Friday, September 20, 2013

Small to Mid-Size Manufacturers

Many small to mid-size manufacturers find the 20% down payment often required in a conventional loan takes too much of their working capital.  There is another way!  The 504 Loan Program is designed to help manufacturers acquire fixed assets such as commercial real estate or heavy machinery and/or equipment without high cash outlay requirements often associated with conventional financing programs.

Loan Structure:
There are three players with the 504 - a bank or credit union, Growth Corp and the borrower.  In most cases, the structure is:
  • 50% - Conventional Loan
  • 40% - Growth Corp's 504 Loan
  • 10% - Borrower Equity

Program Benefits:
  • Up to 90% financing at fixed rates with long amortization terms (20 years for real estate and 10 years for equipment)
  • Loan amounts up to $5.5 million for manufacturing and green initiative projects (SBA amounts only - NO LIMIT on overall project size)
  • Debt refinancing for existing debt (must be 504 eligible assets) when there is a new fixed asset financing request

What Qualifies:
  • Manufacturers with a tangible net worth of not more than $15 million and a two-year average net income (after taxes) of not more than $5 million
  • Must meet the definition of a small to mid-size manufacturer as classified in sector 31, 32 or 33 of the NAICS
  • Fewer than 500 employees
  • Must be for-profit and have all of its production facilities located in the U.S.
  • Must meet occupancy guidelines (at least 51%)

504 Highlights:
  • Fixed interest rates - no balloons
  • Up to 90% commercial financing
  • Amortization terms up to 20 years
  • Can be used for real estate purchase, construction, expansion, renovation, machinery & equipment, furniture & fixtures (10%), professional fees, interim interest, appraisal & environmental and debt refinance in some cases
  • Fees and other up-front costs can be financed in the loan
  • Loans up to $5.5 million for manufacturing and green initiative projects (SBA amounts only - no limit on overall project size)

Why Growth Corp:
Growth Corp is a not-for-profit organization authorized by SBA to marshal the 504 Loan Program.  Growth Corp focuses exclusively on economic development and job creation and is the largest 504 lender in Illinois, currently servicing a portfolio of over $670 million.  We have experienced loan officers across the state that would be happy to assist you with your 504 project.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

SBA 504 Agribusiness Loans

How the 504 Helps Agribusiness...

Agribusiness owners looking to expand often find the down-payment requirements of conventional financing dips too far into their working capital.  The 504 provides a financing solution.  Check out these benefits of using the 504:

  • Low down payment (15% in most cases) - helps conserve valuable working capital
  • Low, fixed interest rate on 504 - avoids future rate fluctuations
  • Long loan term - brings debt service in line with cash flow generated by the business
  • Loans are advanced based upon project costs and not appraised value
  • Keeps other assets from becoming encumbered
  • Option to refinance debt related to fixed assets when combined with a new expansion project

Growth Corp's 504 Loan Program can be used to finance a range of agribusiness projects, such as:
  •  Grain Elevators
  • Irrigation Equipment
  • Warehousing and processing facilities
  • Operations and fertilizer plants
  • Livestock feed lots
  • Dairy farm start-up and expansion
  • Livestock sales arenas
  • Hog farrow-to-finish facilities

Essentially, the 504 is used by agribusiness owners to finance real estate and/or equipment for specific value-added uses.

Read more and download a free white paper at http://www.growthcorp.com/Portals/0/AgLoanInfo.pdf

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Our Typical 504 Customer...

  • Industrial companies that may have capacity or efficiency limitations or need to install new equipment at their current facility.  Examples include:
    • Commercial Printers
    • Machine Shops
    • Freight & Transport
    • Wholesalers
    • Food Distributors
    • Manufacturers
  • Office buildings and condos that may need a substantial build-out and/or furnishings such as:
    • Doctors & Dentists
    • Chiropractors
    • Physical Therapists
    • Accountants
    • Lawyers
    • Architects
    • Graphic Designers
  • Retail companies such as:
    • Restaurants
    • Motels
    • Car Washes
    • Farmer's Markets
    • Boutiques
    • Auto Repair Shops
    • Gas Stations & Convenience Stores