Are there grants available for buying a business?

Have you contacted the local SBA? It would seem to be to everyone’s advantage that you conclude this deal, if it is as you describe.

Great Answer @pdworkin

Also, you might discuss a Lease to Own with the current owner. If the current owner is wanting to retire, they might be just as satisfied to get the money in payments over time instead of all up front.

Nope. No grants. Lots of rumors that there are, but there aren’t, only loans.

And, as you’re finding, Loans require liquidatable collateral (like trucks), not a customer base (which you can’t liquidate).

Would definitely see if the current owner will make you the loan, as those can frequently be negotiated with less collateral.