Looking for SBA Lenders Flexible on Equity Structure

searcher profile

November 18, 2025

by a searcher from City University of New York, New York City Technical College in Bronxville, NY 10708, USA

Hey everyone — hoping to tap into the collective experience here. I currently have a deal under LOI, and I’m looking for SBA lenders who are comfortable with the standard 10% equity requirement being met through: • 5% full-standby seller note, and • 5% cash equity that will be fully funded by outside equity investors (coming in as true equity partners) No borrowed funds. All investor capital will be structured as at-risk equity, compliant with SBA requirements. This deal also includes real estate as collateral, which strengthens the credit profile. I’m looking specifically for lenders who have successfully closed deals where the operator did not personally fund the 5% cash injection, and instead used investor equity to satisfy that portion. Any lender recommendations or introductions would be greatly appreciated. Happy to DM deal details. Thanks in advance!
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commentor profile
Reply by a lender
from Cornell University in Los Angeles, CA, USA
We have done plenty of deals that are fully funded by investors. However, you will still need to demonstrate enough post-close liquidity and a viable credit score (680 and above). We have a lot experience financing companies primarily through investors via the SBA. If you ever need help talking through a deal, I am happy to help. We work with all the major SBA lenders. The bank pays us after your loan closes, so this is a 100% free service for you. You can email me directly at redacted or schedule a meeting with me: https://cal.com/francodeguzman/30min. Look forward to chatting!
commentor profile
Reply by a lender
from University of Missouri in Denver, CO, USA
We typically require a portion to come from the buyer with the PG. I believe most banks are like this, although you may be able to find someone that would do this structure. It may also depend on strength of the deal, although most times we still want to see some level of equity from the borrower regardless.
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