Answers to your key questions

Find clear, direct answers to the most common questions about our services and approach.

What types of prospects should I refer to Azgari?

Refer prospects who can't find a franchise they love in your portfolio, people who want full ownership without royalties, candidates who don't meet franchise capital requirements but could qualify for SBA, or anyone interested in buying an existing business instead of a franchise. These are the deals you'd lose anyway.

How quickly do I get paid on broker referrals?

You earn 60% within 30 days of the client's payment. For larger packages with payment plans, you receive your commission as payments come in. We provide full transparency on client status and payment tracking.

What do you need from me to refer a prospect?

Just a warm intro email. We take over from there. You don't need to sell us, explain our services, or handle any follow-up. Introduce the prospect via email, we run the sales process, and you earn 60% when they enroll. We'll provide email templates to make it easy.

Why 60% commission? That seems high.

Because we want you to actively refer. Most franchise referral fees are 40-50% of the franchise fee. We're offering more to make this worth your time. And we handle 100% of fulfillment—you don't sell, explain, or follow up. Just refer and earn.

What if the prospect I refer doesn't close?

You only earn on closed deals. No risk to you. But we have strong systems and a vested interest in closing—that's how we both make money. We handle the full sales conversation and fulfillment process.

How do I know you won't poach my clients?

We're non-competitive. We only work with prospects who don't fit franchises. If someone wants a franchise, that's your deal—we don't touch it. We serve the overflow—the people you'd lose anyway because they don't fit your portfolio or don't meet franchise requirements.

Can I search for a business while keeping my job?

Yes—that's how most self-funded buyers do it. You search evenings, weekends, and lunch breaks. Most of the work is emails, calls, and document review. You don't need to quit your job until you've found a deal and are ready to close. Budget 10-15 hours per week for an active search.

What credit score do I need for an SBA acquisition loan?

680+ is the minimum for most lenders. 700+ gives you better options and terms. If your credit is below 680, we can discuss strategies to improve it before you start searching. Your credit score is one of several factors—capital, experience, and the business's financials also matter.

Do I need business experience in the same industry?

No. You need transferable skills—management, operations, leadership, problem-solving. A 20-year corporate manager can buy an HVAC company. You're not fixing furnaces; you're running a business. The technical work is done by employees. Your job is to lead, manage, and grow.

What's included in the Acquisition Readiness package?

The $2,500 Acquisition Readiness package includes: target criteria development, market analysis for your geography, financial qualification review, SBA loan pre-qualification support, and a comprehensive 'Ready to Search' roadmap. You'll leave knowing exactly what you can afford, what to look for, and how to proceed.

Why do I need help? Can't I buy a business myself?

You can—but most first-time buyers make expensive mistakes. They overpay, miss red flags in due diligence, or struggle to get financing. The learning curve is steep and the stakes are high. We've done this before. We help you find the right deal, structure it correctly, evaluate it properly, and close it without leaving money on the table.

Isn't buying a business risky?

Less risky than starting from scratch. When you buy, you're acquiring proven revenue, existing customers, and trained employees. The SBA agrees—that's why acquisition loans are often easier to get than startup loans. You're not betting on an unproven idea; you're buying something that already works.

How long does it take to find and buy a business?

Typically 6-12 months from search to close. Some deals happen faster. The SBA loan process itself takes 60-90 days once you have a deal under LOI. The search phase is usually the longest—finding the right business at the right price with a motivated seller.

How much money do I need to buy a business?

For SBA-financed acquisitions, you typically need 10% down—sometimes less with seller financing. On a $500K business, that's $50K. Compare that to the $100K+ you'd need to start from scratch and survive 12-18 months before profitability. Most buyers need $50K-$75K accessible including down payment and working capital reserves.

What kind of businesses can I buy?

We specialize in local service businesses: commercial cleaning, HVAC, plumbing, staffing agencies, home health, landscaping, and similar models. These are boring but profitable—exactly what SBA lenders love to finance. They have recurring revenue, proven demand, and don't require you to invent anything new.

How is buying a business different from a franchise?

When you buy a franchise, you pay fees forever: 5-10% royalties, marketing fund contributions, required vendor purchases. Over 10 years, that's $400K-$1M+ extracted from your business. When you buy an independent business, you own 100%. No ongoing payments to anyone. No territory restrictions. No franchisor approval needed to sell. Full control.

How long until I'm making money?

Most clients generate first revenue within 60-90 days of launch.

Typical timeline to $5K-$10K/month: 4-6 months

Typical timeline to $15K-$25K/month: 8-12 months

Results vary. These are benchmarks, not guarantees.

What credit score do I need?

