CEO @ Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC / Managing Partner at SMB Business Plans LLC / I help business buyers get funded with SBA 7(a) loans / $65 million closed in ‘23 / aiming for over $100 million in ‘24

My team at Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC helps business buyers with navigating the SBA financing process 

We have helped business buyers close over $120 million of SBA 7(a) financing in 2025 alone, and over $250 million since May of 2022

We take a team approach to your deal to help you every step along the way

Email: matthias@pioneercap.com

If you have an opportunity under LOI, please reach out to my team via email at deals@pioneercap.com

Schedule a call with us:https://www.pioneercapitaladvisory.com/

I’m looking forward to speaking on SBA lending for business acquisition deals at SMBash in April alongside Jared W Johnson from First Internet Bank and Matthew Dolsky from Byline Bank  

If you’re looking to buy a business in 2026 and are heading to the conference, I’d love to meet in person

Matthias Smith

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What you’ve been told:

• Proprietary deals are better
• Low multiples mean bargains
• Integration is “manageable”

What if those assumptions are what cost buyers the deal?

On March 4th at 12PM CST, I’m hosting a live webinar with Chris Barrett, CPA (Founder, Midwest CPA).

Between us:
$255M+ in closed SBA transactions
Hundreds of Quality of Earnings analyses

We’re breaking down 5 myths that trip up first-time buyers — with real deal data and frameworks you can apply immediately.

We’ll cover:

• How to properly evaluate proprietary deals
• What low multiples actually signal
• The post-acquisition J-Curve most buyers underestimate
• Realistic integration timelines

Live Q&A included.

If you’re actively evaluating acquisitions or preparing to launch a search, this session could save you from expensive mistakes.

Registration link in the comments and here: 

https://lnkd.in/gE6uj382

Matthias  Smith

My team helps self-funded searchers and independent sponsors finance business acquisitions | President / Owner @ Pioneer Capital Advisory | Over $124 million of SBA 7(a) financing facilitated in 2025

Buying a business in 2026 is meaningfully different than it was two years ago.

A few things I’m watching closely:

Lenders are more selective. Banks are scrutinizing industry risk, cash flow quality, and deal structure harder than ever. Certain deals that would have sailed through in 2023 are getting declined today.

Post-closing liquidity is now a major focus. Lenders want to see that buyers have meaningful reserves left after closing. Showing up to the table with just enough to get the deal done is no longer enough.

Deals are more competitive. Quality businesses are attracting more buyers, and sellers have options. Speed and financing certainty matter more than they used to.

If you’re a first-time buyer trying to understand what the SBA financing process looks like right now, I’d love to connect. My team has worked with over 120 business buyers and closed more than $260 million in SBA loans.

Grab some time using the Calendly link in the comments below 👇

Another one across the finish line.

Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC is proud to have served as the debt advisor on the successful acquisition of a commercial printing, graphics, signage, and promotional products company.

SBA 7(a) Loan — $2,621,000
SBA Express Line of Credit — $500,000

A sincere thank you to Natalie Beane and the team at Provide, powered by Fifth Third for their partnership and commitment to getting this deal closed. Deals like this don’t happen without strong lender relationships, and Provide Bank continues to deliver.

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to acquire a business and want a dedicated partner to guide you through the SBA financing process, we’d love to hear from you. 

Below in the comments are Calendly links to coordinate schedules to connect

Seeing a review like this from Sean McIlroy means a great deal to me and to the entire Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC team.

Sean is a former Special Forces operator. When someone with that kind of background trusts you to walk alongside them through one of the largest financial decisions of their life, you feel the responsibility in a very real way.

In Sean’s own words:

“Having a team to bounce ideas off from pre LOI through closing was instrumental in staying sane and getting the deal done.”

That is exactly what we strive to be for every buyer we work with. Not simply a broker processing paperwork, but a genuine thought partner through each stage of the acquisition process.

It was a privilege to support Sean from our very first conversation all the way through closing, and we are proud of how the transaction came together.

One of the most meaningful parts of our work at Pioneer is partnering with business buyers who have already given so much in service to this country. The transition from military service to business ownership takes an immense amount of courage and discipline. Sean is a terrific example of the kind of leader the ETA path attracts.

Congratulations, Sean. You earned this.

If you are a business buyer planning to acquire a company and would like to discuss SBA financing, feel free to send me a direct message here or reach out at matthias@pioneercap.com. I am always happy to help however I can.

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Deal closed.

Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC is pleased to announce another successful closing, this time facilitating the acquisition financing for a printer/copier leasing business.

SBA 7(a) Loan — $2,985,000
SBA Express Line of Credit — $250,000

Thank you to Natalie Beane and the team at Provide, powered by Fifth Third for their continued collaboration. Their responsiveness and willingness to work through the details made all the difference in bringing this one home.

If you’re exploring the path to business ownership and need a knowledgeable partner to help navigate SBA lending, Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC is here to help.

