CINXE.COM

Buy an existing business or franchise | U.S. Small Business Administration

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/buy-existing-business-or-franchise" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.sba.gov/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/social/SBASEOImage.jpg" /> <meta property="og:image:alt" content="Small Business Administration logo" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary" /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@SBAgov" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Buy an existing business or franchise" /> <meta name="twitter:image:alt" content="Small Business Administration logo" /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.sba.gov/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/social/SBASEOImage.jpg" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="Zli_zEgK3XdnsafTS3DT6KSqhuPIb9ID9HzIW6lHAkQ" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <link rel="icon" href="/themes/custom/sba/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/buy-existing-business-or-franchise" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="es" href="https://www.sba.gov/es/guia-de-negocios/planifique-su-empresa/compre-una-empresa-o-franquicia-establecida" /> <title>Buy an existing business or franchise | U.S. Small Business Administration</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_KzI-6cOHCN8dGVJxuxwUA_XIUvcuSBAa98fGO4AqTQQ.css?delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=sba&amp;include=eJxFyEEOgCAMBMAPEXjTIo2gCE3XRv29J-Mcp7exq5tOSuotG-wJfHjKkTIogRnJeRWGZZqkYq7oERvuoDCsBq38-p_oQz33xirlBZZlJtU" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_39ocjIkk2u2yKB0SOVxtU5tmRmcS9glSfdTzb2YqRJI.css?delta=1&amp;language=en&amp;theme=sba&amp;include=eJxFyEEOgCAMBMAPEXjTIo2gCE3XRv29J-Mcp7exq5tOSuotG-wJfHjKkTIogRnJeRWGZZqkYq7oERvuoDCsBq38-p_oQz33xirlBZZlJtU" /> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/8642","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"gtm":{"tagId":null,"settings":{"data_layer":"dataLayer","include_classes":false,"allowlist_classes":"","blocklist_classes":"","include_environment":false,"environment_id":"","environment_token":""},"tagIds":["GTM-MSNZZ6M"]},"gtag":{"tagId":"","consentMode":false,"otherIds":[],"events":[],"additionalConfigInfo":[]},"ajaxPageState":{"libraries":"eJxVi1kOAyEMQy_EcqRRGDIhLRBEoMvtW6Gq7XzYlp9lEqGM2wDy9DZD5-7gAo8zLCZzvbbZmyh6rjxMlcEH7zBY6lZQFQj9P3SRtbCqadCBOrSkPvbZILsfcbO2GTJrwmg0gE8cUW3GY1S42SKBM66hZdgxSY7Y7fdvI4ZJa3_LTr1HtQPC5zNkX7m40acOLD6A4gu8cWOH","theme":"sba","theme_token":null},"ajaxTrustedUrl":{"form_action_p_pvdeGsVG5zNF_XLGPTvYSKCf43t8qZYSwcfZl2uzM":true},"linkpurpose":{"domain":"*.sba.gov, https:\/\/www.sba.gov","ignore":"#toolbar-administration a, .usa-footer__social-links a, .sba-document__download a, .document-teaser__content a, .person-link a, .sba-document__translated-file a","purposeDocumentMessage":"Link downloads document","purposeDocumentIconType":"html","purposeDocumentIconPosition":"beforeend","purposeDownloadMessage":"Link downloads file","purposeDownloadIconType":"html","purposeDownloadIconPosition":"beforeend","purposeApp":true,"purposeAppMessage":"Link opens app","purposeAppIconType":"html","purposeAppIconPosition":"beforeend","purposeExternal":true,"purposeExternalNoReferrer":true,"purposeExternalNewWindow":true,"purposeExternalMessage":"Link is external","purposeExternalIconType":"html","purposeExternalIconPosition":"beforeend","purposeMail":true,"purposeMailMessage":"Link sends email","purposeMailIconType":"html","purposeMailIconPosition":"beforeend","purposeTel":true,"purposeTelMessage":"Link opens phone app","purposeTelIconType":"html","purposeTelIconPosition":"beforeend","purposeNewWindow":true,"purposeNewWindowMessage":"Link opens in new window","purposeNewWindowIconType":"html","purposeNewWindowIconPosition":"beforeend","css_url":"\/modules\/contrib\/linkpurpose"},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"f7be44e9fad5d4b5a2c7f1b1b89c7d80d19a0f9e578ba53342cf58e236de8d38"}}</script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_ket3GnSPKpCERln1Qw_qudr-bWPKsd88pv0w5bE1CUg.js?scope=header&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=sba&amp;include=eJxdTFsSwiAMvFApR-osJU2jQBiSqsfX4Uv92NnnbJF279foahSliS-WEC97ZpuqF-x0ask0QscAD_QzZEoXz_6DMNfBkQotrMqFNgdH9vprwf9-xQ2v-eO6Tz4lk4VChzc8QtUkn9OmLofscNG2VTIDU_wO1yxWxewNjPNOuA"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/google_tag/js/gtm.js?sney2d"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/google_tag/js/gtag.js?sney2d"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_rzUSY4wSEKoj02Rixzzn7C9-SajpP3KM8q0KWBu7jzM.js?scope=header&amp;delta=3&amp;language=en&amp;theme=sba&amp;include=eJxdTFsSwiAMvFApR-osJU2jQBiSqsfX4Uv92NnnbJF279foahSliS-WEC97ZpuqF-x0ask0QscAD_QzZEoXz_6DMNfBkQotrMqFNgdH9vprwf9-xQ2v-eO6Tz4lk4VChzc8QtUkn9OmLofscNG2VTIDU_wO1yxWxewNjPNOuA"></script> <link rel="preload" href="/themes/custom/sba/dist/uswds/fonts/source-sans-pro/sourcesanspro-regular-webfont.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="/themes/custom/sba/dist/uswds/fonts/source-sans-pro/sourcesanspro-semibold-webfont.woff2" as="font" type="font/woff2" crossorigin> <noscript><link rel="stylesheet" href="/themes/custom/sba/dist/uswds/css/noscript.css?sney2d" /> </noscript> </head> <body> <a href="#main-content" class="usa-skipnav"> Skip to main content </a> <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MSNZZ6M" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <section class="usa-banner" aria-label="Official website of the United States government"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <header class="usa-banner__header"> <div class="usa-banner__inner"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <img class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/uswds/img/us_flag_small.png" alt="" width="16" height="11" /> </div> <div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto" aria-hidden="true"> <p class="usa-banner__header-text"> An official website of the United States government </p> <p class="usa-banner__header-action"> Here’s how you know </p> </div> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner-default" > <span class="usa-banner__button-text">Here’s how you know</span> </button> </div> </header> <div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner-default"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg"> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/uswds/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong> Official websites use .gov </strong> <br /> A <strong>.gov</strong> website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. </p> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/uswds/img/icon-https.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true" /> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong> Secure .gov websites use HTTPS </strong> <br /> A <strong>lock</strong> ( <span class="icon-lock" ><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewBox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" role="img" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-description-default" focusable="false" > <title id="banner-lock-title-default">Lock</title> <desc id="banner-lock-description-default">Locked padlock</desc> <path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z" /></svg ></span> ) or <strong>https://</strong> means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <div class="usa-overlay"></div> <header class="usa-header usa-header--extended usa-header--extended-megamenu" id="header"> <div class="usa-banner-inner"> <div> <div id="block-notificationmessages" class="block block-notification-message"> <div aria-live="polite" class="visually-hidden" id="notification-message-aria-announcement"></div> <div class="notification-messages"> <section class="usa-site-alert usa-site-alert--info" aria-label="Site alert,"> <div class="usa-alert message--type-global" data-message-id="3"> <div class="usa-alert__body"> <h3 class="usa-alert__heading"> <div class="field__item" data-test="fieldItem">Hurricanes Helene and Milton</div> </h3> <div class="usa-prose field__item" data-test="fieldItem"><p>Need help? <a href="https://www.sba.gov/disaster">Learn about SBA disaster assistance.