For SBA loans: 680+ (700+ preferred for best terms)

For our program: We work with 650+, but will be honest if your credit needs work first.

What kind of businesses can I launch?

We have 50+ proven service business models including:

  • Home services (cleaning, pressure washing, handyman)
  • Skilled trades (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
  • Senior care (non-medical home care, companion services)
  • Property services (lawn care, junk removal, moving)
  • B2B services (commercial cleaning, staffing)

We match you based on your capital, location, and background — not what's trending on TikTok.

What kind of businesses can I launch?

We have 50+ proven service business models including:

  • Home services (cleaning, pressure washing, handyman)
  • Skilled trades (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
  • Senior care (non-medical home care, companion services)
  • Property services (lawn care, junk removal, moving)
  • B2B services (commercial cleaning, staffing)

We match you based on your capital, location, and background — not what's trending on TikTok.

Can community partners collaborate on local initiatives?

Yes. Azgari works with local organizations to support entrepreneurship, job creation, and scholarship deployment.

Do programs include SBA loan preparation guidance?

Yes, if you choose to add on SBA loan package. Participants receive documentation templates, financial projections, and guidance for SBA-aligned applications.

Are donors recognized publicly?

Donors may be recognized on the Scholarships Page or Annual Impact Summary unless they choose to remain anonymous.

Do you offer community or peer support?

Yes. Participants gain access to a community workspace for discussions, wins, and accountability.

Are programs self-paced?

Yes. Content is flexible, with structured timelines and coaching support to keep participants on track.

What makes Azgari different?

Real-world operational expertise, SBA-aligned frameworks, and structured, non-hype training designed for working professionals.

Are there refunds?

Refunds are outlined in the Program Agreement and vary based on participation, usage, and time elapsed.

Do you help with hiring employees?

Yes. Hiring playbooks, job templates, onboarding guides, and compensation models are included for applicable industries.

Can I keep my job while I launch?

Yes. Most clients launch while employed. Our models are designed for 10-15 hours/week in the build phase, with an operator handling day-to-day once you're live.

What support is included after launch?

Participants receive operational guidance, troubleshooting support, and performance reviews to help stabilize and scale their business.

What if I have bad credit?

You can still participate. Poor credit may affect SBA loan paths, but many industries can still be launched with lower upfront capital.

Can donors contribute to the scholarship fund?

Yes. Donors, foundations, and partners can support scholarship access. Contact our Partnerships team for contribution guidelines.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

Submit the online application on the Scholarship page. Applicants may need to provide income verification, intent statements, and references.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. Limited scholarships are available for qualifying applicants through Azgari and partner organizations.

Do you guarantee results?

No program can guarantee specific revenue or outcomes. Results depend on execution, market conditions, and individual effort. We provide proven structures, support, and guidance.

Is this a franchise?

Franchises charge $30K-$100K+ upfront, then take 5-8% royalties FOREVER. They restrict your territory, your pricing, your vendors.

We charge once. You own 100%. No royalties. No restrictions. No ongoing fees to us. The business is YOURS.

How much capital do I need?

Minimum: $30K (savings, home equity, or retirement funds)

Recommended: $50K-$100K for strongest launch

With SBA financing, you can leverage your capital 3-4x. So $50K can launch a $150K-$200K business.

Do you help with licensing and permits?

Yes. The program includes guidance for state, local, and industry-specific licensing. Requirements vary by industry and region.

How do SBA-funded businesses work?

SBA-funded businesses follow strict guidelines regarding ownership, licensing, financial documentation, and operational readiness. Azgari provides education on navigating these requirements.

Who is a good fit for the program?

The best fit includes professionals earning $60K–$150K+, motivated career changers, new entrepreneurs, and those seeking SBA-compliant business models with real-world support.

What programs does Azgari offer?

Azgari provides structured, SBA-compliant pathways to help professionals launch profitable service businesses. Programs include business model selection, funding support, licensing guidance, operations setup, and performance coaching.

What industries are best for first-time entrepreneurs?

Industries with simple operations, recurring demand, and SBA-friendly requirements are ideal. Examples include cleaning, trades, fitness studios, mobile services, and property maintenance.

Do I need experience in the industry?

No. We specifically design for career-changers. You don't need to know how to clean, fix HVAC, or provide care — you need to know how to run a business and manage people. We teach the rest.

Is Azgari a nonprofit?

Yes. Azgari is a non profit providing training, business launch support, and structured guidance. Some offerings are available through scholarships.

How long does it take to launch a business through Azgari?

Most participants launch within 90–180 days, depending on capital, chosen industry, and execution speed. Timelines vary based on market conditions and regulatory requirements.