Buyer FAQ

How do I buy a business in Georgia?

The process starts with defining what you are looking for: industry, size, location, and the capital you have available. From there you review opportunities, evaluate financials, submit an offer, complete due diligence, and close. First Choice Business Brokers Peachtree guides qualified buyers through each step.

How much money do I need to buy a business?

It depends on the size of the business and how the purchase is financed. Many acquisitions in this range use an SBA 7(a) loan, which can finance a large portion of the purchase price with a down payment from the buyer. Some buyers also fund part of an acquisition using retirement savings through a qualified rollover structure. The right structure depends on the deal, and we help you understand what is realistic for your budget.

Can I use an SBA loan to buy a business?

In many cases, yes, though it is not guaranteed. The SBA 7(a) program is a common way to finance the purchase of a qualifying business, often with a lower down payment than conventional financing. Eligibility depends on the buyer, the business, and the lender. We work with experienced SBA lenders and can point you in the right direction early.

How are businesses priced?

Price is driven by earnings, typically measured as seller's discretionary earnings (SDE) for smaller businesses or EBITDA for larger ones, adjusted for owner benefit, and then assessed against comparable transactions, industry conditions, and the durability of the business. Understanding how a price was built is essential before you make an offer, and we help you evaluate it.

What is the process to buy a business?

After you identify a business of interest, you sign a non-disclosure agreement and review detailed financial and operational information. A meeting with the owner often follows, though in some processes an offer comes first. If it fits, you make an offer, complete due diligence, secure financing, and move to a definitive purchase agreement and closing. Each stage carries its own diligence and decisions.

Do you represent buyers?

Yes. First Choice Business Brokers Peachtree offers buyer representation for qualified buyers with a defined acquisition target. We help you source opportunities, evaluate them, and run a disciplined process from first conversation through closing.

How do I find businesses for sale that are not publicly advertised?

Many of the strongest opportunities are never publicly advertised, because owners require confidentiality. Buyers gain access to off-market opportunities through professional networks and direct advisor relationships rather than public marketplaces. We focus our buyer representation on buyers with a clear, defined acquisition target, which is where a focused search produces real results.

How long does it take to buy a business?

Plan on at least six months from serious search to closing. It can run longer depending on the source of financing, how organized the seller is, and what due diligence turns up. Buyers who are prepared and decisive move faster.

What is the first step?

Define your acquisition target and get your financing position clear. From there, a conversation with First Choice Business Brokers Peachtree helps you understand what is available and what fits. Call (404) 596-5811 or visit peachtree.fcbb.com.