For SBA lenders and banks
Business valuations for SBA lenders and banks
Valuations that support SBA 7(a) acquisition loans and bank-financed business purchases, prepared by a credentialed Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA).
- Prepared by a credentialed CVA
- Fixed fee
- Typically 1 to 2 weeks
- 350+quality of earnings reports completed
- $1B+in transaction value
- 90+deals in the last 12 months
- Nationwideremote firm, clients across the US
Who it’s for
Built for lenders and the loans they underwrite
- SBA lenders
SBA 7(a) acquisition loans
A valuation for the loan file when a buyer is financing the purchase of a business with an SBA 7(a) loan.
- Banks
Bank-financed purchases
A written valuation to support the purchase price on a business acquisition your bank is financing.
- Credit teams
A report built for the loan file
A written report with a conclusion of value, prepared for the lender and ready for credit review.
What you get
What you receive on every valuation
Prepared by a credentialed CVA
The valuation is done by a Certified Valuation Analyst, one of the credentials the SBA lists for valuations.
A written valuation report
A written report with the conclusion of value, ready for the loan file.
Scope that fits the deal
We note whether the deal is an asset or stock purchase and what is included in the sale.
A fixed fee
One flat fee, quoted in writing before we start.
Typically 1 to 2 weeks
A short turnaround, so the valuation fits a closing timeline.
Lenders nationwide
We are a remote firm and work with lenders and deals across the country.
SBA requirements
What SBA SOP 50 10 says about valuations
A short summary of the current SBA rules for change-of-ownership 7(a) loans. Your SBA lender confirms what applies to each loan.
- When
Change of ownership
On a change-of-ownership 7(a) loan, the SOP requires a business valuation. If the purchase price is $350,000 or less, the lender may do its own valuation, unless the buyer and seller have a close relationship.
- Who
A qualified source
The valuation comes from someone who regularly performs paid business valuations and holds a credential the SBA lists: ASA, CBA, ABV, CVA or BCA.
- For whom
Prepared for the lender
The valuation must be requested by and prepared for the lender, not the applicant or the seller. It includes the conclusion of value, the analyst’s qualifications and a signature.
On initial acquisitions with a purchase price of $3 million or more, the SOP also requires a quality of earnings report in addition to the valuation. See our quality of earnings service and our guide to the SBA requirement. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 8.1, effective October 1, 2026.
Fee and timing
A fixed fee and a short turnaround
Business valuation
Fixed fee
One flat fee, quoted in writing before we start.
Valuation turnaround
1 to 2 weeks
Typical timing for a business valuation.
Quality of earnings
Fixed fee
Every report includes a proof of cash and a net working capital (NWC) peg.
QoE turnaround
2 to 4 weeks
Typical timing for a quality of earnings report.
Timing depends on how quickly we receive the deal information. We confirm the scope, the fee and the timeline on a free call.
How it works
From first call to finished report
- 1
Free call
Tell us about the deal, the lender and your timeline.
- 2
Scope and fee in writing
You get the scope and the fixed fee before work begins.
- 3
Valuation
The CVA reviews the financial information and deal terms and prepares the valuation.
- 4
Written report
You receive the report with the conclusion of value.
Related
Related services and guides
Often needed alongside
Quality of earnings reports
Fixed fee, typically 2 to 4 weeks. Every report includes a proof of cash and an NWC peg, and we have completed 350+ of them.
Guide
What is a quality of earnings report?
What a QoE covers, how it differs from an audit, and when a buyer or lender needs one.
SBA lending
The SBA quality of earnings requirement
How the SBA’s quality of earnings requirement works for acquisition loans.
FAQ
Business valuation: frequently asked questions
When does an SBA 7(a) acquisition loan need a business valuation?
On a change-of-ownership 7(a) loan, SBA SOP 50 10 8.1 requires a business valuation. If the purchase price is $350,000 or less, the lender may do its own valuation, unless the buyer and seller have a close relationship. Your SBA lender confirms what applies to your loan.
Who counts as a qualified source for an SBA valuation?
The SOP describes a qualified source as someone who regularly performs paid business valuations and holds one of these credentials: Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA), Certified Business Appraiser (CBA), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) or Business Certified Appraiser (BCA). Our valuations are done by a credentialed CVA.
Who orders the valuation on an SBA loan?
The SOP says the valuation must be requested by and prepared for the lender. The lender cannot use a valuation prepared for the applicant or the seller. We can walk through how an engagement works on a call.
How much does a business valuation cost, and how long does it take?
The fee is fixed and quoted in writing before we start. A valuation typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. Book a free consultation and we will confirm the scope, fee and timing for your deal.
Do you also do quality of earnings reports?
Yes. We have completed 350+ quality of earnings reports. They are a fixed fee, typically take 2 to 4 weeks, and every one includes a proof of cash and an NWC peg. On SBA acquisitions of $3 million or more, the SOP calls for a QoE in addition to the valuation. Quality of earnings analysis and what is a quality of earnings report.
Do you work with lenders outside the Midwest?
Yes. We are a remote firm and serve lenders and clients nationwide.