Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our business services.
Do I need to be a U.S. resident to buy a business?
No, you don’t need to be a U.S. resident to purchase a business. And International buyers can benefit from various visa programs, including the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, L-1 Transfer Visa and EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program through the acquisition of businesses. We specialize in helping international buyers navigate these processes.
What is the minimum investment required?
Investment requirements vary depending on the visa, if the goal is for immigration purposes. The investment amount may also depends on the type and size of business. There are businesses for sale ranging from $100,000 to several million dollars. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss your investment capacity and match you with appropriate opportunities.
How long does the acquisition process take?
A typical business acquisition takes 3-6 months from initial search to closing. This timeline includes finding the right business, conducting due diligence, negotiating terms, securing financing (if applicable), and completing the legal transfer. Complex deals or those involving visa applications may take longer.
What financing options are available for buyers?
Several financing options exist including SBA loans (for U.S. residents or citizens), seller financing, conventional bank loans, and private investors. Many acquisitions combine multiple financing sources. We can connect you with lenders experienced in business acquisitions.
What happens if issues are found during due diligence?
Discovering issues during due diligence is common and doesn’t necessarily kill a deal. Depending on the findings, we may renegotiate the price, request remediation before closing, adjust deal terms, or recommend walking away if risks are too high. Our job is to protect your interests.
How do you help with the visa applications?
We work closely with immigration attorneys who specialize in investor visas. We help identify businesses that meet visa requirements and provide documentation needed for your application. Our team has helped buyers from over 15 countries successfully obtain investor visas.
What industries or business types do you specialize in?
We work across multiple industries including service businesses, retail, franchises, hospitality, manufacturing, and e-commerce. Our expertise lies in evaluating businesses for profitability, growth potential, and visa eligibility rather than specific industries.
How is confidentiality protected during the sale?
We use strict non-disclosure agreements with all potential buyers, market your business anonymously until serious interest is confirmed, and control the flow of sensitive information throughout the process. Your employees, customers, and competitors won’t know until you’re ready.
How long does it take to sell a business?
The timeline varies based on business type, size, and market conditions. On average, our clients see serious offers within 3-6 months. We focus on finding qualified buyers efficiently while never rushing a suboptimal deal.
How do you determine my business's value?
We conduct a comprehensive valuation using multiple methodologies: comparable sales analysis, income-based approaches (SDE/EBITDA multiples), and asset-based valuations. This gives you an accurate, defensible market value.
Do I need to prepare my financials in advance?
We’ll guide you through financial preparation. Ideally, you should have 3 years of tax returns, profit & loss statements, and a current balance sheet. Don’t worry if things aren’t perfect—we help organize and present your financials professionally.
What fees are involved in selling my business?
Our fee structure is success-based, meaning you only pay when your business sells. We’ll discuss the specific commission rate during our initial consultation, which varies based on the deal size and complexity.
Can I continue running my business during the sale process?
Absolutely. Most business sales happen while the owner continues normal operations. We handle the heavy lifting of finding and screening buyers, allowing you to focus on maintaining business performance.
What if my business doesn't sell?
If your business doesn’t sell within our agreed timeframe, you owe nothing. However, we’re highly selective about the businesses we represent to ensure realistic expectations and successful outcomes for all parties.
Which investor visa is right for me?
The best visa depends on your nationality, investment capacity, business involvement preference, and residency goals. E-2 is ideal for treaty country nationals who want to actively manage a business. L-1 suits existing business owners or employees-executives expanding to the U.S. EB-5 is for investors seeking permanent residency through capital investment.
Can my family come with me to the U.S.?
Yes, all three visa types (E-2, L-1, and EB-5) allow you to bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21. Spouses may also be eligible to work in the U.S. under these visas.
What is the minimum investment required?
Investment requirements vary by visa: E-2 typically requires $100,000+, L-1 requires operational business investment rather than a fixed amount, and EB-5 requires $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000 (standard). We help you find opportunities that match your investment capacity and visa qualification.
Do I need to buy an existing business or can I start one?
Both options are available depending on the visa type. For E-2, it’s highly recommended to acquire an existing business. For L-1, you typically need an existing foreign company to transfer from. For EB-5, you can invest in a new commercial enterprise or a regional center project.
How long does the investor visa process take?
Processing times vary: E-2 visas typically take 3-6 months, L-1 visas 1-3 months, and EB-5 visas can take 24-36 months due to the permanent residency pathway. Business setup and preparation time should also be added in the timeline.
Are you a law firm or immigration attorneys?
No, we are business advisors who specialize in helping investors find and acquire qualifying businesses. We coordinate closely with experienced immigration attorneys who handle the legal aspects of your visa application.
What if my visa application is denied?
We work with experienced immigration attorneys who thoroughly review all documentation before submission. Our business-driven approach ensures your investment meets all visa requirements, significantly reducing denial risk.
Is the valuation really free?
Yes, our initial valuation estimate is completely free with no obligation. We provide a preliminary assessment to help you understand your business’s potential market value.
How accurate is the estimate?
Our estimates are based on industry-standard methodologies, comparable sales data, and market conditions. While they provide a reliable range for planning purposes, final sale prices can vary based on negotiation, buyer motivation, and market timing.
What information do I need to provide?
For an initial estimate, we’ll need basic financial information including profit & loss statements and tax returns (2-3 years), and general business details. The more accurate information you provide, the more precise our estimate will be.
Will my information remain confidential?
Absolutely. We treat all business and financial information with strict confidentiality. Your data is only used for valuation purposes and is never shared with third parties without your explicit consent.
How long does the valuation process take?
An initial estimate can typically be provided within 3-5 business days after receiving the necessary financial information. More comprehensive valuations may take 1-2 weeks depending on business complexity.
What valuation method do you use?
We use multiple approaches including income-based (SDE/EBITDA multiples), market-based (comparable sales), and asset-based methods when applicable. The specific approach depends on your business type, size, and industry.
