SBA loans
An SBA loan is a federally guaranteed financing product underwritten by participating banks and credit unions. The Small Business Administration backs a portion of the principal, which lets lenders extend larger amounts with longer terms than conventional credit. For shops along Cholokka Boulevard or heritage-trade businesses near the Micanopy Historic District, that patience turns into working capital for inventory, equipment upgrades, or property acquisition without the pressure of balloon payments.
Laurelhaven Funding Group is a licensed commercial-loan broker, not a direct lender. We gather your financials, pre-qualify your scenario, and present your file to SBA-approved lenders in our network. That saves you weeks of phone calls and ensures your application lands on the right desk the first time.
SBA loans
| Feature | SBA 7(a) Loan | Conventional Bank Loan | |, |, |, | | Term length | Up to 10 or 25 years | Typically 5-7 years | | Down payment | Often 10-20% | Often 20-30% | | Collateral | Flexible; partial guarantees help | Full lien usually required | | Paperwork | More documentation | Moderate documentation |
If your café near the Thrasher Warehouse needs a new espresso line and point-of-sale system, an equipment-focused SBA 7(a) spreads the cost over seven years instead of forcing a short-term note. If you want faster closing and already hold substantial equity, a conventional line may close in half the time.
A second-generation antiques dealer on Cholokka Boulevard wanted to lease the adjoining storefront and add climate-controlled display space. The owner approached Laurelhaven Funding Group with two years of tax returns and a lease proposal. We brokered an SBA 7(a) package that covered leasehold improvements, new shelving, and three months of operating reserve. The ten-year amortization kept monthly payments manageable while tourist traffic rebounded.
1. Needs assessment: We compare SBA 7(a), equipment financing, and working-capital lines to find the structure that fits your cash cycle. 2. Document prep: Tax returns, business-plan narratives, and personal financial statements are organized to SBA standards. 3. Lender matching: We submit your file to banks and credit unions active in Alachua County. 4. Closing coordination: We track conditions and keep all parties aligned through funding.
Visit our Micanopy service hub to explore other commercial products, or review the statewide SBA Loans overview for program details. Our Gainesville office at 101 SE 2nd Pl, Gainesville, FL 32601 is a short drive north on US-441, and you can reach us at (352) 645-6128.
Common questions
Why Gainesville owners trust Laurelhaven Funding Group
Talk to a local advisor and get matched to the right program, no obligation.