Why RIGHT NOW Is The BEST Time To Buy A Small Business w/ Walker Deibel (Author of "Buy Then Build)
Sep 19, 2024
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Walker Deibel, bestselling author of "Buy Then Build," shares insights on why now is the perfect time to acquire a small business. He discusses the upcoming wave of business ownership transfers from retiring baby boomers and the advantages of purchasing established businesses over starting from scratch. Deibel also dives into business valuation metrics like Seller's Discretionary Earnings and the critical role of business brokers. He touches on navigating SBA loan challenges and emphasizes the importance of aligning personal skills with business opportunities.
The current climate offers unprecedented opportunities for acquiring small businesses, particularly as baby boomers retire and sell their enterprises.
Owning a small business typically delivers better immediate cash flow than real estate, allowing for faster financial independence and reduced startup risks.
Successful buyers should align acquisitions with their skill sets and focus on the unique value they bring to enhance business growth.
Deep dives
The Greatest Opportunity for Business Acquisition
Currently, a unique convergence of events presents what is considered the greatest opportunity for business acquisition in our lifetime. A significant portion of the small business landscape is owned by baby boomers, many of whom are retiring and looking to sell their businesses. This impending transfer, estimated at $10 trillion in business value, means that these companies are often available at discounted prices. As boomers exit the workforce, opportunities to purchase established yet profitable businesses abound, creating a prime environment for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Advantages of Business Acquisition
Acquiring existing businesses often provides superior cash flow compared to real estate investments. While real estate is beneficial for long-term equity building, buying a small business can yield immediate cash flow, enabling quicker financial independence. The new owner inherits established operational systems and revenue streams, mitigating the risks associated with starting a business from scratch. Moreover, established companies often have existing customer bases and market presence, making them less susceptible to the challenges faced by new startups.
Choosing the Right Business to Acquire
When considering a business acquisition, potential buyers should prioritize aligning the opportunity with their skill sets rather than solely focusing on industry or size. The emphasis should be on how one's strengths can enhance the business, fostering growth and operational efficiency. Recognizing what unique value they can bring to the table will guide buyers toward businesses where they can make the most impact. This approach helps ensure a better fit between the buyer's expertise and the business's needs, ultimately leading to a more successful acquisition.
Understanding Business Valuation
Business valuation typically revolves around key metrics like Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE), which serves as a primary yardstick for smaller transactions. SDE is calculated by adding back certain discretionary expenses and non-cash items to net income, allowing buyers to better understand the cash flow capabilities of the business. Multiples commonly fall within a range depending on business types, market conditions, and growth potential, with typical valuations lying between 2.5x to 5x SDE. Understanding these metrics equips potential buyers with the knowledge needed to assess whether a business represents a sound investment.
Securing Financing for Business Purchases
Financing options for business acquisitions have expanded significantly, with SBA loans and seller financing being common pathways. Buyers are often encouraged to secure pre-approval for SBA loans early in the process, as the typical timeline for closing can be lengthy. A well-structured personal financial statement and an understanding of the business's value can facilitate the financing process. Successful buyers typically possess liquid assets totaling two to three hundred thousand dollars to increase their attractiveness to lenders, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate potential downturns.