Loan Usage
Short Term Leases
Use an SBA loan to take advantage of a short term lease opportunity
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Top 5 SBA franchise loan lender*
+$600 million franchise loans funded
+$2 billion in SBA loans since 2020
+2,000 SBA loans funded since 2020
Steep upfront costs for leasing commercial space hit small businesses hard
Finding the perfect commercial space for your small business can be daunting. With commercial rents in the U.S. climbing at an average rate of 6% annually, securing a lease that doesn’t overwhelm your budget is increasingly difficult. Small businesses, particularly those just starting, often face sticker shock when it comes to upfront costs like security deposits, tenant improvements and renovations. These expenses often add up quickly, creating a financial strain before the doors even open.
The obstacles don’t stop at signing the lease. Managing cash flow becomes critical as businesses face recurring monthly rent payments alongside other operating costs, such as payroll, inventory, and marketing. Studies show that over 20% of small businesses report difficulties covering basic operating expenses, including rent. This challenge can stifle growth and even lead to business closures if not managed effectively.
Affordable financing to ease the burden of commercial rent and leasehold expenses
Managing rental and lease expenses presents a major financial challenge for small businesses. However, the SBA loan programs offer vital support for small business owners. The 7a loan program provides up to $5 million in funding that can be used for a wide range of purposes, including rent payments, leasehold improvements, and working capital. This program is especially beneficial for businesses needing to cover upfront lease costs like deposits or tenant improvements, offering flexible repayment terms and competitive interest rates.
However, if you are ready to secure a permanent space for your business, the SBA 504 loan program caters to businesses aiming to purchase or renovate commercial real estate. The SBA 504 program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing with terms of up to 25 years. This allows small businesses to make significant investments—such as acquiring property or completing large-scale renovations—while minimizing the financial strain.
At First Bank of the Lake, we’re proud to be a trusted partner in navigating these financial challenges. With over $1.1 billion in SBA loans funded, we’ve helped countless small businesses secure the right financing solutions for their leasing and real estate needs. Our team is here to provide personalized guidance, ensuring you have the resources to grow your business. Let us put our expertise to work for you, so you can focus on building and expanding your business.
Real business owners. Real results.
Woof Gang Bakery SBA Loan Case Study
After years in HR, Kasia followed her passion for animals and, with a $345K SBA loan from First Bank of the Lake, quickly launched her Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming franchise — already nearing breakeven just months in.
Tint World SBA Loan Case Study
After losing his wife, a friend, and his life savings, Dan Billings reinvented his life with a Tint World franchise — and with guidance and an SBA loan from First Bank of the Lake, his business is thriving and he’s already eyeing a second location.
Lifetime Green Coatings SBA Loan Case Study
Father and son duo Barry and Parker Norfleet launched six Lifetime Green Coatings franchises with a $400K SBA loan from First Bank of the Lake — quickly setting up operations and nearly breaking even within just three months.
What Our Customers Say
Gave Me the Confidence I Needed
Huge thanks to Tammy and Brandi. Tammy was my first point of contact and gave me the confidence I needed since there isn't a local branch near where I live. Brandi has been answering ALL my questions since and has excellent follow up and has taken great care of me.
— Michele Houston
Genuinely Interested in Helping My Business Succeed
First Bank of the Lake was a tremendous help in securing a 504 small business loan for my company. Every staff member I interacted with was professional, friendly, and genuinely interested in helping my business succeed.
— Don Kamb
Exceptional Service
I cannot say enough positive things about my experience working with Eric as my SBA loan officer. From start to finish, he provided exceptional service and went above and beyond to ensure that every issue we encountered was resolved quickly and efficiently.
— Bryan Crowe