Thinking about buying a business or expanding the one you already own but not sure how to fund it?

In this episode, Spencer Ward sits down with Brett Bawden, SBA lender at Truliant Credit Union, to break down exactly how SBA financing works in the real world, not the fluff, the actual rules lenders use to say yes or no.

They dig into Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), how you can buy a business with as little as 10% down, and what it really takes to qualify.

You'll learn:

• How SBA loans work (and why they're one of the best tools for acquisitions)

• The 5 C's of lending—and how lenders actually evaluate you

• What a 1.25x debt service coverage ratio means (and why it matters)

• Why lenders treat acquisitions like startups

• How much you can borrow (up to $5M+)

• When you can get 100% financing—and when you can't

• The biggest mistakes buyers make when trying to get approved

If you're planning to buy a business:
This episode will save you time, money, and frustration by helping you understand how lenders think.

If you're planning to sell:
Clean financials aren't optional. What you write off today could cost you your exit tomorrow.

📞 Connect with Brett Bawden: 208-244-4666
(Nationwide SBA lending + business valuations)

If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!!

If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY!

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If your business is profitable on paper but your bank account says otherwise, this episode breaks down why. Learn how to properly analyze your reconciled P&L, calculate your true net profit, account for owner pay and debt, and build a cash reserve that protects your business during slow months. Spencer also shares a simple, practical system for managing profit, paying down debt, and turning your company into a financially stable, growth-ready machine. Perfect for small business owners looking to improve cash flow, financial clarity, and long-term stability.

If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!!

If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY!

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Most businesses don't struggle because of bad employees, they struggle because of poor communication.

In this episode of The Idaho Business Podcast, we break down why SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) are the foundation of a scalable business and how clear, documented communication keeps your company running even when key people are out.

Using a real example involving background checks, compliance requirements, and a manager preparing for vacation, we show how detailed systems and checklists can eliminate confusion, prevent mistakes, and keep operations moving without interruption.

You'll learn:

• What the "Bus Test" is and why every business needs it

• How poor communication creates bottlenecks and limits growth

• Why SOPs are critical for delegation and accountability

• What separates average managers from great ones

• How to build a business that runs without you

If you want to scale your business, improve team performance, and eliminate chaos when people are out this episode is for you.

If you are feeling the love, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you are!!

If you'd like to be featured on an episode go to theidahobusinesspodcast.com to APPLY!

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube