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Small businesses account for 44 percent of all economic activity in the United States.
The Small Business Administration, more commonly known as the SBA, offers a variety of programs designed to help small businesses achieve their full potential in the competitive marketplace.
At First Bank of the Lake, we offer funding options for a wide range of industries across all 50 states, lending more than $500 million in SBA loans last year alone. We currently work with more than 40 different industries to provide customized funding options for our customers. Below are just a few examples of the different industries we have helped:
- Dental practices
- Skilled nursing services
- Healthcare facilities and medical offices
- Chiropractic care providers
- Export companies
- Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
- Manufacturing companies
- Veterinarian practices
- Optometry offices
- Pharmacies
- Veteran-owned businesses
- Senior care facilities
- Restaurants
- Childcare facilities
- Gyms, spas and fitness centers
- Retail stores
- Warehouses and distribution centers
SBA Loan Programs: Which One Is Right For You?
- 7a loans can be used for purchasing, refinancing or improving real estate and to provide working capital for ongoing expenses. A 7a loan can also be used to purchase furniture, machinery and equipment. They may also be used to refinance debt or to change ownership of the company through buyouts and other strategies. Because these loans can be used for multiple allowed purposes, SBA 7a loans are one of the most versatile options for small business owners.
- 504 loans are long-term financing options that offer fixed rates for borrowers. These SBA-backed loans can be used for the purchase of property, facilities, equipment and machinery and renovations of current facilities and real estate.
- Microloans are smaller loans of up to $50,000. These loans are available to for-profit small businesses and some non-profit industries, an intermediary lender will be able to review your eligibility.
At First Bank of the Lake, we specialize in providing the right solutions for franchise funding and franchise loans that can be used for a wide for variety of business needs and growth initiatives:
- Startup franchise loans: If you are planning to purchase a franchise, finding the right funding can be critical to your success. At First Bank of the Lake, we offer franchise financing options designed with your business needs in mind.
- Franchise funding for expansions: The franchise funding options available from First Bank of the Lake include SBA 7a loans, which are ideally suited for expanding your business or upgrading your current locations.
- Franchise loans for equipment purchases: If you need to upgrade your current equipment or to purchase new machinery or equipment for your business operations, our franchise financing options could be a good fit.
- A SBA franchise loan for refinancing debt: Depending on the type of franchise SBA loan you choose, you may be able to refinance debt at a lower rate of interest or with more favorable terms. Because the SBA offers longer-term variable rate and fixed-rate loans, you can often manage your cash flow and working capital more effectively by using these franchise financing options.
In most cases, an SBA 7a loan will be the best option for funding your franchise acquisition or expansion. SBA 504 loans can be used to acquire real estate or to purchase equipment that will be used for 10 years or more. 504 loan programs are designed for commercial real estate financing and can provide the funds needed to purchase real estate for your franchise if necessary, but 504 loans do not have the same flexibility for other uses that the 7a loan program offers.
Finding affordable manufacturing financing options can allow you to expand your business or upgrade your equipment or systems to improve productivity and revenue. First Bank of the Lake offers manufacturing SBA loans designed to suit your needs. Our manufacturing financing team can provide you with the best solution for your business needs.
Manufacturing business SBA loans can be used to start your business, to purchase an existing business, for the acquisition of commercial real estate, to buy out partners or to buy or upgrade equipment or to refinance some types of debt. For property purchases or capital equipment expenses, an SBA 504 manufacturing loan may be the best choice. Other acquisitions, shorter term needs or working capital needs may be best suited to a SBA 7a manufacturing company loan.
First Bank of the Lake can provide manufacturing financing options designed to suit your company’s needs. If you are interested in a manufacturing SBA loan or any of our other loan programs, we can help. Our manufacturing loan team can provide practical suggestions and reliable help for your business. If you need a manufacturing loan that works for you, we have the expertise to help you navigate your loan options and help your business succeed.
Commercial Real Estate SBA Loans
We focus on customized commercial real estate funding solutions, tailored to your needs. As an SBA Preferred Lender, we provide expert guidance on navigating the intricacies of these SBA loan programs. We are here to help you with the right funding solutions for your specific set of needs.
- Accounting firms: Accountants can also benefit from the professional services firm loans available from First Bank of the Lake. We offer an array of accounting firm SBA loans tailored to suit your needs.
- Legal practices: A professional services SBA loan can provide the funding needed to expand your law practice, move to new and better offices or to refinance some types of debt on better terms. If you are looking for a law firm SBA loan, please contact us.
- Consulting companies: A professional services firm SBA loan can allow you to fund a new office, acquire necessary equipment or manage debt/cash flow more effectively.
Search Fund Financing for Your Small Business
The team at First Bank of the Lake can help you find search fund loan options that are right for you. From a search fund SBA loan to commercial search fund financing, we specialize in creating customized loans that work for your needs. Our search fund SBA loan team is here to help you find the most practical solutions for your current and ongoing needs.
