ProbityGuides
Plain explanations of the numbers and terms that come up buying a small business, written the same way the product works: no invented benchmarks, no valuation opinions. For the check itself, see what Probity deal diligence checks.
4 of 4 guides
What Is a Quality of Earnings Report? Do You Need One?
A quality of earnings report reconstructs what a business repeatably earns. Nothing requires a buyer to get one below the SBA's $3 million threshold.
By Rob Novak · Updated 2026-10-26
Deal diligence when buying a small business: what to check before the LOI
Deal diligence before the LOI starts with the seller's tax returns. What to ask for, what to check, and what waits until the letter of intent is signed.
By Rob Novak · Updated 2026-10-15
SBA Loan Projections When Buying a Business (SOP 50 10 8.1)
Buying a business with an SBA loan, bank loan or seller note? Lenders size the loan on the past and read your forecast. How to build projections that hold up.
By Rob Novak · Updated 2026-10-08
- SBA
- financing
- projections
New SBA Rules for Business Buyers on October 1, 2026: Quality of Earnings, Cash Proof and DSCR (SOP 50 10 8.1)
What changes for SBA business buyers on October 1, 2026: when a Quality of Earnings report is required, what a Cash Proof checks, and how DSCR sizes your loan.
By Rob Novak · Updated 2026-10-26
- SBA
- financing
- cash proof
- quality of earnings