Touchstone Talks: Ep. 9 - Inside the SBA Loan Process: Insights for Entrepreneurs and First-Time Buyers
In this episode, Michelle Orr of Live Oak Bank shares her decades of experience working in SBA lending and partnering with entrepreneurs looking to acquire businesses. She explains what makes Live Oak’s process unique and her quarterback-style approach from prequalification through closing. Michelle outlines key SBA rules, deal structures, limits, and expectations for both first-time buyers and seasoned acquirers, as well as common red flags such as unstable revenue trends, customer concentration, and heavy seller dependence. She walks listeners through timelines, diligence requirements, and transition planning, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and building the right team of advisors. Michelle also highlights current SBA updates and why she loves helping buyers navigate the acquisition journey.
Creators and Guests
Host
Deborah Agrafojo
Deborah has influenced and directed strategic and owner-operator mergers and acquisitions in many different fields. She believes strongly that assisting a business to grow and develop strong practices is the best way to create a company that is poised for exit planning or gaining an equity growth partner.
Producer
David Chmielewski
At the end of 2013 David founded DirectLine Media, a video production company that specializes in creating memorable and compelling video content for businesses. Admired for his unique and creative visual story telling, David continues to work with small to large businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Guest
Michelle Orr
With over two decades of experience in small business lending, Michelle Orr joined the Live Oak team in 2021 as Vice President of General Lending. She brings extensive knowledge and expertise from her previous position with one of the nation's leading SBA lenders. Throughout her career spanning more than 20 years, Michelle has successfully originated and closed numerous SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, with a focus on commercial real estate, business acquisitions, partner buyouts, expansion, and new construction. She is dedicated to providing an exceptional lending experience for her clients and is committed to being a dependable guide throughout the entire process. Michelle earned an associate degree in Marketing from Johnson & Wales University. She resides in Connecticut with her husband and daughter and serves clients across the Connecticut/New York region, with the capability to fund loans nationally. In addition, Michelle is an active member of Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) CT Chapter and serves on the membership committee. She is also a sponsor for SIOR Western MA/CT Chapter.
Editor
Stefania Sassano
Known for being determined and focused, Stefania is often the first to memorize lines and dedicates significant effort to each role. She excels in both comedic and dramatic performances, embracing the motto by Mark Twain, "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life," making every project both a professional commitment and a joy.