Veteran Business Funding: The SBA and Beyond
We have an exclusive veteran business loan package that offers great SBA loan rates. We are proud to have a veterans financing department staffed by military vets, which ensures that your loan application will be given special priority by the members of our dedicated veterans SBA loan team. We understand the challenges military veterans face when transitioning from service to business owner and our veteran staffed team is ready to support their fellow veterans seeking business financing. It is our goal to make the process of obtaining a veteran SBA business loan easier and more transparent for these valued customers.
If you are looking for a veteran business loan to support your small business, we can provide you with guidance and support in finding veteran financing that works for you. Whether you are starting a new business or expanding a current one, First Bank of the Lake is here to help you obtain the financial support your veteran-owned business needs and to help you transition from service to success.
Schools and Educational Facilities Loans
- SBA loans for day care business operations: Our lending team can offer financial solutions to manage operating costs and short-term capital expenses. Our SBA daycare financing options can help you make improvements or expand, which may increase your company’s appeal for potential students and their parents.
- SBA loans for childcare business owners: Montessori schools and other childcare operations require reliable childcare financing and we offer SBA options that can make it easier for you to manage your financial situation including cash flow and working capital
- Financing options for private schools: The right loans can help private schools upgrade equipment and technology, expand marketing and improve working capital, as well as improve their campuses and promote a great educational experience for the students they serve.
- Funding for sports schools and camps: Camps and schools that focus on specific activities can also benefit from the numerous SBA loan options available.
SBA Construction Loans
SBA Fitness Company Loans and Gym Loans
SBA Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Financing for Your Business
Spa Loan Financing
SBA Hotel Financing Options from First Bank of the Lake
Great SBA Warehouse Financing Solutions for You
The Right Healthcare Business Loans
Our team of dedicated financial professionals can provide you with the best options for healthcare SBA business loans and other financing solutions. We seek out healthcare funding options that are both affordable and practical for your company. If you are considering a healthcare SBA business loan, the friendly and knowledgeable experts at First Bank of the Lake can provide the right financing options for you.
Chiropractor SBA Loans to Help Your Business and Your Patients
If you need a dental practice SBA loan, we can help you with dental practice financing options tailored to your needs. Depending on the type of dentist loan you choose, you can purchase new equipment, acquire real estate for a new office or upgrade your current location. We offer dental loans designed with your needs in mind and if you qualify for a dentist SBA loan, our team specializes in dental practice financing options that are tailor-made for your current and potential needs.
Our team can design a medical office loan that will provide you with the funding you need on terms you can afford. Whether you need SBA-backed medical business loans or other loan options, we are here to help you achieve greater success with your medical practice.
Pharmacy Funding
Our pharmacy financing team has the experience and the know-how you need to find the right pharmacy SBA loan for your needs. Whether you are seeking a loan for a new acquisition, to buy out a partner, expand locations or to manage overhead expenses, we can deliver the pharmacy funding solutions you need to achieve to continue to grow.
Veterinarian Practice Financing That Works for Your Practice
Our veterinarian funding solutions include loans backed by the SBA. We can design veterinary practice financing options that are specifically tailored to your needs. If you qualify for a veterinary practice SBA loan, these veterinarian funding options typically offer better terms and rates. We will work with you to determine if a veterinarian SBA loan is the best choice for your practice or if another type of loan would be more practical for you.
Providing the best possible treatment options for your animal patients is a priority. We can provide veterinarian business financing for a variety of purposes, including the purchase of a new office, expanding to a second or third location, upgrading or replacing equipment and acquiring working capital to manage your operations more effectively. Our veterinarian loans are customized to incorporate your key priorities and to minimize any concerns you may have.
We specialize in providing guidance and support for veterinarian SBA loans and other types of veterinary practice financing. If you are considering a veterinary practice SBA loan, our team is here to help you find the ideal solution for your needs.
Senior Care Financing Solutions from Frist Bank of the Lake
ESOP Financing and Funding Options
Whether you plan to acquire a business or to merge with a company to expand your reach and your profitability, our team can offer M&A financing options designed to meet your needs. We can help you determine if an M&A SBA loan is the right choice for you. If you do not qualify for an M&A SBA loan that suits your needs, we offer a variety of other M&A funding options. Our team is here to help with all your M&A financing requirements now and in the future.
504 Loans Provided through Certified Development Companies (CDCs) which are licensed by SBA |
|
Maximum Loan Amount |
504 CDC maximum amount ranges from $5 million to $5.5 million, depending on
type of business or project. |
Percent of Guaranty
|
Project costs financed as follows:
CDC: up to 40% Lender: 50% (Non-guaranteed) Equity: 10% plus additional 5% if new business and/or 5% if special use property |
Eligible Use of Proceeds |
Long-term, fixed-asset loans; Lender (non-guaranteed) financing secured by first lien on project assets. CDC loan provided from SBA 100% guaranteed debenture sold to investors at fixed rate secured by 2nd lien.
|
Maturity |
CDC Loan: 10, 20 or 25-year term fixed interest rate.