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-navbar" data-test="usaNavBar"> <div class="usa-logo site-logo" id="logo"> <a href="https://www.sba.gov/"> <picture> <source srcset="/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/logo-icon.svg" width="73" height="56" media="(max-width: 400px)" /> <img src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/logo-horizontal.svg" alt="SBA Home" width="206" height="56"> </picture> </a> </div> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/buy-existing-business-or-franchise" class="language-link sba-language-switcher usa-button is-active" lang="en" hreflang="en" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8642" aria-current="page">English</a><a href="/es/guia-de-negocios/planifique-su-empresa/compre-una-empresa-o-franquicia-establecida" class="language-link sba-language-switcher usa-button" lang="es" hreflang="es" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8642">Español</a> <button class="usa-menu-btn sba-menu-btn" data-test="menuButton"> <span class="visually-hidden"> Menu </span> <span class="sba-menu-btn__icon"> <span></span> <span></span> <span></span> </span> </button> </div> <nav aria-labelledby="primary-navigation-title" class="usa-nav"> <h2 id="primary-navigation-title" class="visually-hidden">Primary Navigation</h2> <div class="usa-nav__inner"> <button class="usa-nav__close" data-test="navCloseButton"> <img src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/uswds/img/usa-icons/close.svg" alt="close"/> </button> <ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link usa-current" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-1"> <span>Business Guide</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="menu-level-1"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-1"> <a href="/business-guide" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-1" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/4075"> <span>Explore our business guide</span> </a> </div> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-2"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/business-guide/10-steps-start-your-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/4061"> <span>10 steps to start your business</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8876"> <span>Plan your business</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/market-research-competitive-analysis" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8630"> <span>Market research and competitive analysis</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8656"> <span>Write your business plan</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/calculate-your-startup-costs" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8632"> <span>Calculate your startup costs</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/establish-business-credit" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8842"> <span>Establish business credit</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/fund-your-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8633"> <span>Fund your business</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/buy-existing-business-or-franchise" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3 usa-current is-active" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8642" aria-current="page"> <span>Buy an existing business or franchise</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8889"> <span>Launch your business</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business/pick-your-business-location" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8631"> <span>Pick your business location</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8640"> <span>Choose a business structure</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-your-business-name" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8628"> <span>Choose your business name</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8634"> <span>Register your business</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business/get-federal-state-tax-id-numbers" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8636"> <span>Get federal and state tax ID numbers</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8646"> <span>Apply for licenses and permits</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business/open-business-bank-account" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8635"> <span>Open a business bank account</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business/get-business-insurance" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8641"> <span>Get business insurance</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8921"> <span>Manage your business</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/manage-your-finances" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8645"> <span>Manage your finances</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/hire-manage-employees" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8647"> <span>Hire and manage employees</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/pay-taxes" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8629"> <span>Pay taxes</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/stay-legally-compliant" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8638"> <span>Stay legally compliant</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/buy-assets-equipment" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8639"> <span>Buy assets and equipment</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/marketing-sales" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8649"> <span>Marketing and sales</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/ai-small-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53489"> <span>AI for small business</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/strengthen-your-cybersecurity" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8748"> <span>Strengthen your cybersecurity</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/prepare-emergencies" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8650"> <span>Prepare for emergencies</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/recover-disasters" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8826"> <span>Recover from disasters</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/close-or-sell-your-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8648"> <span>Close or sell your business</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business/hire-employees-disabilities" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8866"> <span>Hire employees with disabilities</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9166"> <span>Grow your business</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/get-more-funding" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8644"> <span>Get more funding</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/expand-new-locations" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8637"> <span>Expand to new locations</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/merge-acquire-businesses" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8643"> <span>Merge and acquire businesses</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/become-federal-contractor" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8653"> <span>Become a federal contractor</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/export-products" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8655"> <span>Export products</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/women-owned-businesses" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8654"> <span>Women-owned businesses</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/native-american-owned-businesses" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8652"> <span>Native