Glossary · People and paperwork
In short
A pooled investment vehicle that invests in private companies, often with the goal of improving operations and selling for a profit. They typically focus on larger deals.
While private equity funds sometimes acquire small businesses, their structure often doesn't align with the SBA's owner-operator requirements for 7(a) loans. If you're buying from a fund, be aware of their exit motivations. If you're part of a fund, confirm your structure meets SBA owner-operator and affiliation rules.
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.
Know what you'll need before you apply
Tell us about the deal and who's buying — we'll flag the guaranty, eligibility, and paperwork issues that slow SBA approval before they cost you time.
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