Alabama Small Business Loans

Posted on January 02, 2025


Discussingsbaloans

Peoples Bank of Alabama: Simplified SBA Lending with a Personal Touch

At Peoples Bank of Alabama, we’re committed to supporting the growth and success of small businesses in our community. Our Small Business Administration (SBA) lending program is specifically designed to offer you the financial support you need, with a streamlined and personalized approach that sets us apart from other lenders.

Why Choose an SBA Loan?

SBA loans are an excellent option for small businesses looking to finance major projects or invest in fixed assets. They offer borrowers the chance to acquire more money than conventional business loans—up to $5.5 million—and other benefits.

At Peoples Bank of Alabama, our SBA lending program offers reasonable terms like the following:

  • Lower Down Payments: SBA loans often require lower down payments, making it easier to secure financing.

  • Favorable Terms: Enjoy extended repayment periods (20–25 years) and predictable, lower monthly payments tailored to your business’s unique needs.

  • Access to Capital: SBA loans fund businesses that may face challenges obtaining traditional loans.

  • Flexible Valuation: Loan amounts may be based on loan-to-cost instead of loan-to-value, offering more flexibility in financing.

  • Income Potential Considered: For new businesses, projected income may be considered, which can increase access to funding.

How Do 504 Loans Work?

Banks and other lenders work with Certified Development Companies (CDC) and the SBA to facilitate financing through a 504 loan for small businesses or borrowers. As a community-based partner of the bank and lender, CDCs operate as nonprofits dedicated to their communities' modernization, upkeep, and economic development. The SBA certifies and regulates CDCs, ensuring they're in good standing in their state and meet SBA performance standards and other requirements.

At Peoples Bank, our knowledgeable lending officers work with borrowers to find a CDC that aligns with the business profile and ensures they have everything necessary for a smooth application process. To secure financing, the borrower is required to put up collateral, usually real estate or long-life fixed assets, and meet the following criteria:

  • Principals hold a clean record

  • Never caused a loss to the federal government on any other loans

  • Occupy between 51%–60% of the building for real estate loans

Financing

504 loans have a three-part financing structure combining funding from the following sources:

  • The lender provides up to 50% of the financing through a conventional loan

  • The CDC provides approximately 40% of the financing through either an SBA 504-backed loan or SBA 504 debenture (funds raised through the sale of SBA 504 loan debt to pension funds, large banks, or insurance companies).

  • The borrower provides the final 10% as a down payment.

If you're interested in other small business loan programs, such as a 7(a), USDA, microloan, or SSBCI, we can refer you to a bank that can meet your small business loan needs from our list of approved lenders.

We ensure that our expertise is concentrated on delivering the best possible outcomes for your company by focusing solely on SBA 504 loans.

Our Unique Approach: One Relationship Manager, One Point of Contact

Unlike other banks, where you might start with a relationship manager only to be passed off to a specialized SBA department, Peoples Bank of Alabama takes a different approach with small business loans. Here’s what makes us unique:

  • Consistent Relationship: From your initial consultation to the entirety of the loan process and beyond, you’ll work with the same dedicated relationship manager. This person will be your single point of contact, handling not just your SBA loan but all of your banking needs with us and the Community Development Company (CDC). This means a more seamless experience and a deeper understanding of your business goals.

  • Personalized Service: Your relationship manager isn’t solely knowledgeable in SBA lending; they’re also equipped to assist with all aspects of your banking relationship. This ensures that your needs are met holistically by one person who truly understands your business.

SBA 504 Loans: Focused on Growth

At Peoples Bank of Alabama, we specialize in SBA 504 loans, ideal for small business owners looking to make significant investments in their future. As an economic development program, the 504 loan was created to help small business owners thrive through expansion and job creation. Here’s how the loan proceeds can help:

  • Real Estate Purchases: Invest in fixed assets such as land or buildings or improve existing commercial real estate.

  • Heavy Equipment Financing: Acquire the machinery or equipment your business needs to grow and succeed.

  • Public Property Improvement: Improve or modernize utilities, streets, parking lots, land, and landscaping.

  • Debt Refinance: Lower monthly payments and capitalize on fixed-rate stability by refinancing qualified debts you’ve had for at least six months.

Does Your Small Business Qualify: SBA Loan Application Requirements

An SBA loan allows a stable, small business to increase its working capital, invest, and grow. In addition to the requirements below, you'll need strong credit, some personal assets, and a solid business plan showing positive financial projections. Peoples Bank is committed to empowering capable businesses and ensuring their long-term success.

To qualify, small businesses must:

  • Be an operating business in the U.S.

  • Be a for-profit business.

  • Demonstrate a need for the desired credit.

  • A U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien must hold at least 51% ownership.

Learn More: Tap into Our Expertise

Our commitment to small businesses extends beyond just being a lender. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge, too. The blogs on our site are an excellent resource for understanding SBA lending and how it can benefit your business. We encourage you to explore our SBA Lending Blog for more insights!

Expert Guidance: Reviewed by Our SBA Specialist

While our entire team is dedicated to your success, we want to ensure you receive the best advice and guidance. Kevin Kilpatrick, one of our most trusted experts in SBA lending, is available to review and provide insights, ensuring that everything is noticed and that your experience with us is exceptional.

Get Started Today

Ready to explore how an SBA 504 loan can help your business grow? Contact Peoples Bank of Alabama today to speak with your dedicated relationship manager. We’re here to guide you through the process and provide the support you need every step of the way.

Call us at (877) 788-0288 or visit your nearest Peoples Bank of Alabama branch to start your journey toward business growth.

Disclaimer: Loan approval is subject to Peoples Bank of Alabama’s lending policies and SBA eligibility requirements. Terms and conditions may vary based on the specific loan program.



Peoples Bank of Alabama assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of any blog post. The information contained herein is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness and without any warranties of any kind whatsoever, expressed or implied. Peoples Bank of Alabama does not warrant that this blog post and information contained, will be uninterrupted, error-free, or omission free.