American-owned businesses</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8651"> <span>Veteran-owned businesses</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/military-spouse-businesses" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/30577"> <span>Military spouse businesses</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/lgbtq-owned-businesses" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8701"> <span>LGBTQ-owned businesses</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/rural-businesses" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8800"> <span>Rural businesses</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business/minority-owned-businesses" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8814"> <span>Minority-owned businesses</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-2"> <span>Funding Programs</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="menu-level-1"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-1"> <a href="/funding-programs" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-1" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/4140"> <span>Find funding programs</span> </a> </div> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-2"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/funding-programs/loans" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9131"> <span>Loans</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/loans/make-payment-sba" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8840"> <span>Make a payment to SBA</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8846"> <span>7(a) loans</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/loans/504-loans" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8847"> <span>504 loans</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/loans/microloans" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8848"> <span>Microloans</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/loans/lender-match-connects-you-lenders" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8976"> <span>Lender Match</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9165"> <span>COVID-19 relief options</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/funding-programs/investment-capital" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8978"> <span>Investment capital</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/investment-capital/sbic-directory" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/24095"> <span>SBIC directory</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/funding-programs/disaster-assistance" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9232"> <span>Disaster assistance</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/physical-damage-loans" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8801"> <span>Physical damage loans</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/mitigation-assistance" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8803"> <span>Mitigation assistance</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/economic-injury-disaster-loans" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8802"> <span>Economic Injury Disaster Loans</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/military-reservist-loan" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8804"> <span>Military reservist loan</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/hurricane-helene" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/56479"> <span>Hurricane Helene</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/hurricane-milton" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/57018"> <span>Hurricane Milton</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/recovery-center-locations" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/57219"> <span>Recovery Center locations</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/funding-programs/surety-bonds" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9053"> <span>Surety bonds</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/surety-bonds/surety-bond-agency-directory" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/24096"> <span>Surety bond agency directory</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/funding-programs/grants" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9256"> <span>Grants</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/grants/state-trade-expansion-program-step" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9258"> <span>State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/funding-programs/grants/grants-community-organizations" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8722"> <span>Grants for community organizations</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-3"> <span>Federal Contracting</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="menu-level-1"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-1"> <a href="/federal-contracting" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-1" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/4146"> <span>Learn about federal contracting</span> </a> </div> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-2"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-guide" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9496"> <span>Contracting guide</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/assess-your-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8673"> <span>Assess your business</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/basic-requirements" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8676"> <span>Basic requirements</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/how-win-contracts" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8684"> <span>How to win contracts</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/types-contracts" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8677"> <span>Types of contracts</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/size-standards" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8680"> <span>Size standards</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/governing-rules-responsibilities" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8678"> <span>Governing rules and responsibilities</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/prime-subcontracting" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8692"> <span>Prime and subcontracting</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9373"> <span>Contracting assistance programs</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/small-disadvantaged-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8825"> <span>Small Disadvantaged Business</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/women-owned-small-business-federal-contract-program" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8681"> <span>Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract program</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/veteran-contracting-assistance-programs" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8672"> <span>Veteran contracting assistance programs</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8682"> <span>8(a) Business Development program</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/sba-mentor-protege-program" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8679"> <span>SBA Mentor-Protégé program</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/joint-ventures" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8815"> <span>Joint ventures</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/hubzone-program" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8683"> <span>HUBZone program</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/natural-resource-sales-assistance-program" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8685"> <span>Natural Resource Sales Assistance