Lisa Forrest

Lisa Forrest, a lender at Live Oak Bank with expertise in SBA financing, shares valuable insights into choosing the right lender for business acquisitions. She discusses the nuances of SBA loans, particularly for SaaS and eCommerce businesses. Lisa emphasizes the importance of preparing for conversations with lenders and understanding financial health. She also highlights common pitfalls, the significance of cash planning, and why the current market is favorable for buyers. Overall, her tips empower entrepreneurs to navigate the financing landscape confidently.

Lisa Forrest, Co-director at Live Oak Bank, sheds light on a survey of 49 entrepreneurs who've navigated self-funded searches. She discusses their strategies for finding deals, highlighting substantial insights about deal closure durations and the significance of leveraging personal networks. Forrest reveals key success factors, including nurturing seller relationships and navigating valuation discussions. She also notes a shift towards larger acquisitions, emphasizing the growing role of institutional funding in transformation within this entrepreneurial space.

Lisa Forrest with Live Oak Bank discusses the sweeping changes in the May 2023 SBA Standard Operating Procedures. Basics of SBA 7A loan business acquisition loan and changes to life insurance requirements, buyer equity injection, seller equity post-close, and the seller's role post-close are discussed. This podcast will make you quite knowledgeable about SBA loans.