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Buy What You Need Today. Pay Over Time.
Best for working capital
2025

Lendistry SBA 7(a) General Purpose

APR 6.5% - 16% (WSJP+1% Variable or Fixed)
Amount $150,000 - $5,000,000
Credit 650+ (all guarantors)
Term Up to 10 years

Pros:

  • Most flexible use of funds (working capital, equipment, inventory, debt refinance, acquisitions, tenant improvements)
  • SBA Preferred Lender = faster approval (2-4 weeks vs. 90+ days)
  • No prepayment penalty
  • 2025 SBA fee waiver (saves 3-3.75%)
  • $5M maximum for major expansions
  • 10-year terms = lower monthly payments

Cons:

  • Requires 2+ years in business (or meet new business requirements)
  • 650+ credit score required (all guarantors)
  • More documentation (tax returns, financial statements, business plan)
  • DSCR >1.15x for loans >$500K (business standalone), GDSCR >1.0x
  • SBSS Score 155+ required
  • No bankruptcy <3 years, no active judgments >$5K, no unpaid tax liens

The SBA 7(a) General Purpose loan is the most versatile financing option for manufacturers who need capital for multiple uses—whether you're purchasing new equipment, expanding your facility, refinancing existing debt, or acquiring another business.

Key advantages for manufacturers:

  • Lowest rates available (WSJP+1% vs. WSJP+2.5% for non-SBA loans = save ~1.5% APR)
  • Longest terms (10 years vs. 5 years for conventional = 40% lower monthly payments)
  • Zero SBA fees through Sept 30, 2026 (manufacturers save 3-3.75% upfront = $4,500-$187,500 on a $150K-$5M loan)
  • No prepayment penalty (pay off early without fees if you land a big contract or sell equipment)
  • Lendistry is SBA Preferred Lender (2-4 week approval vs. 90+ days at traditional banks)

Best for: Established manufacturers (2+ years, 650+ credit) who need large, flexible capital for growth—equipment purchases, facility expansion, acquisitions, or debt consolidation.

Pros:

  • Most flexible use of funds (working capital, equipment, inventory, debt refinance, acquisitions, tenant improvements)
  • SBA Preferred Lender = faster approval (2-4 weeks vs. 90+ days)
  • No prepayment penalty
  • 2025 SBA fee waiver (saves 3-3.75%)
  • $5M maximum for major expansions
  • 10-year terms = lower monthly payments

Cons:

  • Requires 2+ years in business (or meet new business requirements)
  • 650+ credit score required (all guarantors)
  • More documentation (tax returns, financial statements, business plan)
  • DSCR >1.15x for loans >$500K (business standalone), GDSCR >1.0x
  • SBSS Score 155+ required
  • No bankruptcy <3 years, no active judgments >$5K, no unpaid tax liens

The SBA 7(a) General Purpose loan is the most versatile financing option for manufacturers who need capital for multiple uses—whether you're purchasing new equipment, expanding your facility, refinancing existing debt, or acquiring another business.

Key advantages for manufacturers:

  • Lowest rates available (WSJP+1% vs. WSJP+2.5% for non-SBA loans = save ~1.5% APR)
  • Longest terms (10 years vs. 5 years for conventional = 40% lower monthly payments)
  • Zero SBA fees through Sept 30, 2026 (manufacturers save 3-3.75% upfront = $4,500-$187,500 on a $150K-$5M loan)
  • No prepayment penalty (pay off early without fees if you land a big contract or sell equipment)
  • Lendistry is SBA Preferred Lender (2-4 week approval vs. 90+ days at traditional banks)

Best for: Established manufacturers (2+ years, 650+ credit) who need large, flexible capital for growth—equipment purchases, facility expansion, acquisitions, or debt consolidation.

Lendistry SBA 7(a) Working Capital

APR 6.5% - 16% (WSJP+1% Variable or Fixed)
Amount $25,000 - $500,000
Credit 650+ (all guarantors)
Term Up to 10 years

Pros:

  • Fast approval for loans <$500K
  • SBSS Score 155+ only requirement
  • No prepayment penalty
  • 10-year amortization (vs. 3-5 years for traditional working capital loans)
  • Flexible use (payroll, materials, inventory, vendor payments, bridging receivables)
  • 2025 SBA fee waiver (saves $750-$18,750)

Cons:

  • 650+ credit score required (all guarantors)
  • 2+ years in business required
  • SBSS Score 155+ minimum
  • Working capital only (can't use for equipment or real estate)
  • No bankruptcy <3 years, no active judgments >$5K, no unpaid tax liens

This is the fastest, cheapest way to bridge cash flow gaps for manufacturers dealing with Net 60/Net 90 payment cycles from customers.

