How much cash do I really need? — Buyout Blueprint

How much cash do I really need?

Most buyers underestimate by 30-40%. Fill in your numbers and see the full picture.

How are you financing this?
With an SBA loan, closing costs and working capital can often be rolled into the total project cost — so your 10% down covers more than just the purchase price. The calculator reflects that below.
The deal
Purchase price
The agreed or expected sale price of the business.
$
Down payment %
SBA loans typically require 10% down on total project cost — purchase price plus rolled-in costs.
%
Closing costs
SBA guarantee fee Auto-estimated
Based on your deal size and published SBA fee schedule. Confirm exact amount with your lender.
Enter purchase price to estimate--
Attorney fees
M&A attorney for purchase agreement, due diligence review, closing. Typically $5K-$20K.
$
Other lender fees
Origination fees, appraisals, environmental reports. Often 1-2% of loan amount.
$
Other closing costs
Title, inspections, broker fees (if any), miscellaneous.
$
After closing
Monthly payroll cost
Total monthly payroll for all employees. We'll add 1 month as a bridge reserve — the business should cover payroll from revenue after that.
$
Payroll bridge (1 month — auto-calculated)
1 month of payroll as a bridge--
Additional working capital
Cash for inventory, vendor payments, and other operating costs beyond payroll.
$
Your monthly personal expenses
Mortgage, food, insurance, car — what you need to live. We recommend 6 months minimum.
$
Personal runway (6 months — auto-calculated)
6 months of your personal expenses--
Post-close cash reserve (5% of purchase price — auto-calculated)
For surprises after closing — equipment issues, slow revenue ramp, unexpected costs. Keep this in cash, not deployed into the deal.
5% of purchase price--
Your position
Cash available to deploy
Liquid savings, accessible investments, HELOC, or other sources. Be honest.
$