program</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/federal-contracting/counseling-help" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9368"> <span>Counseling and help</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/counseling-help/contracting-area-directors" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8694"> <span>Contracting area directors</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/counseling-help/procurement-center-representative-directory" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8695"> <span>Procurement Center Representative directory</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/counseling-help/commercial-market-representatives" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8854"> <span>Commercial Market Representatives</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-data" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58463"> <span>Contracting data</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-data/small-business-procurement-scorecard" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58456"> <span>Small business procurement scorecard</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-contracting/contracting-data/disaggregated-data" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/38831"> <span>Disaggregated data</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-4"> <span>Learning Platform</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-4" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="menu-level-1"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-1"> <a href="/sba-learning-platform" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-1" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9246"> <span>Explore our learning platform</span> </a> </div> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-2"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="https://learning.sba.gov" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2"> <span>MySBA Learning</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/sba-learning-platform/boots-business" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8818"> <span>Boots to Business</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/sba-learning-platform/thrive-emerging-leaders-reimagined" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8819"> <span>T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/sba-learning-platform/empower-grow" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8812"> <span>Empower to Grow</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/sba-learning-platform/investing-america" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/45653"> <span>Investing in America</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/sba-learning-platform/investing-america/home-repair-construction" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/45661"> <span>Home repair and construction</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/sba-learning-platform/investing-america/government-contracting-subcontracting" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/45657"> <span>Government contracting and sub-contracting</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/sba-learning-platform/investing-america/manufacturing" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/45655"> <span>Manufacturing</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/sba-learning-platform/investing-america/rural-and-agricultural-small-businesses" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/50031"> <span>Rural and agricultural small businesses</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/sba-learning-platform/investing-america/investing-america-featured-stories" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/45652"> <span>Investing in America featured stories</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-5"> <span>Local Assistance</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-5" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="menu-level-1"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-1"> <a href="/local-assistance" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-1" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/279"> <span>Find resources in your area</span> </a> </div> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-2"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/local-assistance/resource-partners" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9352"> <span>Resource Partners</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8833"> <span>Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/local-assistance/resource-partners/score-business-mentoring" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8834"> <span>SCORE Business Mentoring</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-center-vboc-program" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8836"> <span>Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/local-assistance/resource-partners/womens-business-centers" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8835"> <span>Women&#039;s Business Centers</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/local-assistance/export-trade-assistance" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9349"> <span>Export and trade assistance</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/local-assistance/export-trade-assistance/export-finance-managers" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8830"> <span>Export Finance Managers</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/local-assistance/export-trade-assistance/us-export-assistance-centers" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8839"> <span>U.S. Export Assistance Centers</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/local-assistance/federal-contracting-assistance" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8837"> <span>Federal contracting assistance</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/local-assistance/regional-innovation-clusters" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8856"> <span>Regional Innovation Clusters</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/local-assistance/veterans-business-development-officers" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8855"> <span>Veterans Business Development Officers</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-6"> <span>About SBA</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-6" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="menu-level-1"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-1"> <a href="/about-sba" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-1" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9369"> <span>Learn about SBA</span> </a> </div> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-2"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/about-sba/sba-locations" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9641"> <span>SBA locations</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8970"> <span>Headquarters Offices</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/sba-locations/disaster-field-operations-centers" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8867"> <span>Disaster Offices</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/sba-locations/sba-district-offices" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8841"> <span>District Offices</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/sba-locations/loan-guaranty-centers" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9375"> <span>Loan and Guaranty Centers</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9266"> <span>Open government</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/foia" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8703"> <span>FOIA</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/digital-sba" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8704"> <span>Digital SBA</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/about-sbagov-website" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9313"> <span>About