Why manufacturers need this:

  • Net payment terms create cash flow gaps - You buy materials upfront, pay labor to fulfill orders, then wait 30-90 days to get paid by customers. This loan fills that gap.
  • 10-year repayment vs. 3-5 years for traditional working capital loans = 60% lower monthly payments
  • Lower rates than traditional working capital (WSJP+1% vs. WSJP+2.5%-4% for merchant cash advances or short-term loans)
  • Fast approval (SBSS Score 155+ = streamlined underwriting, 1-2 week approval)
  • No prepayment penalty (pay off when you collect receivables, no penalty)

Best for: Job shops, contract manufacturers, and machine shops with lumpy cash flow—you have orders, but need capital to buy materials, pay labor, and cover overhead while waiting for customer payments.

Pros:

  • Fast approval for loans <$500K
  • SBSS Score 155+ only requirement
  • No prepayment penalty
  • 10-year amortization (vs. 3-5 years for traditional working capital loans)
  • Flexible use (payroll, materials, inventory, vendor payments, bridging receivables)
  • 2025 SBA fee waiver (saves $750-$18,750)

Cons:

  • 650+ credit score required (all guarantors)
  • 2+ years in business required
  • SBSS Score 155+ minimum
  • Working capital only (can't use for equipment or real estate)
  • No bankruptcy <3 years, no active judgments >$5K, no unpaid tax liens

This is the fastest, cheapest way to bridge cash flow gaps for manufacturers dealing with Net 60/Net 90 payment cycles from customers.

Why manufacturers need this:

  • Net payment terms create cash flow gaps - You buy materials upfront, pay labor to fulfill orders, then wait 30-90 days to get paid by customers. This loan fills that gap.
  • 10-year repayment vs. 3-5 years for traditional working capital loans = 60% lower monthly payments
  • Lower rates than traditional working capital (WSJP+1% vs. WSJP+2.5%-4% for merchant cash advances or short-term loans)
  • Fast approval (SBSS Score 155+ = streamlined underwriting, 1-2 week approval)
  • No prepayment penalty (pay off when you collect receivables, no penalty)

Best for: Job shops, contract manufacturers, and machine shops with lumpy cash flow—you have orders, but need capital to buy materials, pay labor, and cover overhead while waiting for customer payments.

Lendistry CRE Owner-Occupied

APR 6.5% - 16% (WSJP+1% Variable or Fixed)
Amount $150,000 - $10,000,000
Credit 640+ (2+ yrs in business) 700+ (<2 yrs in business)
Term Up to 25 years

Pros:

  • 25-year amortization = lowest monthly payments
  • Up to $10M financing for large equipment or facility purchases
  • Equipment as collateral = easier approval
  • Owner-occupied real estate eligible (buy your facility, stop paying rent)
  • Max LTV 75% = lower down payment
  • Fixed rate option available

Cons:

  • 640-700+ credit score required (higher for newer businesses)
  • GDSCR >1.10 for loans <$1M, GDSCR >1.15 for loans $1M-$10M
  • Max LTV 75% = 25% down payment required
  • No environmentally impaired property (Phase I report required)
  • Prepayment penalty (5% yr 1, 4% yr 2, 3% yr 3, 2% yr 4, 1% yr 5)
  • Single-purpose property may require lower LTV (30-40% down)

This loan offers the longest terms available (25 years) for manufacturers purchasing expensive equipment or facilities, resulting in the lowest possible monthly payments.

