Private Credit for Small Business Acquisitions: Flexible Financing Options
Sarah had her eye on a beloved neighborhood bakery—flaky croissants, loyal clientele, the works. Traditional bank term sheets came back with endless hoops and a 90-day wait. Frustration crept in. That’s when she discovered private credit lenders willing to underwrite her acquisition in under two weeks. Sound too good to be true? Private credit for small business acquisitions is shaking up how buyers fund deals.
What Is Private Credit?
Private credit refers to loans provided by non-bank entities—direct lenders, business development companies and specialty funds. They craft debt structures outside syndicated bank markets, tailoring interest rates, covenants and maturities to fit each acquisition. No cookie-cutter approach here.
Why Buyers Turn to Private Credit
- Speed:
Term sheets in days, not months.
- Flexible Structures:
Senior debt, unitranche or mezzanine slices in one package.
- Smaller Ticket Sizes:
Loans from $1 million to $25 million for Main Street deals.
- Customized Covenants:
Adjusted to cash flow seasonality and growth plans.
Use Cases in Small Business Acquisitions
| Scenario |
Private Credit Solution |
| Owner-Operator Transition |
Unitranche loan with PIK interest to bridge cash flow gaps |
| Add-On Acquisition |
Revolver plus term loan combo to finance both purchase and working capital |
| Management Buy-In |
Senior debt with equity kicker for sponsor alignment |
| Distressed Turnaround |
Mezzanine financing with performance-based covenants |
How Our Platform Works
We match you with private credit partners who get the grit and grind of smaller deals. You share your acquisition package—financials, business plan, purchase agreement—then:
- Underwriting:
Our analysts vet cash flow, collateral and sponsor track record.
- Matching:
Algorithms pair you with lenders who appetite your sector and size.
- Term Sheet:
Receive multiple proposals with clear pricing and covenant options.
- Documentation:
One-stop shop for loan docs, security agreements and closing agendas.
- Funding:
Draw funds and close your acquisition, often within 10 business days.
Questions to Ask Your Private Lender
- What is the total all-in cost, including fees and prepayment terms?
- Which covenants could trigger a default and how flexible are they?
- Do you require personal guarantees or equity warrants?
- How do you value goodwill or intangible assets in the business?
Private credit can feel like uncharted territory, especially if you’re used to the bank’s playbook. Yet it’s a world where creativity meets capital, and where sponsors like Sarah get to keep chasing their dreams without the drag of bureaucracy.
Ready to explore private credit for your small business acquisition? Submit your deal and our team will line up lenders who move fast and think outside the bank box.
Submit Your Deal