People become entrepreneurs in a variety of ways if they have financial funding to start a business on their own. They invest in existing companies seeking additional capital through a partnership or a buyer to acquire one hundred percent ownership. You can get funds without having to use your savings and retirement to purchase businesses. If you are considering a business listed for sale on the market, you must follow important steps with legal and financial guidance. What will help the business venture for first-time buyers the most is professional guidance on legal and financial requirements about how to buy a business.

Three Reasons Owners Sell Their Businesses

• The owner is at retirement age

• The owner may sell when there is enormous growth, and the responsibilities become overpowering

• The company is experiencing financial distress with low sales and profits

Considering the reasons many business owners sell their companies, it is essential that you do thorough research before closing an acquisition transaction. You can find businesses for sale locally or nationally. A local business may have a For Sale sign posted on its window and listed in classified ads online and in the newspaper.

Fundamental Steps to Purchasing a Business

• Market research is a fundamental step essential to learning about the demographics of the business you have the interest to purchase. It will involve researching competitors, the marketplace, and the clientele base

• Build a team comprising of an attorney, financial advisor, and other professionals significant to ensure you are legally following state and local requirements

• Ask the business seller for his company’s balance sheet, a financial statement. This record provides a visual of the financial position of the company you plan to buy. You need expertness in reading financial statements to determine if there is mismanagement of running the business

• Decide how you will fund your business venture. You have the option of using your personal savings or applying for a bank loan or an SBA loan

• Send the buyer a letter of intent to show you have an interest in purchasing the business. Although the document is not binding, it is an acknowledgment of your interest in the business for sale in good faith. The buyer may select your offer.

If purchasing an existing business for sale is not an option for you, a franchise in the right demographic location is a solution. The franchise option gives you the opportunity to oversee the daily operations of your business. McDonald’s and Subway are examples of franchises. People usually select franchises and hire managers and employees to run the business with little hands-on.

Business Types for Sale on the Market

The business types range from small businesses to large companies with over 50 employees. You can find local grocers, mom and pop shops, jewelers, pawn shops, furniture stores, e-commerce, and other businesses for sale online in various ads. A real estate partnership is an excellent ownership opportunity if you want more stability and security. It’s safer than stocks and bonds. If you select a real estate business, consider reputable companies looking for investment partners.

A partnership is beneficial if you don’t have enough financial resources and lack knowledge in the industry field, such as real estate. Another benefit of forming partnerships in any business is the sharing of risks and liabilities. A lawyer is essential for creating a fair partnership contract between the buyer and seller. The document must include an exit and potential buyout clause in the event of a partner wanting out of the agreement.

Tips

The best place to learn more about how to start a new business or buy an existing company is the US Small Business Administration. The site has valuable advice on starting a business and its processes. You must plan and decide on financing and legal obligations. Select an experienced financial advisory firm with legal, financing, licensing, and tax expertise.

Before you contact a professional, have your business plan created comprising a business structure that shows how to run the company, financial assumptions, and growth expansion. You can speak with the business seller to negotiate a buyout deal in acquiring a company on your own or hire an attorney to do the negotiation. Some tasks you can do yourself may include funding, market research, and writing the business plan.