Best Loan Options for Businesses Expansion

  • January 19, 2025

When businesses reach a pivotal point of growth, the need for additional capital becomes critical. Whether you’re planning to expand your operations, open new locations, or upgrade your infrastructure, securing the right business expansion loan can make all the difference. At AVANA Capital, we specialize in Commercial Real Estate loans and Hospitality Industry lending, making us uniquely positioned to support your expansion goals. Here’s a guide to understanding the best business expansion loan options and how AVANA Capital can help you achieve your dreams.

Why Consider Business Expansion Loans?

Business expansion loans provide the financial resources needed to:

  • Acquire New Properties: Expand your footprint with new real estate acquisitions or leased spaces.

  • Renovate or Upgrade Facilities: Modernize your existing properties to stay competitive and meet market demands.

  • Boost Working Capital: Support operational needs during the expansion phase.

  • Invest in Equipment: Purchase advanced machinery or technology to enhance productivity and service delivery.

By securing the right loan, businesses can scale effectively while maintaining healthy cash flow.

Best Alternatives to Traditional Loans to Expand Your Business

Business growth is usually strongly tied to business loans, but sometimes those can be hard to get through traditional banks. Before we explore the best alternatives to traditional loans, let’s talk about traditional loans for a second. Traditional term loans are the most common type of loans available for business expansion. We are all familiar with those, you are lent a fixed amount, which you will pay back (plus interests and fees) over a fixed period of time. However, this type of loan works best if your business’s credit is optimal, your business revenue is high, and other financials look promising as well.  

Option 1: SBA 504 Loans

SBA 504 Loans are a great option for small business owners looking for a business expansion loan to purchase commercial real estate and equipment. SBA 504 Loans are designed to help small business owners, they include long-term repayment schedules and fixed interest rates that are set below traditional loan rates.

  • Maximum loan amount: Up to 15MM
  • Term: 10-year term up to 30-year amortization
  • Interest rates: 6.00- 6.75% (blended)
  • Speed: 1-2 Months

Option 2: Construction Loans

If you are a seasoned entrepreneur looking to further expand your business, either by building up hotel franchises, assisted living facilities, or multi-use office space, construction loans are the right option for you.

  • Maximum loan amount: Up to $30MM
  • Term: 3-24 months
  • Interest rates: 6.5% – 8.5%%
  • Speed: 2-4 months

Option 3: Commercial Bridge Loans

Commercial Bridge loans are short-term, ideal for refinancing due to deterioration, the purchase of distressed properties, or to take advantage of repositioning opportunities for stabilization. One of Bridge Loan’s biggest advantages is that the monthly payment is usually low. Borrowers will only pay interest during the first 6-24 months, allowing them to have more cash on hand to handle other expenses.

  • Maximum loan amount: Up to $15MM
  • Term: 6 to 24 months
  • Interest rates: 8.00% – 10.00%
  • Speed: 2-6 weeks

Now that you know what the best alternatives to traditional loans are it’s time to decide which loan is the right loan for you and your business to grow.  

How to Select The Best Business Expansion Loan

With an application process that can be lengthy and complicated, it is important to choose a lender that is both experienced and trustworthy. Having the best commercial construction loan lender will ensure that the process will go smoothly, and there will be fewer or zero complications. It is a must that the lender is communicative and easy to reach since you will be working alongside them for the duration of the loan. Before committing to working with a loan officer, make sure to ask them these important questions.

  • How long has your company offered construction loans?
  • Have you been involved in any other business expansion operations like this?
  • Do you use a voucher or draw disbursement system?

How long have you been working as a construction loan officer? Additionally, never settle with the first lender you meet, even if you liked the first one, make sure to explore every other available option. Shop around and learn what rates other lenders are offering. You can always go back and revisit the very first lender you met, but you can’t go back and find a better deal if you commit too soon.  

Applying for a Construction Real Estate Loan

Once you have been pre-approved, the building got appraised within the lending limits, and you show up with full documentation, you will have no problems whatsoever acquiring a commercial business loan. If you are an owner-builder, you will have to convince the lender that you can, in fact, complete the Project on time and on a Budget. The more documentation you bring the better because cost overruns are the number one issue with seasoned builders. Given the chance of hiring a construction manager, you should take it, since it will help you put together a credible package thus securing the loan. To apply for a loan, in addition to standard information regarding your financial status, you’ll need the following:

  • Building lot details: a deed or offer to purchase
  • A description of the architect’s responsibilities, general contractor, construction manager, or yourself if you are an owner-builder
  • Details of the builder itself, insurance certificates, resume, and banking references
  • Blueprints and specifications of the project
  • Materials listed in the bank’s format
  • Signed construction contract, with all the relevant information. Start and completion dates, and provisions for change orders

How AVANA Capital Can Help

At AVANA Capital, we understand that every business has unique needs and challenges. That’s why we offer:

  • Customized Loan Solutions: Tailored to align with your business goals and industry requirements.

  • Industry Expertise: As specialists in Commercial Real Estate and Hospitality Industry lending, we bring deep insights and experience to every transaction.

  • Streamlined Processes: From application to funding, we prioritize efficiency and transparency to make the lending process hassle-free.

  • Dedicated Support: Our team of experts works closely with you to ensure your expansion plans are financially sustainable and strategically sound.