the SBA.gov website</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/sba-privacy-program" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8707"> <span>SBA privacy program</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/privacy-act-request-guide" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8708"> <span>Privacy Act request guide</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/information-quality" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9347"> <span>Information quality</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/sba-guidance" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8749"> <span>SBA guidance</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/ai-inventory" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/27208"> <span>AI inventory</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/made-america-waivers" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/27212"> <span>Made in America waivers</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/sms-terms-conditions" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/50982"> <span>SMS terms and conditions</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/about-sba/sba-newsroom" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9239"> <span>SBA Newsroom</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/about-sba/work-sba" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9237"> <span>Work for SBA</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/work-sba/employee-life" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8719"> <span>Employee life</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/work-sba/jobs-sba" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8718"> <span>Jobs at SBA</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/work-sba/contracting-sba" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8717"> <span>Contracting for SBA</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/work-sba/disaster-response-jobs-sba" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8869"> <span>Disaster response jobs at SBA</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/about-sba/organization" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9363"> <span>Organization</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/organization/sba-leadership" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8723"> <span>SBA leadership</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/organization/contact-sba" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8724"> <span>Contact SBA</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/organization/sba-initiatives" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9370"> <span>SBA initiatives</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/documents" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/2434"> <span>Forms and documents</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/organization/observances" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9481"> <span>Observances</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/organization/performance" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8721"> <span>Performance</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/organization/federal-advisory-committees" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9760"> <span>Federal advisory committees</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/about-sba/oversight-advocacy" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9235"> <span>Oversight and advocacy</span> </a> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list usa-nav__submenu-list--level-3"> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-hearings-appeals" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8961"> <span>Office of Hearings and Appeals</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-inspector-general" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8974"> <span>Office of Inspector General</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-national-ombudsman" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8726"> <span>Office of the National Ombudsman</span> </a> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="https://advocacy.sba.gov/" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-3"> <span>Office of Advocacy</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li data-test="primaryNavMenu" class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-nav__submenu-item--level-2"> <a href="/about-sba/information-other-languages" class="usa-nav__link usa-nav__link--level-2" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/29511"> <span>Information in other languages</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> </ul> <div class="usa-nav__secondary"> <ul class="usa-nav__secondary-links"> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item" data-test="navSecondaryItem"> <a href="/partners"> For Partners </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item" data-test="navSecondaryItem"> <a href="/about-sba/sba-newsroom"> Newsroom </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item" data-test="navSecondaryItem"> <a href="/about-sba/organization/contact-sba"> Contact us </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__secondary-item" data-test="navSecondaryItem"> <a href="https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/information-other-languages"> Other languages </a> </li> </ul> <section aria-label="Search component"> <form class="usa-search usa-search--small" role="search" action="/search" method="get"> <label class="usa-sr-only" for="search-field">Search</label> <input class="usa-input" id="search-field" type="search" name="query" /> <button class="usa-button" type="submit"> <img src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/uswds/img/usa-icons-bg/search--white.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search" /> </button> </form> </section> </div> </div> </nav> </header> <main class="main-content usa-layout-docs usa-section padding-top-0 main-content--sidebar" data-test="mainContent"> <a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row"> <div id="block-sba-breadcrumbs" class="block block-system block-system-breadcrumb-block"> <nav class="usa-breadcrumb" aria-labelledby="system-breadcrumb"> <h2 id="system-breadcrumb" class="usa-sr-only">Breadcrumb</h2> <ol class="usa-breadcrumb__list"> <li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item " > <a href="/" class="usa-breadcrumb__link"> <span>Home</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item " > <a href="/business-guide" class="usa-breadcrumb__link"> <span>Business Guide</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item " > <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business" class="usa-breadcrumb__link"> <span>Plan your business</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item usa-current" aria-current="page"> <span>Buy an existing business or franchise</span> </li> </ol> </nav> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> <div class="grid-row "> </div> <div class="sba-layout-docs sba-layout-docs--sidebar"> <div class="layout-sidebar-first"> <nav aria-labelledby="sidebar-menu-navigation"> <h2 class="visually-hidden" id="sidebar-menu-navigation">Section navigation</h2> <ul class="usa-sidenav"> <li class="usa-sidenav__item first"> <a href="/business-guide/10-steps-start-your-business"> <span>10 steps to start your business</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item expanded dropdown active active-trail"> <a class="usa-current" href="/business-guide/plan-your-business"> <span>Plan your business</span> </a> <ul class="usa-sidenav__sublist"> <li class="usa-sidenav__item first"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/market-research-competitive-analysis"> <span>Market research and competitive analysis</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan"> <span>Write your business plan</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/calculate-your-startup-costs"> <span>Calculate