From Service to Small Business Ownership: How SBA Financing Helped a Veteran Acquire a Signarama Franchise

At Quaint Oak Bank, we believe that when determination meets the right financial partner, meaningful results follows.

That belief came to life in a recent partnership with U.S. military veteran Garmani Maw, who became a business owner through the acquisition of a Signarama franchise, financed with the help of an SBA 7(a) loan.

This transaction is more than a financing story; it’s a clear example of how the right structure, guidance, and partnership can help entrepreneurs move from vision to ownership.

A Connection That Started with Opportunity

Garmani’s journey with Quaint Oak Bank began in March 2025 through the U.S. Small Business Administration Lender Match portal, a tool designed to connect business owners with lenders who understand their needs. From the beginning, the focus was simple: understand his goals and support his path forward.

Working closely with him was Commercial Relationship Manager John Dittbrenner, who helped evaluate opportunities and guide the process from initial conversations to closing.

Staying the Course When Plans Change

Like many entrepreneurial journeys, Garmani’s path wasn’t linear.

The first acquisition opportunity he pursued ultimately went to another buyer, but instead of slowing down, he stayed focused. When the Signarama opportunity emerged, the Quaint Oak team moved quickly, coordinating across departments to align the financing structure with his goals.

John explained that “From the beginning, we took the time to understand Garmani’s vision for business ownership, his background in the armed services, and his professional experience. Based on those factors, we determined that an SBA 7(a) term loan would be the best fit to support his plans.”

Why SBA 7(a) Financing Made the Difference

For entrepreneurs looking to acquire or grow a business, the SBA 7(a) program can be a powerful tool. Designed to provide flexible and accessible financing, SBA 7(a) loans can support:

• Business acquisitions
• Expansions
• Working capital needs

In Garmani’s case, it provided the structure and confidence needed to move forward with franchise ownership, turning a strong opportunity into a viable path.

Behind the Scenes: What It Takes to Close a Deal

While the outcome may seem straightforward, transactions like this require careful coordination.

Throughout the process, Quaint Oak Bank worked closely with:

• Attorneys
• Insurance partners
• Underwriting specialists

This collaboration ensured the project moved forward efficiently while maintaining a high level of communication and support.

As John said, “Our team’s experience, accessibility, and communication helped keep the process moving while ensuring Garmani had the guidance he needed along the way. Transactions like these involve many moving parts, and it takes coordination across underwriting, credit administration, documentation, closing, and servicing to create a positive experience for the customer.”

The Bigger Picture: Supporting Entrepreneurs at Every Stage

For the team at Quaint Oak Bank, this isn’t just about closing a loan. It’s about helping entrepreneurs build something meaningful. Vice President of Commercial Relationships Jake Doneker shared:

“Entrepreneurs like Garmani remind us why we do this work. When someone has the drive, discipline, and vision to build something of their own, our responsibility is to show up with a financing strategy that clears the path forward. This was truly a team effort and we’re proud to have played a role in helping Garmani take this important step toward business ownership.”

Built on People, Relationships, and Results

At the core of this transaction—and every transaction—is a team committed to customer success. John put it like this:

“Ultimately, our greatest asset is our people. When everyone works together toward the shared goal of supporting our customers’ success, we build strong, long-term relationships founded on trust and mutual growth.”

Helping You Take the Next Step

As an SBA Preferred Lender, Quaint Oak Bank is proud to support entrepreneurs and small businesses across the country with financing solutions designed to move ideas forward.

Whether you’re acquiring a business, expanding operations, or exploring your next opportunity, the right financing partner can make all the difference.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s start the conversation.