Why manufacturers choose this:

  • 25-year amortization = 60% lower payments vs. 10-year SBA 7(a) (e.g., $500K loan at 8%: $3,861/mo vs. $6,066/mo)
  • Buy your facility instead of paying rent - Stop paying $10K/mo rent, own your production space
  • Equipment as collateral = easier approval - CNC machines, injection molding equipment, industrial printers hold value
  • Up to $10M = finance large-scale equipment (5-axis CNC, robotic assembly lines, industrial 3D printers)
  • 75% LTV = only 25% down (vs. 30-50% for conventional equipment loans)

Best for: Manufacturers purchasing high-value equipment ($500K+ CNC machines, production lines) or buying their facility to stop paying rent. The 25-year term keeps monthly payments manageable while equipment generates revenue.

Pros:

  • 25-year amortization = lowest monthly payments
  • Up to $10M financing for large equipment or facility purchases
  • Equipment as collateral = easier approval
  • Owner-occupied real estate eligible (buy your facility, stop paying rent)
  • Max LTV 75% = lower down payment
  • Fixed rate option available

Cons:

  • 640-700+ credit score required (higher for newer businesses)
  • GDSCR >1.10 for loans <$1M, GDSCR >1.15 for loans $1M-$10M
  • Max LTV 75% = 25% down payment required
  • No environmentally impaired property (Phase I report required)
  • Prepayment penalty (5% yr 1, 4% yr 2, 3% yr 3, 2% yr 4, 1% yr 5)
  • Single-purpose property may require lower LTV (30-40% down)

This loan offers the longest terms available (25 years) for manufacturers purchasing expensive equipment or facilities, resulting in the lowest possible monthly payments.

Why manufacturers choose this:

  • 25-year amortization = 60% lower payments vs. 10-year SBA 7(a) (e.g., $500K loan at 8%: $3,861/mo vs. $6,066/mo)
  • Buy your facility instead of paying rent - Stop paying $10K/mo rent, own your production space
  • Equipment as collateral = easier approval - CNC machines, injection molding equipment, industrial printers hold value
  • Up to $10M = finance large-scale equipment (5-axis CNC, robotic assembly lines, industrial 3D printers)
  • 75% LTV = only 25% down (vs. 30-50% for conventional equipment loans)

Best for: Manufacturers purchasing high-value equipment ($500K+ CNC machines, production lines) or buying their facility to stop paying rent. The 25-year term keeps monthly payments manageable while equipment generates revenue.

Lendistry Business Term Loan

APR 8.5% - 18% (WSJP+2.5% Variable, Risk-Based Pricing)
Amount $25,000 - $150,000
Credit 640+ (all guarantors)
Term Up to 5 years

Pros:

  • Fastest approval (7-14 days, non-SBA)
  • Simpler documentation (no SBA paperwork)
  • Lower loan minimums ($25K vs. $150K for SBA 7(a))
  • No SBSS Score required
  • Flexible use (working capital, inventory, materials, payroll)
  • State/SSBCI guarantees available (AZ, CA, CO, IL, LA, MD, MI, NY, TX, VA)

Cons:

  • Higher rates (WSJP+2.5% vs. WSJP+1% for SBA = ~1.5% higher APR)
  • Shorter terms (5 years max vs. 10 years for SBA = higher monthly payments)
  • Prepayment penalty (5% yr 1, 4% yr 2, 3% yr 3, 2% yr 4, 1% yr 5)
  • $150K cap (not suitable for large capital needs)
  • 2+ years in business required

When you need capital fast and can't wait 2-4 weeks for SBA approval, this is the best option. Approval in 7-14 days, simpler documentation, no SBA paperwork.

Why manufacturers choose this:

  • Speed - Equipment breakdown? Urgent order? Need materials this week? Get approved in 7-14 days (vs. 2-4 weeks for SBA)
  • Simpler documentation - No SBA forms, no business plan, less paperwork = faster process
  • Lower minimums - $25K minimum (vs. $150K for SBA 7(a)) = accessible for smaller urgent needs
  • No SBSS Score required - Easier qualification if your SBA score is below 155

Trade-off: You pay ~1.5% higher APR (~10% vs. 8.5% for SBA 7(a)) and get shorter terms (5 years vs. 10 years), but you get capital 2-3 weeks faster with simpler paperwork.

Best for: Manufacturers with urgent capital needs—equipment breakdown requiring immediate replacement, large order requiring materials this week, or unexpected cash flow gap. Speed matters more than rate.

