caryl erikssonFor small-business owners looking to expand, purchase real estate, or invest in heavy equipment, securing affordable financing can be a daunting challenge. Traditional bank loans often require high down payments and come with stringent requirements, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Enter the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loan program — a powerful yet underutilized financing tool designed to help small businesses thrive while fostering economic development in local communities.

The SBA 504 loan program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing for major business assets such as land, buildings and equipment. Unlike conventional financing options, which often require large upfront capital, the 504 program allows businesses to access affordable loans with as little as a 10 percent down payment. This makes it an attractive choice for Please log in to see the rest of this story.