Glossary · Reading the business
In short
A mitigant is a factor or condition that reduces a recognized risk. Lenders look for mitigants to offset potential weaknesses in a deal, improving its chances of approval.
When a lender identifies a risk during underwriting, such as declining revenue or a lack of experience, they'll look for mitigants. This could be a strong management team, a seller note on standby, or a diverse customer base. Be ready to articulate how your strengths directly address any identified weaknesses.
Defined by DealRoom.so SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
Pressure-test the numbers before you make an offer
Send us the asking price and the seller's cash flow — we'll show whether the deal services SBA debt and where the add-backs are likely to hold up.
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