Pros:

  • Fastest approval (7-14 days, non-SBA)
  • Simpler documentation (no SBA paperwork)
  • Lower loan minimums ($25K vs. $150K for SBA 7(a))
  • No SBSS Score required
  • Flexible use (working capital, inventory, materials, payroll)
  • State/SSBCI guarantees available (AZ, CA, CO, IL, LA, MD, MI, NY, TX, VA)

Cons:

  • Higher rates (WSJP+2.5% vs. WSJP+1% for SBA = ~1.5% higher APR)
  • Shorter terms (5 years max vs. 10 years for SBA = higher monthly payments)
  • Prepayment penalty (5% yr 1, 4% yr 2, 3% yr 3, 2% yr 4, 1% yr 5)
  • $150K cap (not suitable for large capital needs)
  • 2+ years in business required

When you need capital fast and can't wait 2-4 weeks for SBA approval, this is the best option. Approval in 7-14 days, simpler documentation, no SBA paperwork.

Why manufacturers choose this:

  • Speed - Equipment breakdown? Urgent order? Need materials this week? Get approved in 7-14 days (vs. 2-4 weeks for SBA)
  • Simpler documentation - No SBA forms, no business plan, less paperwork = faster process
  • Lower minimums - $25K minimum (vs. $150K for SBA 7(a)) = accessible for smaller urgent needs
  • No SBSS Score required - Easier qualification if your SBA score is below 155

Trade-off: You pay ~1.5% higher APR (~10% vs. 8.5% for SBA 7(a)) and get shorter terms (5 years vs. 10 years), but you get capital 2-3 weeks faster with simpler paperwork.

Best for: Manufacturers with urgent capital needs—equipment breakdown requiring immediate replacement, large order requiring materials this week, or unexpected cash flow gap. Speed matters more than rate.

Lendistry NMTC Small Business Loan Fund

APR 8.5% - 14% (WSJP+4% Fixed, ~30% below risk-based market pricing)
Amount $150,000 - $4,000,000
Credit 620+ (all guarantors)
Term Up to 5 years

Pros:

  • ~30% below market rates (NMTC subsidy = massive savings, e.g., 11% vs. 16% market rate)
  • Lower credit score requirement (620+ vs. 640-650+)
  • MBE-certified businesses (designed for minority-owned manufacturers)
  • NMTC-qualified census tracts (serves underserved communities)
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Fixed rate (locked for full term)

Cons:

  • Must be MBE-certified (Minority Business Enterprise)
  • Must be located in NMTC-qualified census tract (check at nmtccoalition.org/nmtc-map)
  • No sole proprietorships or single-member LLCs (must be multi-member LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp)
  • 10% equity injection required (must contribute 10% of project cost in cash)
  • 1.05 GDSCR minimum (historical or projected cash flow)
  • Subject to allocation availability (NMTC funding is limited, first-come-first-served)
  • 2+ years in business required

If you qualify, this is the cheapest capital available for minority-owned manufacturers—rates are ~30% below market due to NMTC tax credit subsidy. Example: 11% APR vs. 16% market rate = save $50,000+ in interest on a $500K loan.

Why this program exists:

  • New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) is a federal program designed to bring capital to underserved communities
  • Lenders get tax credits = they can offer below-market rates to borrowers in NMTC-qualified census tracts
  • Result: You pay 30% less interest than conventional loans

Key advantages:

  • 30% below market pricing (11% vs. 16% market rate = save $50K+ on $500K loan over 5 years)
  • Lower credit score requirement (620+ vs. 640-650+ for other products)
  • Fixed rate (locked for full 5 years, no rate increases)
  • No prepayment penalty (pay off early if you want)

Qualification hurdles:

  • Must be MBE-certified (Minority Business Enterprise—check nmsdc.org or local MBDA center)
  • Must be in NMTC-qualified census tract (low-income areas—check nmtccoalition.org/nmtc-map)
  • 10% equity injection (you must contribute 10% of project cost in cash—e.g., $50K equity for $500K project)
  • Allocation-dependent (NMTC funding is limited, first-come-first-served—act fast when available)

Best for: Minority-owned manufacturers (MBE-certified) located in underserved communities (NMTC-qualified census tracts) who need $150K-$4M for equipment, working capital, or facility expansion. The ~30% rate discount is the best deal available if you qualify.

