GraphedMinds
My First Million

My First Million

The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.

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Acquire first cash-flowing business with minimal capital

Aspiring business owners with limited capital but strong work ethic

12-24 months from search to closing

What Success Looks Like

Own a profitable business generating $200K-500K annual free cash flow that doesn't require your daily presence within 2 years

Steps to Execute

1

Define constraints: geography, capital available, industries you understand

2

Develop broker relationships and deal pipeline

3

Focus on businesses doing 3-7x EBITDA multiples

4

Structure deals using SBA loans or seller financing

5

Plan for working capital needs at closing

6

Spend first 6-12 months optimizing operations

7

Build systems to reduce your daily involvement

Checklist

SBA lender relationship established
Personal guarantee comfort level determined
Due diligence process mapped out
Working capital line of credit secured
Management succession plan identified
Basic financial controls understood

Inputs Needed

  • $50K-200K available capital
  • Ability to personally guarantee debt
  • 6-12 months of dedicated search time
  • Basic business and financial literacy
  • Relationship building and negotiation skills

Outputs

  • Profitable business ownership
  • $200K-500K annual free cash flow
  • Platform for additional acquisitions
  • Operational and deal-making experience

Example

“Search for manufacturing businesses in 50-mile radius, find company doing $2M revenue with $400K EBITDA, negotiate $1.2M purchase price, use SBA loan with $150K down, secure $200K working capital line, spend first year learning operations and building management team”

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