Government Shutdown Impact on Small Business SBA Loans - What Owners Need to Know

Andy and JT welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. In this special ‘government shutdown’ edition, Andy sit down with a panel of Transworld leaders — Aaron Fox (Boston, MA), Samuel Curcio (Manhattan, NY), Scott Hislop (Minnesota), Diane Hartz Warsoff (Utah), and Johnathan Choe (Ohio / Los Angeles / Oregon) — to break down how the SBA loan portal shutdown impacts business buyers and sellers. The group explains why lenders cannot fund without an SBA loan number, how IRS pulls and other federal services create delays, and what end‑of‑year timing means for underwriting, leases, and re‑approvals. They also share real-world stories, discuss their concerns around companies with government contracts, and explore why some people expect a week of ‘chaos’ when systems reopen. Finally, the panel offers practical steps owners can take to keep documents current, push legal work forward, and ways to contact their representatives to help stop the closure. Tune in for a clear look at what is happening in the market right now and what owners need to do to keep deals on track. 

 

Listing of the Week: 

Addison Goldin, from Transworld Business Advisors of Fort Lauderdale, presents a long‑running sign shop in Miami, a classic ‘baby‑boomer’ business opportunity. The company has been operating for over 35 years with a stable team and approximately $150,000 in owner’s earnings (SDE). The asking price is $360,000 and includes a bucket truck, production equipment, and robust franchisor training and support. The seller is willing to provide meaningful transition support and is open to solid seller financing; the business could qualify for SBA financing. For more information, contact Addison at [phone] or [e-mail].  
 
Deal of the Week:  

Chris Redmond, from Transworld Business Advisors of Orlando, closed the sale of a commercial cleaning company. The business had lost a major client (nearly 90% of revenue) last year, but the seller rebuilt accounts, enabling a successful exit. The deal involved an E‑2 visa buyer relocating to the Orlando area, a co‑broker arrangement with a local BBF broker, and a cash transaction. The sellers are heading to Philadelphia to spend more time with family. For more information, contact Chris at [phone] or [e-mail]. 

 

Key Takeaways From This Episode: 

• [00:00] Overview: the federal government shutdown and its impact on SBA-backed deals.  

• [03:40] Why banks cannot fund without a number from the portal since its closure.  

• [06:01] Complications around lease timing and the risk of deals rolling past year‑end. 

• [07:36] Unpack the impact of the inevitable ‘week of chaos’ when systems reopen.  

• [08:55] Issues around tax returns and why banks will not accept returns from the seller.  

• [10:22] Explore why many deals could slide a week or two and still close without issues.  

• [12:41] Find out about the unintended consequences of the closure on loans.  

• [13:26] Findings from an SBA report on the amount and implications of loans on standby. 

• [14:28] Hear practical solutions to help small business owners navigate the closure. 

• [17:55] Deal of the Week: Chris Redmond (Orlando) sold a commercial cleaning company to an E‑2 visa buyer with cash and co-brokered. 

• [19:08] Listing of the Week: Addison Goldin (Fort Lauderdale) is selling a Miami sign shop, which includes franchise training and seller support.  

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

The Deal Board Podcast  

Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel  

United Franchise Group  

Transworld Business Advisors  

Transworld on LinkedIn  

Transworld on Facebook  

Call us — [phone]  

Email us [e-mail]  

Aaron Fox 

Samuel Curcio 

Scott Hislop 

Diane Hartz Warsoff 

Johnathan Choe 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) 

‘SBA Releases State-Level Analysis of Shutdown Impact on Small Business Lending’ 

Addison Goldin 

Addison Goldin on LinkedIn 

Chris Redmond 

 

#thedealboard #transworldbusinessadvisors #realestate #commercial 

 

Quotes: 

 

“I think the biggest part that's scaring us is now we're getting into a situation where we can't get what we need to close. And – there’s some major implications on these deals if they roll over into 2026 instead of closing in December.” — Aaron Fox [0:06:56] 

 

“If it would come to an end next week, there's probably a week of chaos with an SBA, just with the mass amount of volume of inquiries that they're going to get, but then they expect it to settle down.” — Scott Hislop [0:08:07] 

 

“I think we're going to start seeing more impact [on] businesses that are using resources like small business development centers that are funded through the SBA.” — Diane Hartz Warsoff [0:09:52] 

 

“The SBA did release a report of how many loans and total value [are] essentially on standby, and they're estimating over 4800 loans have been put on standby, which would equate to about $2.5 billion that was not distributed to small businesses.” — Samuel Curcio [0:13:27]