Ryan Smith

Ryan is the Founder of ThinkSBA, a Nationwide SBA 504 and 7a Loan Brokerage serving small business and entrepreneurs purchasing owner occupied real estate, acquiring a business or franchise or buying out a partner.

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Mar 6
12 min read

How Life Insurance Supports an SBA Loan When There Is a Collateral Shortfall

When acquiring or refinancing a business with an SBA loan, borrowers are often surprised to learn that life insurance may become part of the loan structure.

Feb 27
12 min read

Business Acquisitions and SBA Loans: Why Licensing, Certifications, and Operator Eligibility Matter More Than You Think

Acquiring an existing business can be one of the most powerful paths to entrepreneurship. Instead of starting from scratch, you step into existing cash flow, trained employees, vendor relationships, and an established customer base. For many buyers, financing that acquisition through an SBA loan makes the transaction possible.

Feb 20
12 min read

How to Approach a Real Estate Refinance in a Declining Interest Rate Environment

Refinancing commercial real estate whether owner-occupied or investment property tied to your operating business is not something to pursue impulsively.The difference between a strategic refinance and a reactive one can materially impact your balance sheet for years.

Feb 4

SBA Cafe Episode 1: Navigating the 2026 Market with Insider SBA Expertise

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the SBA Cafe podcast. Host Ryan Smith is joined by industry experts Kalen Foster (Live Oak Bank), Julian Carney-Domm (The Bancorp), and Casey Hopkins (Southland EDC) to dive deep into the world of SBA borrowing, market trends, and real-world deal-making.

Jan 26
12 min read

How to Buy a Business and the Real Estate in One Transaction Using SBA Financing

Buying an operating business and the real estate it occupies in a single transaction is one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth using SBA financing.

Dec 19
12 min read

Why Leaving Corporate America for Franchise Ownership Is No Longer a Risk

For decades, corporate America sold a simple promise: work hard, climb the ladder, stay loyal, and stability will follow.

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