How much do non-SBA lenders lend for acquisitions?

March 12, 2025

by a searcher from Columbia University - Columbia Business School in Jersey City, NJ, USA

I'm exploring financing options for the acquisition of a $5.5M general contractor/water remediation business and seeking a non-SBA loan. The deal includes some seller financing, but I’m trying to determine the equity requirement. While I know SBA 7(a) loans offer up to 90% financing, I’m interested in understanding how much leverage is available from non-SBA lenders, as a personal guarantee isn't an option for my family.

If any lenders believe they can work with me, I’d love to connect—please feel free to reach out.

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Reply by a professional
in New York, NY, USA

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Reply by a lender
from Eastern Illinois University in 900 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563, USA

I concur with most of what has already been posted. On a deal of this size your conventional banks are likely going to lend a maximum of 50% to 65% of cost, but more importantly on a deal of this size you are unlikely to see a bank do a deal non-recourse. Unless the transaction is fully backed by hard collateral at a reasonable LTV, in which case you might get away with a limited guarantee, deals of this size just are not done at Bank's non-recourse. You could try to find a private / non-bank lender, but the deal size is going to be on the small side for most of them, and due to the industry being construction, they might even require some personal recourse.

I would be happy to get on a call to discuss how personal guarantees work and why they are required. But I want to be honest up front there are very limited to almost no non-recourse options at this level unless you plan to use expensive private debt or equity. You can reach me here or directly at redacted

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