Closed | Branded Apparel & Promotional Products Franchise

We are pleased to announce the successful closing of a well-established branded apparel and promotional products franchise with more than 22 years of operating history and consistent revenues exceeding $1,000,000 annually.

Deal Highlights:
-Transaction Type: Business Acquisition
-Industry: Branded Apparel & Promotional Products
-SBA Loan: $946,700
 -Lender: Truliant Federal Credit Union | Ryan Collins

Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC was pleased to support the buyer in arranging SBA 7(a) acquisition financing for this transaction.

Please feel welcome to reach out to me via email at matthias@pioneercap.com or book time using one of the below Calendly links in the comments if I can be of assistance in helping you accomplish your acquisition financing goals

I built this with the goal of helping the SMB ETA community with modeling their deals. Feel free to check it out if interested

Open article: Search Fund Acquisition Model by searchfundmodel.com

We’re hiring for a new role at Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC  

I spoke with someone on Jon Matzner’s team today that found us three candidates and we have interviews already lined up for next week 

I can’t say enough good things about working with him and his team at Sagan Passport

CLOSED ✅

Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC is pleased to announce the successful closing of SBA 7(a) acquisition financing in support of a business acquisition in the residential electrical contracting industry.

💼 SBA 7(a) Loan: $937,500
🏦 Lender: Provide, a division of Fifth Third Bank
🤝 Lender Representative: Natalie Beane

Transaction Overview

The buyer brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience in the electrical trade, having progressed from apprentice to licensed General Supervising Electrician and ultimately to business owner. Prior to this acquisition, he had already built and operated his own electrical contracting firm, giving him a proven track record in field operations, crew management, client relationships, and business financials.

His direct industry expertise made for a compelling credit story and a clean path to approval.

We are grateful to Natalie Beane and the team at Provide for their professionalism and collaboration throughout the process.

Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC is a national loan brokerage specializing in acquisition financing for entrepreneurs buying established businesses. We work with business buyers pursuing both SBA and non-SBA financing solutions, structuring transactions to align with the needs of the borrower and the credit appetite of the lending partner. For SBA transactions specifically, we are compensated solely by the bank — and only upon a successful closing.

If you are evaluating an acquisition and need guidance navigating the SBA process, we would be happy to connect.

Tax season is when most accountants are expected to be heads down, working long hours, reviewing returns, and making sure every detail is exactly right before the filing deadlines arrive.

So it gave me a good laugh this weekend to see Midwest CPA sponsoring an MMA fight and their logo sitting right in the cage.

While the rest of the accounting world is deep in spreadsheets and K-1s, Chris Barrett, CPA somehow managed to have his firm ringside at a fight card.

In fairness, if you know Chris and the team at Midwest CPA, the intensity actually fits. They bring the same kind of focus and discipline to their clients’ tax work and financial diligence.

Still, seeing a CPA firm show up in an MMA cage during the middle of tax season was not something I expected.

Excited for SMBash! Hope to see you there if you’re a business buyer, investor, operator or service provider.

Sold over 400 Companies since 1998. SMB Investor 8X, Founder Crowne Atlantic Business Brokers. National Speaker on Buying and Selling Companies.

Going to SMBash for the first time was life-changing. I was in a room with people just like me: scrappy, tenacious, resourceful business owners from all different backgrounds and ages across the USA. I landed in a room with my people, where we could exchange ideas, stories, share problems, and offer solutions... it was total magic for me. I didn’t even know a conference could be fun and energizing. It will be my 3rd SMBash, and this one will be better than ever. I can’t wait to see the friends I have made and make new friends. I hope to see you there (and I’m easy to spot at the conference, please come up and say hi!) ‌
Can't Wait to see everyone on the Line up this year including: Michael Girdley, Chris Williams, Jacob Hall, Eric B. Pacifici, Jared W Johnson, Matthias Smith, Jon Matzner, Christian Ruf, Mike Jerman, Paul Henderson, Kaustubh Deo, Rich Jordan, Matthew Dolsky, Sam Rosati, Peter Lehrman, Joseph Cabrera, Danny Payne, Jacob Becker, David Brackett, Kevin Henderson, John Hannum, CPA, and so many more. 

Get your tickets today: https://smbash.com/

If you're an independent sponsor that is looking for financing outside of the SBA space, Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC would love to help

We have recently started working on deals outside of the SBA space to help independent sponsors with facilitating their debt raise

Our engagement process does not require exclusivity but is sponsor paid with a success fee rolled into closing

The deal structures require more creativity due to the higher multiples and dynamics with sellers rolling equity and other similar factors

If you're interested in learning about how we can help and support you on your transaction, please reach out to my Head of Business Development, Rafael McFerran-Lopes at rafael@pioneercap.com

We are pleased to announce the successful closing of a $950,000 SBA 7(a) loan on behalf of a Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC client to support the acquisition of a College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving franchise.

Our client stepped into a branded moving and junk removal platform operating within a durable, service based industry that continues to see steady demand across residential and light commercial customers.