Lender Loan: Non-guaranteed financing may have a shorter term. May be fixed or adjustable interest rate. |
Maximum Interest Rates |
Fixed rate on 504 Loan established when the debenture backed loan is sold.
Declining prepayment penalty for 1/2 of term. |
Who Qualifies |
Alternative Size Standard: For-profit businesses that do not exceed $15M in tangible net worth, and do not have an average two full fiscal year net income over $5M.
Owner Occupied 51% for existing building or 60% for new construction of a building. |
Benefits to Borrowers |
Low down payment - equity (10, 15 or 20 percent)
(The equity contribution may be borrowed as long as it is not from an SBA loan) Fees can be financed; SBA /CDC Portion: Long-term fixed rate Full amortization and No balloons |
7(a) Loans |
|
Maximum Loan Amount |
$5 million
|
Percent of Guaranty
|
85% guaranty for loans of $150,000 or less;
75% guaranty for loans greater than $150,000 (up to $3.75M maximum guaranty) |
Eligible Use of Proceeds |
Term Loan.
Expansion/renovation; new construction, purchase land or buildings; purchase equipment, fixtures, leasehold improvements; working capital; refinance debt for compelling reasons; for inventory or starting or purchasing a business. Only owner-occupied commercial real estate is eligible. |
Maturity |
Depends on ability to repay. Generally, working capital not to exceed 10 years; Equipment, fixtures, or furniture not to exceed 10 years. Except term may be up to 15 years if IRS asset class useful life supports longer term. Lender must document in credit memo justification of any term that exceeds 10 years; real estate up to 25 years. No balloons or demand features permitted.
|
Maximum Interest Rates |
Effective Aug. 1, 2022
$50,000 or less Prime + 6.5% $50,001 - $250,000 P + 6% $250,001—$350,000 P + 4.5% $350,001 and greater P + 3% Fixed Rate: See Downloads and Resources section. |
Who Qualifies |
Must be a for-profit business & meet SBA size standards; show good character, credit, management, and ability to repay. Must be an eligible type of business.
Prepayment penalty for loans with maturities of 15 years or more if prepaid during first 3 years. (5% year 1, 3% year 2 and 1% year 3)
|
Benefits to Borrowers |
Long-term financing;
Improved cash flow; Fixed maturity; No balloons; No prepayment penalty (under 15 years) |
7(a) Small Loans Is any 7(a) loan $500,000 and under, except the Community Advantage and Express loans |
|
Maximum Loan Amount |
$500,000
|
Percent of Guaranty
|
Same as 7(a) Loans
|
Eligible Use of Proceeds |
Same as 7(a) Loans
|
Maturity |
Same as 7(a) Loans
|
Maximum Interest Rates |
Same as 7(a) Loans
|
Who Qualifies |
Same as 7(a) Plus, all loan applications will be credit scored by SBA. If not an acceptable score, the loan can be submitted via full standard 7(a) or Express.
|
Benefits to Borrowers |
Same as 7(a) Loans
|
SBA Express |
|
Maximum Loan Amount |
$500,000
|
Percent of Guaranty
|
50% regardless of loan amount.
|
Eligible Use of Proceeds |
May be used for revolving lines of credit (must have term-out period not less than draw period) or for a term loan.
|
Maturity |
LOC: Max period Revolver = 60 mo.; Max term out period = 60 mo. For total of 10 yrs. Term loan: same as 7(a)
|
Maximum Interest Rates |
Same as 7(a) Loans
|
Who Qualifies |
Same as 7(a) Loans
|
Benefits to Borrowers |
Fast turnaround;
Streamlined process; Easy-to-use line of credit |
- Our expertise in franchises and our proven experience in all types of SBA loan programs
- Status as an SBA Preferred Lender
- Rapid response times for applications and inquiries
- A variety of flexible loan options that include SBA 504 and 7a loans and traditional loans
- Creative problem solving to help you get the right SBA loan for your needs
- Added flexibility and a commitment to top-notch customer service
- Veteran rate discounts and waived packaging fees
- An array of options for your construction needs that include ground-up building loans and tenant improvement options
- Experienced underwriters who can evaluate your loan application and provide you with a prompt response
- Dedicated teams for veteran loans, small loans, franchise purchases and many other SBA loan options
- Robust due diligence for every loan we underwrite
- Staff members with proven experience in the SBA loan marketplace
- Award-winning management team that maintains the highest standards of excellence in the lending field
- Start-to-finish assistance with your SBA loan application