Going direct to your bank vs a package review

Key takeaways

A simple decision test

Worked example (illustrative numbers)

Two owners (illustrative):

• Owner A: $80,000 equipment loan, 10 years with the same bank, strong cash flow → go direct.
• Owner B: $1.2M practice acquisition with a seller note, first-time buyer → package review helps organize the 7(a) structure and compare lenders.

Illustrative only. Real terms depend on the lender, the SBA and your file.

When going direct makes sense

Your banker knows your business and can move quickly on a straightforward request.

• Equipment or vehicle loans with clear collateral
• Line of credit renewals or increases
• Refinancing with a lender you already use
• Clean tax returns and steady profits

When a package review helps

Outside help earns its keep when organizing the file is half the work.

• Buying a business or practice
• Partner buyouts and seller financing
• SBA 7(a) or 504 structures
• A prior decline you want to understand
• Wanting to compare more than one lender

How we get paid

Profit Theory, LLC is not a lender and is not owned by or affiliated with any lender or payment processor. We may receive compensation from a provider you choose to use; you approve any provider by name before anything is shared. The How we get paid page (referral disclosure) has the full details.

Official sources (checked November 2, 2026)

• Compensation details are described on the referral disclosure page, not on this page.

Rates, caps and fees change. Check the official source before you rely on any figure: SBA: 7(a) loans (sba.gov).

• SBA: 504 loans (sba.gov)
• SBA SOP 50 10 lender and development company loan programs
• SBA: Write your business plan

Common questions