your startup costs</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/establish-business-credit"> <span>Establish business credit</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/fund-your-business"> <span>Fund your business</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item active active-trail last"> <a class="usa-current" href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/buy-existing-business-or-franchise"> <span>Buy an existing business or franchise</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business"> <span>Launch your business</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item"> <a href="/business-guide/manage-your-business"> <span>Manage your business</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-sidenav__item last"> <a href="/business-guide/grow-your-business"> <span>Grow your business</span> </a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> <div class="usa-layout-docs__main"> <h1 data-test="title" > <span>Buy an existing business or franchise</span> </h1> <div id="block-sba-content" class="block block-system block-system-main-block"> <article class="basic-page"> <div> <div class="basic-page__summary" data-test="pageSummary"> Starting a business from scratch can be challenging. Franchising or buying an existing business can simplify the initial planning process. </div> <div class="sba-toc sba-standard-margin-spacing"> <hr class="sba-toc__divider-first sba-standard-margin-spacing" role="presentation"> <h2 id="sba-toc-heading" class="sba-toc__heading js-toc-ignore">Content</h2> <nav id="sba-toc__nav" aria-labelledby="sba-toc-heading" class="sba_toc__nav sba-standard-margin-spacing"></nav> <hr role="presentation"> </div> <div class="sba-section-headings"> <h2 class="sba-section-headings" id="know-the-difference-between-franchising-and-buying-a-business"> Know the difference between franchising and buying a business</h2> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-section paragraph--view-mode--default sba-standard-margin-spacing"> <div class="usa-prose field__item" data-test="fieldItem"><p>Before you decide if one of these options is right for you, make sure you know the basics of franchising and buying an existing business. The main difference between franchising and buying an existing business is the level of control you’ll have over your business.</p> </div> </div> <div class="sba-section-headings"> <h3 class="sba-section-headings" id="franchising-gives-you-more-guidance-but-less-control"> Franchising gives you more guidance but less control</h3> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-section paragraph--view-mode--default sba-standard-margin-spacing"> <div class="usa-prose field__item" data-test="fieldItem"><p>A franchise is a business model where one business owner (the “franchisor”) sells the rights to their business logo, name, and model to an independent entrepreneur (the “franchisee”). Restaurants, hotels, and service-oriented businesses are commonly franchised.</p> <p>Two common forms of franchising are:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Product/trade name franchising</strong>:&nbsp;The franchisor owns the right to the name or trademark of a business, and sells the right to use that name and trademark to a franchisee. This style of franchising normally focuses on supply chain management. Typically, products are manufactured or supplied by the franchisor and delivered to the franchisee to sell.</li> <li><strong>Business format franchising</strong>:&nbsp;The franchisor and franchisee have an ongoing relationship. This style of franchising normally focuses on full-spectrum business management. Typically, the franchisor offers services like site selection, training, product supply, marketing plans, and even help getting funding.</li> </ul> <p>When you buy a franchise, you get the right to use the name, logo, and products of a larger brand. You’ll also get to benefit from brand recognition, promotions, and marketing. But, it also means you have to follow rules from the larger brand about how you run your business.</p> </div> </div> <div class="sba-section-headings"> <h3 class="sba-section-headings" id="buying-an-existing-business-gives-you-more-control-but-less-guidance"> Buying an existing business gives you more control but less guidance</h3> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-section paragraph--view-mode--default sba-standard-margin-spacing"> <div class="usa-prose field__item" data-test="fieldItem"><p>Buying an existing business is exactly what it sounds like. The buyer typically takes over full ownership of the business. The largest advantage is having an existing blueprint that can include important factors like an established customer base, defined operating expenses, and fully trained employees. Regardless of business type, almost any kind of business could be bought or sold.</p> <p>When you buy an existing business, you typically get complete control over its direction. However, with no set vision, infrastructure, or external guidance, your business could struggle as you figure out the best way to run things.</p> </div> </div> <div class="sba-section-headings"> <h2 class="sba-section-headings" id="consider-three-factors-before-franchising-or-buying-a-business"> Consider three factors before franchising or buying a business</h2> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-section paragraph--view-mode--default sba-standard-margin-spacing"> <div class="usa-prose field__item" data-test="fieldItem"><p>Though the business models differ, there are three common steps to take that will help you determine whether you should franchise or buy a business.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Quantify your investment</strong>:<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Review your financial landscape and decide how much you’re willing to spend to purchase — and ultimately manage — the business. This will help you determine what type of businesses or brands are best for your budget.</li> <li><strong>Consider your talents and lifestyle</strong>:<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Be honest about your skills and experience, as they can help you eliminate unrealistic business ventures. For example, if you prefer hands-on assistance, then franchising might be best for you. On the contrary, if you’re an experienced business owner, you may want to consider buying an existing business.</li> <li><strong>Review the full landscape</strong>:<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Look at the existing infrastructure and make sure you understand everything that comes along with the purchase. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about contracts, leases, existing cash flow, and inventory. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to make a sound decision.</li> </ul> </div> </div> <section style="--background-color: #ffffff" class="sba-card-collection sba-standard-margin-spacing sba-columns--3 padding-y-0" > <ul class="usa-card-group sba-columns--3"> <li class="usa-card"> <div class="usa-card__container"> <header class="usa-card__header"> <p class="usa-card__heading text-align-center">Quantify your investment.</p> </header> <div class="usa-card__media"> <div class="usa-card__img"> <div> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-03/BG_Buy_existing_business_franchise_quantify.png.webp?itok=IPlvtqfv" width="500" height="280" alt="Buy existing business franchise" /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-card"> <div class="usa-card__container"> <header class="usa-card__header"> <p class="usa-card__heading text-align-center">Consider your talent and life.</p> </header> <div class="usa-card__media"> <div class="usa-card__img"> <div> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-03/BG_Buy_existing_business_franchise_consider.png.webp?itok=u7esjUmu" width="500" height="280" alt="Buy existing business franchise" /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-card"> <div class="usa-card__container"> <header class="usa-card__header"> <p class="usa-card__heading text-align-center">Review the full landscape.