Resources · Guides, glossary and checklists

Straight answers, before you need them.

Guides on valuing, selling, buying and franchising a business, written the way we would explain it on a call.

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8Guides

10Deal terms explained

4Checklists

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Where are you right now?

Pick the line that sounds like you.

I am thinking about selling one dayRead the valuation guides first, then talk to us about timing.
I want to buy within a yearStart with the due diligence checklist and the SBA guide.
I am comparing franchise brandsLearn how to read an FDD before you attend a discovery day.
I need fundingSee what lenders check in a business plan.

Guides

Read before you decide.

ValuationRead the guideEcommerce business valuation methods explainedHow online stores are valued: owner earnings, traffic quality, inventory and platform risk.Read the guide SellingRead the guideTax considerations when selling a businessAsset versus share sales, capital gains and the points to raise with your tax advisor early.Read the guide

ValuationComing soonHow much is my business worth?The three valuation approaches in plain language, and what pushes your number up or down.Coming soon

SellingComing soonSelling without telling your employeesHow blind listings, NDAs and staged disclosure keep a sale quiet until closing.Coming soon

BuyingComing soonDue diligence checklist for buyersWhat to verify before you sign, from bank deposits to lease transfers.Coming soon

BuyingComing soonUsing an SBA loan to buy a businessHow acquisition lending works and what lenders look for in a buyer.Coming soon

FranchisingComing soonHow to read a Franchise Disclosure DocumentThe items that matter most, and the questions to ask before discovery day.Coming soon

Business plansComing soonWhat lenders look for in a business planThe sections and numbers that decide whether a plan gets funded.Coming soon

Glossary

The vocabulary of a deal.

Every term you will meet between the first enquiry and closing.

Search terms

SDEOwner earnings (SDE)Net profit plus the owner's salary, perks and one off costs: what the business pays one working owner.
EBITDAEBITDAEarnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, used to value larger companies.
xMultipleThe figure earnings are multiplied by to estimate value.
NDANDAThe confidentiality agreement signed before financials are shared.
CIMCIMThe confidential memorandum describing a business for sale.
LOILOIA letter of intent setting price and main terms before due diligence.
FDDFDDThe Franchise Disclosure Document every U.S. franchisor must provide.
SBASBA 7(a)A federally guaranteed loan commonly used to buy a business.
EOEarn-outPart of the price paid later, based on performance.
WCWorking capitalThe cash and stock needed to keep trading after the sale.

No match. Ask us on a call and we will explain it.

Checklists

Tools to use before you call.

Short, practical checklists for the questions people ask us most.

20questionsSale readiness checklistTwenty questions to answer before you list.Request this checklist 4areasDue diligence checklistThe documents and checks every buyer needs.Request this checklist 1pageFranchise comparison sheetCompare brands on the same terms.Request this checklist 1sheetStartup budget templatePlan your launch costs properly.Request this checklist

FAQ

Questions we answer most often.

Short answers here, longer ones on a call.

Ask your own question

How do I work out what my business is worth?

Start with owner earnings, apply the multiple range for your industry, then adjust for growth, owner dependence and customer concentration. The estimator on the homepage does this roughly; a valuation does it properly.

When is the best time to sell?

After two or three years of rising, well documented profit, and before you are exhausted. Buyers pay for momentum.

How long does a business sale take?

Commonly three to nine months. Preparation is the biggest lever on that timeline.

What is a fair asking price?

One supported by comparable sales and earnings a buyer can verify. Anything else invites a renegotiation later.

Do I need a broker to buy a business?

No, but buyers without one tend to overpay, miss risks in the lease and contracts, or lose the deal to a better prepared bidder.

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