SBA 504 loans offer long-term, fixed-rate financing designed to help businesses make significant investments in owner-occupied commercial real estate, ground-up construction, property expansions or renovations, and long-life equipment.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Owner-occupied (51% existing / 60%+ new construction)
Typically ~10% equity (higher for startups or special-use)
Strong cash flow (generally DSCR ≥ 1.25)
HOW THE STRUCTURE WORKS
SBA 504 loans are structured into two parts:
Bank Loan (1st Lien): ~50% of the project
CDC / SBA Loan (2nd Lien): ~40% (fixed rate)
Borrower Equity: Typically 10%(Can be 15–20% for startups or special-use properties)
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Loan Amounts: Typically $1MM – $25MM+ total project size
(Please note: The maximum SBA 504 loan amount is generally $5 million. Any loan amount above this is typically financed through the participating bank’sconventional loan. Certain eligible green energy projects may qualify for higher SBA 504 loan amounts.)
CDC/SBA Portion: Up to $5MM (can go higher for certain industries like manufacturing)
Term Options:
25-year (real estate)
10-year (equipment)
Rates: Fixed on SBA portion (often lower than conventional)
Amortization: Fully amortizing (no balloon on SBA piece)
SBA 504 - TYPICAL FINANCING
Purchase of Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate
Up to 90% financing (≈10% down)
Structure: ~50% Bank / ~40% SBA (CDC) / ~10% Borrower.
Can be 15%–20% down for startups or special-use properties
Ground-Up Construction
Up to 90% financing of total project cost
Covers land acquisition + construction costs
Same 50/40/10 structure (may increase to 15%–20% equity depending on risk)
Building Expansions or Renovations
Up to 90% financing
Includes additions, major improvements, and facility upgrades
Can be combined with refinance or equipment in one structure
Equipment Purchases (Long-Life Assets)
Up to 90% financing
Typically for equipment with 10+ year useful life
Structured similar to real estate loans (bank + SBA split)
Refinancing Existing Commercial Real Estate Debt (with conditions)
Up to 90% LTV
May allow cash-out for eligible business expenses
Must meet SBA refinance requirements (seasoning, benefit to borrower, etc.)
WHY SBA 504 LOANS WORKS
LOW DOWN PAYMENT
Typically 10% equity preserves your cash.
LONG-TERM FIXED RATE
SBA portion is fixed for 25 years—great for stability.
LOWER MONTHLY PAYMENTS
Long amortization helps improve cash flow.
IDEAL FOR GROWTH
Perfect for businesses expanding into owned real estate.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Owner-Occupied: Business must occupy at least: - 51% of existing buildings - 60%+ for new construction (with plan to occupy more over time)
For-Profit Business Strong cash flow (typically DSCR ≥ 1.25)
For-Profit Business
Strong cash flow (typically DSCR ≥ 1.25)
Good credit profile
BEST FIT BORROWERS
Business owners looking to purchase their building
Operators expanding into larger facilities
Businesses refinancing existing CRE debt
Franchise operators buying locations with real estate