A Competitive Edge with the SBA 504 Loan

Partner with Great Lakes Commercial Finance on Owner-Occupied Projects

Just one project approval qualifies your lending institution to compete in our September 17th Lenders Cup Golf Tournament.

When a borrower is planning a major capital investment, they are often in conversations with more than one lending institution. In many cases, the 504 Loan Program is introduced during that process. If you are not the one bringing it forward, there is a strong chance it is already being positioned elsewhere. Leading with this solution keeps your institution firmly in the conversation and ensures you are competing on equal footing from the start.

The SBA 504 Loan is a powerful partnership between your lending institution, a Certified Development Company like Great Lakes Commercial Finance, and the small business borrower. It is designed to allow the borrower to put as little as 10% down and lock in a fixed interest rate on a portion of the loan for the life of the loan, creating a structure that works for both the borrower and your credit relationship.

At the same time, the 504 loan program allows your lending institution to maintain its first lien position while still offering a more complete financing solution that strengthens the overall credit structure and deepens the customer relationship.

Simply put, the 504 loan helps you compete more effectively, protect your deals, and show up with the kind of financing today’s borrowers expect.

Why Lenders Use The SBA 504 Loan Program

• Strengthens your position in competitive lending situations
• Allows you to offer lower borrower equity requirements
• Provides long-term, fixed-rate financing through the SBA structure
• Preserves your first lien position
• Helps retain borrower relationships when multiple lenders are involved
• Expands your ability to participate in larger projects without increasing balance sheet exposure

Typical Project Structure

The SBA 504 structure is designed to balance risk, preserve lender position, and improve borrower affordability.

• 50% – First Mortgage (Your Lending Institution)
  Your institution typically provides half of the project cost and holds the first lien position.
• 40% – SBA 504 Loan (Serviced By GLCF)
  The SBA guaranteed portion is structured and managed by Great Lakes Commercial Finance to ensure a smooth, efficient process from approval through funding.
• 10% – Borrower Equity
  The borrower contributes a lower down payment, preserving working capital for business operations and growth.
• Fixed Interest Rate For The Life Of The Loan
  Borrowers can choose 10, 20, or 25-year terms with a fixed rate locked for the entire term, creating predictable long-term payments and easier financial planning.

A Better Way To Compete For Quality Credits

In today’s market, borrowers pursuing major capital investments are actively comparing financing options across multiple lenders. Structure often determines which lender wins the deal.  The SBA 504 loan gives your institution a practical tool to stay competitive without changing your credit standards or taking on additional risk exposure. It allows you to present a stronger financing package while maintaining control of the relationship.

Why Work With Great Lakes Commercial Finance

Great Lakes Commercial Finance has a highly experienced team focused exclusively on SBA 504 lending, working with lending institutions across the region to bring deep expertise, proven structure, and hands-on guidance to every transaction. We support your team through the entire process, from initial structuring to closing, ensuring the 504 solution is positioned correctly, clearly communicated, and aligned with your credit standards while keeping the process efficient and straightforward. Whether you are evaluating a current deal or looking to strengthen your competitive position, we help you deliver a better financing option, close more quality business, and deepen customer relationships.

Join Us At The Lenders Cup

Each year, we bring together lending partners from across the state for the Lenders Cup golf tournament. It is a chance to connect with peers, strengthen relationships, and compete in a relaxed, professional setting for bragging rights, a cash prize and the traveling Lenders Cup Trophy.