Small Business Owners in Santa Barbara, CA

Hard money loans for small business owners purchasing or refinancing commercial real estate in Santa Barbara. Flexible terms and fast approval.

Small business owners in Santa Barbara often face significant challenges when seeking financing to purchase or improve commercial real estate. Traditional bank loans require extensive documentation, perfect credit, and lengthy approval processes that can cause you to miss opportunities.

Our hard money lending programs are designed specifically for small business owners who need fast, flexible financing. Whether you are purchasing your first commercial property, expanding to a larger facility, or refinancing to access equity for business growth, we provide solutions tailored to your situation.

We focus on the value of the real estate and the strength of your business rather than rigid credit requirements. This approach allows us to approve loans quickly and structure terms that support your business objectives.

How We Help

Owner-Occupied Commercial Purchase

Finance the purchase of commercial real estate for your business with flexible terms and fast approval. Build equity in your property while stabilizing occupancy costs.

Business Expansion Financing

Access capital for business growth through cash-out refinancing or acquisition financing. Use real estate equity to fund equipment, inventory, hiring, or marketing.

Renovation and Improvement Loans

Fund property improvements that enhance your business operations and increase property value. From tenant improvements to building expansions, we provide construction financing.

Debt Consolidation

Consolidate multiple high-interest business debts into a single real estate secured loan with lower monthly payments and improved cash flow.

Bridge to Conventional Financing

Short-term hard money loans that provide time to improve credit, stabilize business income, or complete property improvements before securing permanent bank financing.

Loan Programs

Small Business Property Purchase

Commercial real estate purchase loans up to 75% LTV for owner-occupied properties. Terms from 12-36 months with options to extend. Interest-only payments available to maximize cash flow.

Business Cash-Out Refinance

Access equity from commercial property you own for any business purpose. Funds can be used for expansion, working capital, equipment, or debt consolidation.

Construction and Improvement Loan

Finance renovations, tenant improvements, or building expansions with construction draw schedules and interest-only payments during the improvement period.

Stated Income Business Loan

For businesses with strong cash flow but complex financials, we offer stated income programs that emphasize property value and business bank statements over tax returns.

Qualification Requirements

Business operating for minimum 12 months with verifiable revenue
Property must be suitable for business operations
Maximum loan-to-value of 75% for purchases, 70% for refinances
Minimum 20% equity contribution for purchases
Business bank statements showing positive cash flow
Clear explanation of business model and growth plans
Property appraisal supporting loan amount
Credit score minimum 580 with flexibility for extenuating circumstances

Santa Barbara's business environment offers unique opportunities for small business owners, with a sophisticated consumer base, strong tourism economy, and proximity to major research institutions. The limited commercial space inventory creates favorable conditions for businesses that secure well-located facilities. Our financing programs help local entrepreneurs capitalize on these market dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get financing if my business has only been operating for a year?

Yes, we work with businesses that have at least 12 months of operating history. We focus on your current cash flow and the property value rather than requiring multiple years of tax returns. Strong revenue trends and clear business plans can overcome limited operating history.

Can I use real estate financing to fund business operations rather than property purchase?

Yes, our cash-out refinance programs allow you to unlock capital from commercial property you already own for any legitimate business purpose. Funds can be used for working capital, inventory, equipment, marketing, hiring, or expansion.

What types of properties work for small business financing?

We finance office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, industrial facilities, warehouses, mixed-use buildings, and special-purpose properties. The property must be suitable for your business operations and properly zoned for your use.

How quickly can business real estate loans close?

Business acquisition and refinance loans typically close within 2-3 weeks of complete application. This speed is valuable for competitive purchase situations or when business opportunities require immediate capital.

Do you require personal guarantees for business property loans?

Personal guarantees are typically required for small business real estate loans, but the extent varies based on business structure, equity position, and loan terms. Recourse provisions are negotiable for strong applications with substantial equity.