Understanding the data

Where the numbers come from — and what they mean.

Every estimate in SoloSearcher is built from public records and clearly labeled as an estimate. This page explains the method, so you can decide how much weight to put on each number.

Where the records come from #

SoloSearcher's starting universe is derived from public Paycheck Protection Program loan records and enriched with geography, industry classification, and modeled financial estimates. A record shows that a business appeared in that historical program; it does not prove the company still operates, wants to sell, or is a suitable acquisition. Everything you add in the CRM — notes, ratings, contacts, documents, financials, and judgments — remains private to your account.

How the estimates are built #

Figures like estimated revenue and estimated SDE (seller's discretionary earnings) are modeled: a company's reported PPP payroll anchors the size of the business, and a per-industry financial template turns that anchor into a full estimate. They are not reported or verified financials and are not a valuation. Open a company to inspect the available provenance and confidence. Financials you enter yourself are stored separately and never blended into the modeled numbers.

What fit tiers mean #

Fit tiers are scored against one default screening profile — stable demand, recurring customers, ownable operations, and roughly $250k–$1M in estimated SDE — not yet against your own criteria. Treat them as a starting triage signal for ordering your attention, not a verdict on any individual business, and not a claim that this band defines a good company.

Default scoping #

Lists and summaries hide companies you've passed on, closed out, or excluded by industry, by default — so a plain count can read smaller than everything in your workspace. Every filter bar (and any AI you connect) can include them explicitly when you want the full picture.

Coverage and limits #

The universe is broad but imperfect. PPP records are several years old; companies may have closed, moved, changed ownership, or been classified incorrectly. Modeled revenue and SDE can be wrong. Use this data to avoid a cold start and decide what to research, not as proof of current operations or seller intent. SoloSearcher limits preview detail and bulk access to protect the dataset, but those safeguards do not create a paid entitlement or a lifetime workspace ceiling.