Frequently Asked Questions
A business valuation depends on factors like cash flow, industry, growth trends, customer concentration, financial cleanliness, and market demand. We provide a free, confidential valuation to help you understand your true market value.
Yes. In most cases, outstanding loans or debt are paid off at closing from the sale proceeds. If the debt is less than the value of the business, this is typically not an issue. Obtaining an opinion of value before going to market is key to understanding your options.
No. We maintain strict confidentiality throughout the entire process. Buyers sign NDAs before receiving any identifying information.
Yes. Seller financing is common and can make your business more attractive to buyers by reducing their upfront capital requirements. It often leads to faster closings and can sometimes result in a higher sale price. Your advisor can help you structure terms that protect your interests
Many buyers use SBA loans to purchase businesses under $5 million. Understanding how buyers get financing helps you evaluate offers and avoid deals that fall through. Our team works closely with lenders to ensure buyers are pre-qualified before moving forward.
We specialize in small to mid-market companies across manufacturing, service, construction, technology, healthcare, food & beverage, agriculture, and more.
While you can sell independently, working with an experienced advisor typically results in a higher sale price, faster process, and better qualified buyers—and reduces risk during negotiations and due diligence while managing confidentiality.
Begin with an experienced advisor who can review your business and provide an opinion of value. Knowing what your business is worth helps determine the right timing to sell, and simple pre-sale planning can often increase value by 20 to 40% before going to market.
Most businesses sell within 6–12 months, depending on industry, price point, and buyer demand. Strong financials and proper preparation can shorten the timeline.
Clean, understandable financials are critical for both buyers and their lenders to evaluate performance. Equally important is how smoothly the business can transition from owner to buyer. Well-documented processes and systems reduce risk and often increase value.
Typically: 3 years of financial statements, tax returns, a current year P&L, a list of assets, and basic company information. We guide you through every step.
This is a common concern for sellers and one of the most important considerations for buyers. Employees are often viewed as the business's most valuable asset, and buyers want confidence that key team members will stay on. While it ultimately depends on the buyer, you play a critical role in selecting the right buyer and working through a transition that supports your employees.
Most transactions under $5 million involve SBA loans, bank financing, private investors, or seller financing. Our team helps structure deals and connect buyers to the right lenders.
No. Sunbelt Wisconsin works on a success-based fee structure. There is no upfront cost for valuations or listing your business.


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Partner with trusted advisors who understand Wisconsin’s markets and know how to guide you through buying or selling a business with confidence. Let’s build the right strategy to achieve your goals—confidentially and professionally.

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