Question 1

What is the minimum deal size CLX will work on?

Accepted Answer

We typically work on transactions starting at $500,000, though there are exceptions depending on the deal structure and the client's situation. The majority of our acquisition deals fall between $1 million and $5 million. For deals under $500,000, we can often point you in the right direction even if we are not the right fit to broker it.

Question 2

How do I know if my deal is financeable before I invest in due diligence?

Accepted Answer

That is one of the most important questions a buyer can ask, and it is exactly what our initial consultation is designed to answer. Our team will review your deal structure, the business financials if available, your background, and the overall cash flow picture. Within that conversation, we can tell you whether the deal is likely to get financed, what the potential red flags are, and what needs to change if it is not. This assessment costs you nothing.

Question 3

Can CLX help if my bank already turned me down?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and this is more common than most people realize. A single bank declining your deal does not mean the deal is unfinanceable. It often means that particular bank's internal policies, risk appetite, or current portfolio mix made your deal a poor fit for them. CLX works with over 500 lending institutions. In many cases, we have found the right lender for deals that were declined elsewhere because we know which lenders specialize in which deal types.

Question 4

What is the difference between an SBA policy and a bank's internal policy?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the most misunderstood topics in commercial lending. The SBA publishes rules in its Standard Operating Procedure that apply to all SBA lenders. However, individual banks layer their own internal policies on top of the SBA rules, and those internal policies are often more restrictive. The problem is that many banks present their internal policies as if they are SBA requirements. Brad has spent roughly 30 years on both sides of this and can tell you exactly which rules are SBA mandated and which are bank specific.

Question 5

How does seller financing work with an SBA loan?

Accepted Answer

Seller financing can be a powerful tool in structuring an acquisition, but it has specific requirements under the SBA program. The seller note typically must be on full standby for a defined period, meaning the seller cannot receive payments until the SBA loan is current. The terms of the seller note, including interest rate, term, and standby period, must comply with the SBA Standard Operating Procedure. The rules changed in 2025 and CLX stays current on every update. We can help you structure a seller note that satisfies SBA requirements while still being acceptable to the seller.

Question 6

What happens after I contact CLX?

Accepted Answer

A CLX advisor will follow up shortly. The first conversation is a candid assessment of your deal: what works, what does not, and what the path forward looks like. If CLX is the right fit, we will outline the next steps, the expected timeline, and what we need from you to get started. If CLX is not the right fit for your specific situation, we will tell you that directly and point you in the right direction. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Commercial Financing for Acquisitions, Real Estate, and Growth

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