Pros:

  • ~30% below market rates (NMTC subsidy = massive savings, e.g., 11% vs. 16% market rate)
  • Lower credit score requirement (620+ vs. 640-650+)
  • MBE-certified businesses (designed for minority-owned manufacturers)
  • NMTC-qualified census tracts (serves underserved communities)
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Fixed rate (locked for full term)

Cons:

  • Must be MBE-certified (Minority Business Enterprise)
  • Must be located in NMTC-qualified census tract (check at nmtccoalition.org/nmtc-map)
  • No sole proprietorships or single-member LLCs (must be multi-member LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp)
  • 10% equity injection required (must contribute 10% of project cost in cash)
  • 1.05 GDSCR minimum (historical or projected cash flow)
  • Subject to allocation availability (NMTC funding is limited, first-come-first-served)
  • 2+ years in business required

If you qualify, this is the cheapest capital available for minority-owned manufacturers—rates are ~30% below market due to NMTC tax credit subsidy. Example: 11% APR vs. 16% market rate = save $50,000+ in interest on a $500K loan.

Why this program exists:

  • New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) is a federal program designed to bring capital to underserved communities
  • Lenders get tax credits = they can offer below-market rates to borrowers in NMTC-qualified census tracts
  • Result: You pay 30% less interest than conventional loans

Key advantages:

  • 30% below market pricing (11% vs. 16% market rate = save $50K+ on $500K loan over 5 years)
  • Lower credit score requirement (620+ vs. 640-650+ for other products)
  • Fixed rate (locked for full 5 years, no rate increases)
  • No prepayment penalty (pay off early if you want)

Qualification hurdles:

  • Must be MBE-certified (Minority Business Enterprise—check nmsdc.org or local MBDA center)
  • Must be in NMTC-qualified census tract (low-income areas—check nmtccoalition.org/nmtc-map)
  • 10% equity injection (you must contribute 10% of project cost in cash—e.g., $50K equity for $500K project)
  • Allocation-dependent (NMTC funding is limited, first-come-first-served—act fast when available)

Best for: Minority-owned manufacturers (MBE-certified) located in underserved communities (NMTC-qualified census tracts) who need $150K-$4M for equipment, working capital, or facility expansion. The ~30% rate discount is the best deal available if you qualify.

Lendistry Contractor/PO Financing

APR 10% - 18% (WSJP+4% Variable, Risk-Based Pricing)
Amount $50,000 - $1,000,000 (up to $2M case-by-case, 20-30% of contract value)
Credit 640+ (all guarantors)
Term 6 months - 2 years (repayment based on contract schedule)

Pros:

  • Contract-backed financing (lower risk = easier approval)
  • Custodial account structure (payments go directly to lender from contract)
  • Letter of direction (customer pays lender directly, removing collection risk)
  • Up to 20-30% of contract value (covers materials, labor, overhead)
  • Government pays on time (more reliable than private sector receivables)
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Investment-grade entities eligible (prime contractors with strong credit)

Cons:

  • Higher rates (10-18% APR vs. 6.5-16% for SBA loans)
  • Short terms (6 months - 2 years max, tied to contract schedule)
  • Custodial account required (payments flow through lender's account = less control)
  • Letter of direction required (customer must agree to pay lender directly)
  • Contract/PO required (must have signed contract with government agency, prime contractor, or investment-grade entity)
  • 2+ years in business required
  • 640+ credit score required

If you manufacture components for government contracts or large defense contractors, this is the easiest approval because the loan is backed by a signed contract—the government or prime contractor pays the lender directly, removing collection risk.

Why manufacturers choose this:

  • Contract-backed = easier approval - You have a signed contract with government agency, prime contractor, or Fortune 500 company = lower risk for lender
  • Custodial account + letter of direction = direct payment - The contracting entity (government, prime contractor) pays the lender directly from contract proceeds = no collection risk
  • Government/prime contractors pay on time - Federal agencies and large defense contractors pay reliably (unlike small private customers)
  • Finance 20-30% of contract value - E.g., $500K contract → up to $150K financing to cover upfront materials, labor, overhead

Trade-off: You pay higher rates (10-18% vs. 6.5-16% for SBA loans) and get shorter terms (6-24 months vs. 5-10 years), but approval is easier and faster because the contract itself is collateral.

