Author name: Chris Barrett

If you’re preparing for a business acquisition, you’ve likely heard that a Quality of Earnings (QoE) report is a must-have in your due diligence toolbox. But how much does it cost, and what exactly determines that price tag?

The cost of a QoE report can vary widely,

One of the most common questions aspiring entrepreneurs ask is: “Can I realistically buy a business while working full time?” The short answer is yes, you absolutely can.

This path is becoming increasingly popular, especially among professionals who want to transition into entrepreneurship without taking on the immediate financial risks of leaving a stable paycheck. By keeping your job, you maintain financial security, reduce stress around funding, and give yourself more time to evaluate deals carefully. At the same time, this approach comes with challenges, since the search process is time-intensive, brokers may question your seriousness, and juggling responsibilities requires discipline and structure.

The good news is that with the right strategy, strong time management, and a clear acquisition plan, it’s possible to make real progress toward ownership even when your schedule feels packed. In this guide, we’ll explore why buying a business while working full time can work, the trade-offs compared to full-time searching, and the practical steps you can take to make it happen. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap for approaching your search with confidence, credibility, and clarity.

Passive income is generally defined as earnings that require little to no ongoing effort to maintain. According to the IRS, it includes money generated from rental activities or businesses in which the taxpayer does not materially participate. In everyday business terms, it’s often described as “making money while you sleep.”

But laundromats don’t neatly fit into this definition. While they can generate steady revenue without constant daily oversight, they still require time, decision-making, and management. For this reason, they’re better categorized as a form of semi-passive income. You may not be running them full-time, but they aren’t entirely hands-off either.

SBA loans have made it easier for entrepreneurs to buy an existing business. Due to its competitive financing terms, interest rate, lower down payment requirements, and flexible use of funds, it has become a gold standard among entrepreneurs. Interestingly, there’s a critical consideration which is often overlooked are the tax complications of using an SBA 7(a) loan.

It’s important to understand the tax side of using an SBA 7(a) loan. It can either help you save thousands each year or end up costing you more than you expected. The difference between a tax-optimized deal and a missed opportunity can be reduced by onboarding experienced SBA loan advisors and tax professionals. They help you structure a deal that brings in tax benefits. This is exactly what Pioneer Capital Advisory and Midwest CPA deliver to their clients. In this guide we’ll walk you through the key tax implications of using an SBA 7(a) loan, and show you how smart planning can make all the difference.

Join us for an evening of good conversation, cold drinks, and connection with others on the path of entrepreneurship and small business ownership. Whether you’re just kicking the tires on your first deal or deep in the grind of running your business, this is your space to learn, share, and grow.

When you begin your journey toward buying a small business, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends, or to think you need to follow whatever the latest tech startup or industry favored by private equity is. The truth? Opportunity is everywhere. Right in your hometown, small business owners are running laundromats, roofing companies, bakeries, plumbing services – and generating wealth. They aren’t succeeding because they all got swept up in the latest industry hype: they’re succeeding because they chose the right business for their particular skill set.

Buying a business is an exciting milestone, but it’s only the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. The real work begins after the deal closes. While many buyers focus on acquisition tactics, few are prepared for what happens next: the transition. Without a solid business acquisition transition plan, the success of the purchase—and the future of the business—could be at risk.