</p> </header> <div class="usa-card__media"> <div class="usa-card__img"> <div> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2023-04/BG_Buy_existing_business_franchise_review2.png.webp?itok=MvIEbP55" width="500" height="280" alt="Business franchise" /> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </section> <div class="sba-section-headings"> <h3 class="sba-section-headings" id="pick-the-right-franchise-or-existing-business-for-you"> Pick the right franchise or existing business for you</h3> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-section paragraph--view-mode--default sba-standard-margin-spacing"> <div class="usa-prose field__item" data-test="fieldItem"><p>Once you know whether you want to franchise or buy a business, you’ll need to evaluate each specific opportunity. In short, it boils down to this: do your due diligence.</p> <p>Your research should help you understand the business from both a financial standpoint and in the overall landscape.</p> <p>If you’re interested in franchising, you should explore:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Any and all existing reports</strong>:&nbsp;Now’s the time to put your detective hat on. To start, get a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC). This form contains vital details about the franchise's legal, financial, and personnel history.</li> <li><strong>Associated rules and regulations</strong>:&nbsp;Every franchise is different. Confirm that you'll have the right to use the franchise name, trademark, and do business in an area protected from other franchisees. You can also find out if you'll get training and management help from the franchisor, and be able to use the franchisor's expertise in marketing and advertising.</li> <li><strong>Contracts</strong>:&nbsp;The contract between the two parties usually benefits the franchisor more than the franchisee. The franchisee generally needs to meet sales quotas and buy equipment, supplies, and inventory. Make sure you understand it all before signing.</li> </ul> <p>If you’re interested in buying an&nbsp;existing business, you'll want to look into:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Licenses and permits</strong>:&nbsp;You'll need to get any needed licenses and permits from the current owner or apply for them yourself. Find out which&nbsp;<a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e3f12b44-181d-4b0f-91d1-9c2586db3eeb" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Apply for licenses and permits">federal, state, and local permits and licenses</a>&nbsp;you'll need to run your business.</li> <li><strong>Zoning requirements</strong>:&nbsp;Zoning requirements may affect your business. Make sure your business follows all the&nbsp;<a href="/business-guide/launch-your-business/pick-your-business-location" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="d7151973-2559-4200-8b84-1c68685a31d8" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Pick your business location">basic zoning laws</a>&nbsp;in your area.</li> <li><strong>Environmental concerns</strong>:&nbsp;If you're buying real property along with the business, it's important to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.epa.gov/smallbusiness/">check the environmental regulations</a>&nbsp;in the area.</li> <li><strong>The value of the business</strong>:&nbsp;There are many different methods to determine a fair price for the sale of the business. Here are a few: <ul> <li><strong>Capitalized earning approach</strong>:&nbsp;This method refers to the return on the investment that the investor expects.</li> <li><strong>Excess earning method</strong>:&nbsp;Like the capitalized earning method, except it separates return on assets from other earnings.</li> <li><strong>Cash flow method</strong>:&nbsp;This method is typically used to determine how much of a loan the business' cash flow can support.</li> <li><strong>Tangible assets (balance sheet) method</strong>:&nbsp;This method values the business by the tangible assets.</li> <li><strong>Value of specific intangible assets method</strong>:&nbsp;This method compares buying a wanted intangible asset versus creating it.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="sba-section-headings"> <h2 class="sba-section-headings" id="get-ready-to-buy-your-franchise-or-business"> Get ready to buy your franchise or business</h2> </div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--text-section paragraph--view-mode--default sba-standard-margin-spacing"> <div class="usa-prose field__item" data-test="fieldItem"><p>Once you’ve found a franchise or business to buy, it’s important to conduct a thorough, objective investigation.</p> <p>At this stage, you’ll probably want professional help. Consider hiring an attorney and an accountant. The tax rules surrounding franchises in particular are often complex. A specialist in franchise law can assist you with evaluating the franchise package and tax considerations. An accountant can help you&nbsp;<a href="/business-guide/plan-your-business/calculate-your-startup-costs" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f9030c33-4043-4d58-97a3-c48e488d8c04" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Calculate your startup costs">determine the full costs</a>&nbsp;of purchasing and operating the business, and even help estimate potential profit.</p> <p>An attorney and an accountant together can help you create and evaluate important documents. Typically that includes the following:</p> <ul> <li>Letter of intent</li> <li>Confidentiality agreement</li> <li>Contracts and leases</li> <li>Financial statements</li> <li>Tax returns</li> <li>Sales agreement</li> <li>Purchase price adjustment</li> </ul> <p>Explore <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/features/franchise-guidance">resources from the Federal Trade Commission</a>&nbsp;to help you buy a franchise.</p> </div> </div> <section id="block-counselormatchcta" class="sba-call-to-action sba-standard-margin-spacing padding-y-0" style="background-color:#ffffff"> <div class="sba-call-to-action__inner"> <div class="sba-call-to-action__content left dark short"> <h3>Need help? Get free business counseling</h3> <div class="sba-call-to-action__links"> <a href="/local-assistance" class="usa-button">Find counselors</a> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <footer class="basic-page__footer"> Short URL: sba.gov/franchise <br /> Last updated July 19, 2024 </footer> </article> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--big "> <div class="grid-container usa-footer__return-to-top"> <a href="#">Return to top</a> </div> <div> <div class="usa-footer__primary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="tablet:grid-col-8"> <nav class="usa-footer__nav" aria-labelledby="footer-menu-navigation"> <h3 class="visually-hidden" id="footer-menu-navigation">Footer navigation</h3> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible" data-test="footerCol"> <div class="usa-footer__primary-link">About SBA</div> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/organization/contact-sba" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8724">Contact SBA</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/sba-locations" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9641">Locations</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/events" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/83">Upcoming events</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/sba-newsroom" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9239">Newsroom</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/blog" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/209">SBA blog</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/organization/sba-leadership" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8723">Leadership team</a> </li> </ul> </ul> </section> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible" data-test="footerCol"> <div class="usa-footer__primary-link">About the