Best for: Contract manufacturers, machine shops, and fabricators fulfilling government contracts (DoD, GSA, NASA) or producing components for prime contractors (Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon). If you have a signed contract but lack capital to buy materials and pay labor upfront, this loan bridges the gap.

Pros:

  • Contract-backed financing (lower risk = easier approval)
  • Custodial account structure (payments go directly to lender from contract)
  • Letter of direction (customer pays lender directly, removing collection risk)
  • Up to 20-30% of contract value (covers materials, labor, overhead)
  • Government pays on time (more reliable than private sector receivables)
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Investment-grade entities eligible (prime contractors with strong credit)

Cons:

  • Higher rates (10-18% APR vs. 6.5-16% for SBA loans)
  • Short terms (6 months - 2 years max, tied to contract schedule)
  • Custodial account required (payments flow through lender's account = less control)
  • Letter of direction required (customer must agree to pay lender directly)
  • Contract/PO required (must have signed contract with government agency, prime contractor, or investment-grade entity)
  • 2+ years in business required
  • 640+ credit score required

If you manufacture components for government contracts or large defense contractors, this is the easiest approval because the loan is backed by a signed contract—the government or prime contractor pays the lender directly, removing collection risk.

Why manufacturers choose this:

  • Contract-backed = easier approval - You have a signed contract with government agency, prime contractor, or Fortune 500 company = lower risk for lender
  • Custodial account + letter of direction = direct payment - The contracting entity (government, prime contractor) pays the lender directly from contract proceeds = no collection risk
  • Government/prime contractors pay on time - Federal agencies and large defense contractors pay reliably (unlike small private customers)
  • Finance 20-30% of contract value - E.g., $500K contract → up to $150K financing to cover upfront materials, labor, overhead

Trade-off: You pay higher rates (10-18% vs. 6.5-16% for SBA loans) and get shorter terms (6-24 months vs. 5-10 years), but approval is easier and faster because the contract itself is collateral.

Best for: Contract manufacturers, machine shops, and fabricators fulfilling government contracts (DoD, GSA, NASA) or producing components for prime contractors (Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon). If you have a signed contract but lack capital to buy materials and pay labor upfront, this loan bridges the gap.

Lendistry CDC/SBA 504 Program

APR 1st TD: Fixed or Variable (Based on Treasury) 2nd TD: Bridge I/O up to WSJP+3%, Risk-Based Pricing
Amount $250,000 - $10,000,000
Credit 620+ (all guarantors)
Term 1st TD: Up to 10 yrs fixed / 25-yr amortization 2nd TD: Bridge loan up to 180 days

Pros:

  • Only 10% down payment (SBA 504 structure = 50% 1st TD bank loan, 40% 2nd TD SBA/CDC loan, 10% equity)
  • 25-year amortization (lowest monthly payments possible)
  • Fixed rate available (lock in rate for 10+ years based on Treasury rates)
  • Up to $10M financing (largest equipment or real estate purchases)
  • Lower rates (1st TD typically 1-2% lower than conventional loans)
  • Job creation incentive (SBA 504 favors businesses creating jobs = easier approval)
  • Equipment + real estate combo (finance both in one transaction)

Cons:

  • Complex structure (two loans = more documentation: 1st TD + 2nd TD bridge)
  • DSCR >1.15 required (strong cash flow)
  • GDSCR >1.0 required (global debt service coverage for all debts)
  • No bankruptcy or charge-offs <5 years (clean credit history)
  • No active judgments or liens (must be paid off or on approved repayment plan)
  • Prepayment penalty on 1st TD (5% yr 1, 4% yr 2, 3% yr 3, 2% yr 4, 1% yr 5)
  • Bridge loan fees (2nd TD has origination fees, combined 1st + 2nd TD fees)
  • Longer closing time (30-60 days vs. 7-14 days for business term loans)

The SBA 504 program is the absolute best financing for manufacturers purchasing expensive equipment or facilities because you only need 10% down (vs. 20-30% for conventional loans) and get 25-year amortization (lowest monthly payments possible).

