SBA CENTRAL

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SBA Cafe Episode 1: Navigating the 2026 Market with Insider SBA Expertise

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the SBA Cafe podcast. Host Ryan Smith is joined by industry experts Kalen Foster (Live Oak Bank), Julian Carney-Domm (The Bancorp), and Casey Hopkins (Southland EDC) to dive deep into the world of SBA borrowing, market trends, and real-world deal-making.

Jan 26

12 min read

How to Buy a Business and the Real Estate in One Transaction Using SBA Financing (And When to Split It Between a 7(a) and a 504—With First Right of Refusal Language)

Buying an operating business and the real estate it occupies in a single transaction is one of the most powerful—but misunderstood—ways to build long-term wealth using SBA financing. When structured correctly, it allows an entrepreneur to control the operating company, lock in occupancy costs, build equity in real estate, and often put less cash down than with conventional financing.

Dec 19

12 min read

Why Leaving Corporate America for Franchise Ownership Is No Longer a Risk — It’s a Strategy

Nov 21

6 min read

The 3 Biggest Mistakes Business Owners Make When Financing Owner-Occupied Real Estate (and How to Avoid Them)

Financing owner-occupied commercial real estate is one of the most powerful ways for business owners to build long-term wealth — but three common mistakes often derail the process: going straight to their everyday bank, relying on a broker’s inexperienced “friend,” and letting the CDC choose the first-trust-deed lender in an SBA 504 deal. These missteps can lead to delays, higher costs, weak terms, and even failed transactions. This article explains why these issues occur and shows how working with a specialized lending advisor who understands SBA 504, SBA 7(a), and conventional structures can save time, protect the deal, and ensure owners secure the right financing on the right terms.

Oct 21

6 min read

Securing the Lowest Rate & Best Terms on Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate

Buying real estate for your business? The right loan structure can save you thousands. Learn how to secure the lowest rate, avoid costly penalties, and negotiate smarter—with a broker who knows how banks think.