Reflections on 2025

As we wrap up an incredible year, we’ve been reflecting on the momentum we’ve seen in the ETA and small-business acquisition space — and the results have been remarkable. In 2025 alone, our team at Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC helped buyers close more than $111 million in SBA 7(a) loans across 45 acquisitions. Since launching in May 2022, we've supported over $250 million in SBA financing… and counting. But here’s the truth: this year brought some of the biggest shifts in SBA credit policy we’ve ever seen. Across lenders I am seeing three consistent themes: - Greater emphasis on post closing guarantor and sponsor liquidity - A higher bar for debt service coverage, even with lenders that historically had a relatively low bar - More focus on management and P&L experience that can be shown as transferable to the business being acquired Deals are absolutely still getting done — but the bar is higher, and preparation matters more than ever. And as we head into the end of the year, many people start thinking about New Year’s resolutions… - more control of their time - more ownership - building long-term wealth - finally making the jump into entrepreneurship through acquisition If buying a business is on your horizon for 2026 or beyond, now is the perfect time to start preparing: - understand SBA requirements - get lender-ready - secure a Letter of Support - learn what it really takes to structure a financeable deal - build confidence before you submit your first LOI At Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC, we guide buyers from pre-LOI all the way through closing — and we’d be glad to help you get started the right way. If you'd like to learn more about positioning yourself for approval in today’s lending environment, feel free to book a call below. Let’s make 2026 the year you buy the business you’ve been dreaming about. redacted https://calendly.com/rafael-pioneercap