Why manufacturers choose this:

  • Only 10% down (SBA 504 structure = 50% bank loan, 40% SBA/CDC loan, 10% equity = you only contribute 10%)
  • Example: $1M CNC machine → you put down $100K, finance $900K
  • Conventional equipment loan = $200K-$300K down (20-30%)
  • SBA 504 saves you $100K-$200K in upfront cash
  • 25-year amortization = lowest monthly payments (vs. 10 years for SBA 7(a), 5 years for conventional)
  • Example: $1M loan at 8%: $7,718/mo (25-yr amortization) vs. $12,133/mo (10-yr) vs. $20,276/mo (5-yr)
  • SBA 504 payment is 62% lower than conventional 5-year loan
  • Fixed rate available (lock in rate for 10+ years based on Treasury rates = protect against rate increases)
  • Up to $10M = finance large-scale projects (multi-machine production lines, entire facilities)
  • Equipment + real estate combo - Buy facility AND equipment in one loan

Trade-off: This is a complex structure (two loans: 1st TD bank loan + 2nd TD SBA/CDC loan) with more documentation and longer closing time (30-60 days vs. 7-14 days for business term loans). But if you're making a major capital investment ($250K+), the 10% down payment and 25-year amortization make this the best deal.

Best for: Manufacturers making large capital investments—purchasing production facilities ($500K-$10M), buying multiple CNC machines or production lines ($250K-$5M), or expanding/relocating to a larger facility. The 10% down + 25-year term = most affordable way to finance major equipment or real estate.

Pros:

  • Only 10% down payment (SBA 504 structure = 50% 1st TD bank loan, 40% 2nd TD SBA/CDC loan, 10% equity)
  • 25-year amortization (lowest monthly payments possible)
  • Fixed rate available (lock in rate for 10+ years based on Treasury rates)
  • Up to $10M financing (largest equipment or real estate purchases)
  • Lower rates (1st TD typically 1-2% lower than conventional loans)
  • Job creation incentive (SBA 504 favors businesses creating jobs = easier approval)
  • Equipment + real estate combo (finance both in one transaction)

Cons:

  • Complex structure (two loans = more documentation: 1st TD + 2nd TD bridge)
  • DSCR >1.15 required (strong cash flow)
  • GDSCR >1.0 required (global debt service coverage for all debts)
  • No bankruptcy or charge-offs <5 years (clean credit history)
  • No active judgments or liens (must be paid off or on approved repayment plan)
  • Prepayment penalty on 1st TD (5% yr 1, 4% yr 2, 3% yr 3, 2% yr 4, 1% yr 5)
  • Bridge loan fees (2nd TD has origination fees, combined 1st + 2nd TD fees)
  • Longer closing time (30-60 days vs. 7-14 days for business term loans)

The SBA 504 program is the absolute best financing for manufacturers purchasing expensive equipment or facilities because you only need 10% down (vs. 20-30% for conventional loans) and get 25-year amortization (lowest monthly payments possible).

Why manufacturers choose this:

  • Only 10% down (SBA 504 structure = 50% bank loan, 40% SBA/CDC loan, 10% equity = you only contribute 10%)
  • Example: $1M CNC machine → you put down $100K, finance $900K
  • Conventional equipment loan = $200K-$300K down (20-30%)
  • SBA 504 saves you $100K-$200K in upfront cash
  • 25-year amortization = lowest monthly payments (vs. 10 years for SBA 7(a), 5 years for conventional)
  • Example: $1M loan at 8%: $7,718/mo (25-yr amortization) vs. $12,133/mo (10-yr) vs. $20,276/mo (5-yr)
  • SBA 504 payment is 62% lower than conventional 5-year loan
  • Fixed rate available (lock in rate for 10+ years based on Treasury rates = protect against rate increases)
  • Up to $10M = finance large-scale projects (multi-machine production lines, entire facilities)
  • Equipment + real estate combo - Buy facility AND equipment in one loan

Trade-off: This is a complex structure (two loans: 1st TD bank loan + 2nd TD SBA/CDC loan) with more documentation and longer closing time (30-60 days vs. 7-14 days for business term loans). But if you're making a major capital investment ($250K+), the 10% down payment and 25-year amortization make this the best deal.

Best for: Manufacturers making large capital investments—purchasing production facilities ($500K-$10M), buying multiple CNC machines or production lines ($250K-$5M), or expanding/relocating to a larger facility. The 10% down + 25-year term = most affordable way to finance major equipment or real estate.