonio*
[Read More](https://www.fblake.bank/first-bank-of-the-lake-sba-loan-case-study/tint-world-case-study/)
#### Lifetime Green Coatings Franchise
When Lifetime Green Coatings needed capital for franchise licensing, equipment, and working capital, we made it happen—closing a $400,000 SBA 7(a) loan in less than 30 days.
"If we ever need business capital, my first call would be to First Bank of the Lake. Why would I look elsewhere?" —Barry Norfleet, Co-founder, [Lifetime Green Coatings - Kentucky](https://lifetimegreencoatings.com/franchise-locations/ky-louisville/)
[Read More](https://www.fblake.bank/first-bank-of-the-lake-sba-loan-case-study/lifetime-green-coatings-franchise-case-study/)
## Expertise backed by industry-leading results.
Ranked in the
Top 1%
of SBA lenders nationwide\*
Funded Over
+$1.1B
In SBA Loans from
2020-2024
Ranked
Top 5
SBA Franchise Lender\*
Funded Over
2000
Loans
All loans are subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations may apply. First Bank of the Lake does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. All decisions concerning these matters should be made in conjunction with your professional advisors.
\*Top 1% of SBA 7(a) lenders by approval amount during SBA fiscal year 2023. Top 5 SBA franchise lender by approval count during SBA fiscal years 2024 and 2023.
Approved to offer SBA loan products under SBA's Preferred lenders Program.
# Do you *have questions* about how to buy a business?
Cut through the confusion with our free 42-page guide.
***Download your free copy.***
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First Bank of the Lake (“Bank”) does not provide financial, investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. The content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon or considered as an express or implied recommendation, warranty, guarantee, offer, or promise. You should consult your own financial, investment, tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. Information provided is not exhaustive and is subject to change without notice. Accuracy is not guaranteed. Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. Articles may contain information from third-parties, and the inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the Bank or Bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third-party or its information. Any external websites linked to this information are not managed by Bank. All third-party trademarks, service marks, trade names, and logos referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners. All loans are subject to credit approval. Qualifications, terms, and conditions apply to all Bank products and services.