In this episode of the Steps To Sold podcast, Brandon Bourgeois and Chris Sater break down the major SBA rule changes taking effect on October 1, 2026, and what they mean for business buyers, sellers, and lenders.

They explain why getting your business SBA-financeable matters more than ever, especially if you’re planning to sell or acquire a business in the upper Main Street and lower middle market. The conversation covers the biggest updates, including the new $3 million threshold for required Quality of Earnings reviews, higher debt service coverage expectations, stricter equity injection rules for first-time buyers, lender-ordered valuations, and the expanded role of preferred SBA lenders.
You’ll also hear why financing certainty can matter just as much as purchase price, how these new rules may affect deal timelines, and why early preparation can help sellers widen their buyer pool and help buyers move faster on stronger opportunities.

If you’re involved in business acquisitions, brokerage, lending, or selling a company, this episode gives you a practical, timely look at how the SBA landscape is changing and how to prepare.


#SBA #BusinessAcquisition #MergersAndAcquisitions #SmallBusiness #BusinessBroker #SBAFinancing #QualityOfEarnings #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSale #StepsToSold