The financing was provided by United Midwest Savings Bank, with Kristin Tippit serving as the lending partner on the transaction.

For acquisition entrepreneurs evaluating franchise opportunities, there are a few important takeaways from transactions like this.

First, lenders place meaningful weight on established franchise systems with national brand recognition, defined operating procedures, and centralized marketing support. That infrastructure reduces perceived execution risk at the credit committee level.

Second, service businesses with diversified customer bases and recurring demand characteristics continue to perform well within the SBA framework. Moving and junk removal is operationally intensive, but when managed properly, it can generate consistent cash flow and attractive returns on equity.

Third, structure matters. SBA 7(a) financing remains one of the most powerful tools available to buyers, but the capital stack, debt service coverage, and liquidity profile must be positioned correctly for lender approval.

We are grateful to have advised our client through the process from structuring to lender placement and closing coordination. Congratulations to the new owner on reaching the finish line.

If you are under LOI on a franchise or service business and want to understand what a bankable SBA structure looks like, we are happy to have the conversation.

Open article: I have a deal under LOI - Call with PCA by calendly.com

Rafael is exactly right about the direction we’re heading.

Over the last few months at Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC, we’ve been intentionally building out a dedicated vertical focused on non-SBA acquisition financing. The SBA 7(a) program remains an incredible tool for business buyers, and it will always be a core part of what we do. But many of the opportunities we’re seeing today sit outside of those parameters, whether because of deal size, structure, or the type of capital stack required.

What’s been exciting is how quickly the momentum has built. We’re already working with a growing group of independent sponsors, larger ETA buyers, and investors pursuing acquisitions above the SBA limits, and we’re expanding our lender and capital partner relationships to support those transactions.

The goal is simple. When a buyer comes to Pioneer, we want to be able to help them navigate the financing landscape regardless of whether the right solution is SBA, conventional bank debt, private credit, or a more structured capital stack.

Rafael has been doing a fantastic job helping build this effort from the ground up, and we’re just getting started.

Head of SBA Business Development @ Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC

At Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC, we’re actively working to support the ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition) community, helping business buyers and independent sponsors navigate the financing process for their acquisitions.

Over the past few years, we built a strong vertical focused on SBA financing, helping close 126+ transactions representing more than $275M in SBA 7(a) loans.

Now, over the last couple of months, we’ve also been building a new vertical focused on non-SBA financing, and it’s been exciting to see the traction and growth we’re already experiencing — from expanding our lending network to working on incredible acquisition opportunities with buyers across different industries and deal sizes.

If you're looking to acquire a business above the SBA limits and want to explore alternative financing options, feel free to reach out.

I’d be happy to learn more about your opportunity, walk you through financing options, and explain our process and how we can support you throughout the acquisition journey.

Book a call with me here: https://lnkd.in/dAuFYNFt

Open article: Rafael McFerran-Lopes by calendly.com

If you’re looking to buy a small business in 2026, there’s a lot that goes into the process

In the last 3 years and 10 months since starting Pioneer Capital Advisory LLC, I’ve personally worked on 125 closed deals with over $275 million of SBA financing 

I’d be happy to walk you as a prospective busness buyer through a high level overview on what to expect in the lending process and to determine your readiness as a buyer and how much you might qualify for on an acquisition based on your liquid capital 

Below is a link to my Calendly to connect:

Open article: Pre-LOI Searcher / Meet & Greet Call with Matthias - Matthias Smith by calendly.com

Pre-LOI Searcher / Meet & Greet Call with Matthias - Matthias Smith

*Webinar announcement: Wednesday, March 4th at 12 pm CST*

Most first-time buyers lose money on “good deals.”
Not because the business was bad but instead because they believed myths that sound like common sense.

After advising on hundreds of small business acquisitions between our two firms, Chris Barrett, CPA (Founder & Managing Partner at Midwest CPA) and I have seen the same mistakes on repeat.

We’re hosting a webinar on Wednesday, March 4th at 12:00 PM CST to break down three of the biggest ones:

A low multiple ≠ a good deal. It usually means the business is harder to run than it looks. We’ll explain why.

The post-acquisition J-Curve is real and most buyers budget as if it isn’t. We’ll talk about what integration actually costs in time, money, and energy.

Proprietary deal sourcing vs. brokered deals and the trade-offs aren’t what most people think. We’ll share what we’ve seen play out across real transactions.

No abstract frameworks. Just pattern recognition from deals we’ve actually worked on, with live Q&A at the end.

If you’re evaluating acquisition opportunities or preparing to launch a search, this is worth an hour of your Wednesday.

Register here: https://lnkd.in/gE6uj382

I’ll be cohosting a webinar with Chris Barrett, CPA of Midwest CPA on Wednesday, March 4th at 12 pm CST

If you’re a first time business buyer looking to avoid common pitfalls, this would be a great one for you to attend

Below in the comments from the prior post is the registration with the zoom link 👇

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