The usual way to buy a small business with little money down is to pair a modest cash down payment with seller financing, an SBA 7(a) loan, or both. That way the business's own earnings pay off most of the price. Under the SBA's rules, a bank-financed purchase still needs at least 10% of the total project cost from the buyer. A seller note can cover up to half of that, but only if it is on full standby for the life of the loan.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Lower down payments mean higher monthly payments. The question is whether the business earns enough to cover them and still pay you.
| Down payment | Paid at closing | Owner finances | Buyer pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $15,000 | $135,000 | $2,740 a month |
| 20% | $30,000 | $120,000 | $2,430 a month |
| 30% | $45,000 | $105,000 | $2,130 a month |
Worked example, not a market rate: 8% interest over 5 years, standard monthly amortization. The buyer and the owner set their own terms.
YourBizWorth is not a broker, appraiser, or law firm. This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice.
With an SBA loan, no: the buyer must inject at least 10% of the total project cost, and a seller note on full standby can cover at most half of that. In a purely private deal, the down payment is whatever the owner agrees to, but owners rarely accept zero because they want the buyer to have money at stake.
Yes. Owners care most about whether you can run the business and make the payments. Relevant experience in the trade, a clear plan, and a real down payment help.
On YourBizWorth, each listing shows the down payment the owner will take and the monthly payment math.