site</div> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/sitemap" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/24745">Site map</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/about-sbagov-website/privacy-policy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8713">Privacy policy</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/about-sbagov-website/linking-policy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8711">Linking policy</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/information-quality/plain-language" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8715">Plain language</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/about-sbagov-website/accessibility" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8712">Accessibility</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/about-sbagov-website/disclaimer" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8714">Disclaimers</a> </li> </ul> </ul> </section> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible" data-test="footerCol"> <div class="usa-footer__primary-link">Open government</div> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/foia" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8703">Freedom of Information Act</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/about-sbagov-website/no-fear-act" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8710">No Fear Act</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="https://data.sba.gov">Open data sources</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/open-government/sba-guidance" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8749">Policies and guidance</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/organization/performance" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8721">Budget and performance</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/">Regulations.gov</a> </li> </ul> </ul> </section> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3"> <section class="usa-footer__primary-content usa-footer__primary-content--collapsible" data-test="footerCol"> <div class="usa-footer__primary-link">Oversight</div> <ul class="usa-list usa-list--unstyled"> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-inspector-general" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8974">Inspector General</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="https://advocacy.sba.gov">Advocacy</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-hearings-appeals" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8961">Hearings and appeals</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-national-ombudsman" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8726">Ombudsman</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/preventing-fraud-identity-theft" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8820">Fraud and identity theft</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/">WhiteHouse.gov</a> </li> <li class="usa-footer__secondary-link"> <a href="https://www.usa.gov/es/">USA.gov</a> </li> </ul> </ul> </section> </div> </div> </nav> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <div class="footer-sign-up"> <h3 class="usa-sign-up__heading footer-sign-up__heading">Sign up</h3> <p class="footer-sign-up__description">Receive information about upcoming SBA events, news alerts, and program updates.</p> <p class="footer-sign-up__required"> <span class="asterisk">*</span> indicates a required field </p> <div class="sba-district__news-form usa-form block block-sbagov-district block-govdeliverysignupfooterblock" novalidate="novalidate" data-drupal-selector="govdelivery-signup-footer-form"> <form action="/business-guide/plan-your-business/buy-existing-business-or-franchise" method="post" id="govdelivery-signup-footer-form" accept-charset="UTF-8" class="usa-form usa-form--large" novalidate="true"> <div class="form-item js-form-item form-type-email js-form-type-email form-item-email js-form-item-email"> <label for="edit-email" class="usa-input-required usa-label control-label js-form-required form-required is-required">Email</label> <input class="usa-input form-email required" data-drupal-selector="edit-email" type="email" id="edit-email" name="email" value="" size="30" maxlength="254" required="required" aria-required="true" /> </div> <div class="form-item js-form-item form-type-textfield js-form-type-textfield form-item-zipcode js-form-item-zipcode"> <label for="edit-zipcode" class="usa-input-required usa-label control-label js-form-required form-required is-required">ZIP Code</label> <input class="usa-input form-text required" data-drupal-selector="edit-zipcode" type="text" id="edit-zipcode" name="zipcode" value="" size="5" maxlength="5" required="required" aria-required="true" /> </div> <input data-drupal-selector="edit-submit" type="submit" id="edit-submit" name="op" value="Subscribe to SBA emails" class="button button--primary js-form-submit form-submit usa-button" /><input data-drupal-selector="form-zhzylw4ndbjt-jr9-exfnboxadxv0gsgipj7q9gspfs" type="hidden" name="form_build_id" value="form-zhzYlW4nDBJt_jR9_exFnbOxaDXv0gSGipJ7Q9GSpfs" class="usa-input" /><input data-drupal-selector="edit-govdelivery-signup-footer-form" type="hidden" name="form_id" value="govdelivery_signup_footer_form" class="usa-input" /> </form> </div> <p> Your information will only be used in accordance with our <a href="https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/open-government/about-sbagov-website/privacy-policy">website privacy policy</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-footer__secondary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="sba-footer-grid grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="usa-footer__logo grid-row mobile-lg:grid-col-6 mobile-lg:grid-gap-2"> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-auto"> <img class="usa-footer__logo-img" src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/sba-logo.svg" alt="" loading="lazy" width="80" height="80" /> </div> <address class="mobile-lg:grid-col-auto usa-footer__address"> <div class="usa-footer__contact-info grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <div id="block-sbafooteraddress" class="block block-sbagov-footer-address block-id-sbafooteraddress"> <p><strong>U.S. Small Business Administration</strong><br>409 3rd St., SW<br>Washington, DC 20416<br><a href="tel:800-827-5722">800-827-5722</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </address> </div> <div class="usa-footer__contact-links mobile-lg:grid-col-6"> <div class="usa-footer__social-links grid-row grid-gap-1"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://facebook.com/SBAgov" data-test="footerSocialLink"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/sba-icons/facebook.svg" alt="SBA-Facebook" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://twitter.com/sbagov" data-test="footerSocialLink"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/sba-icons/xlogo.svg" alt="SBA-X" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/sbagov" data-test="footerSocialLink"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/sba-icons/youtube.svg" alt="SBA-YouTube" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://linkedin.com/company/us-small-business-administration" data-test="footerSocialLink"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/sba-icons/linkedin.svg" alt="SBA-Linkedin" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://instagram.com/sbagov" data-test="footerSocialLink"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/sba-icons/instagram.svg" alt="SBA-Instagram" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </footer> </div> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_FAcSqlSrsG_Ui26yX0QGwksxP3A-uq-TDq_3Bk3fxqo.js?scope=footer&amp;delta=0&amp;language=en&amp;theme=sba&amp;include=eJxdTFsSwiAMvFApR-osJU2jQBiSqsfX4Uv92NnnbJF279foahSliS-WEC97ZpuqF-x0ask0QscAD_QzZEoXz_6DMNfBkQotrMqFNgdH9vprwf9-xQ2v-eO6Tz4lk4VChzc8QtUkn9OmLofscNG2VTIDU_wO1yxWxewNjPNOuA"></script> </body> </html>

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10