Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted SBA 504 Loan Provider in Bethesda, MD
Chesapeake Business Finance has been Maryland's most experienced SBA 504 lender for over 20 years, serving small businesses across the Mid-Atlantic region. Founded in 2005, our team has facilitated nearly 300 approved SBA 504 loans totaling $300 million in financing, supporting over $750 million in total business projects and creating 5,000 jobs. We specialize in structuring long-term, fixed-rate subordinated loans for real estate acquisition, construction, equipment purchases, and business expansion.Our professionals handle all aspects of the SBA loan process, from initial evaluation to closing and servicing. With deep expertise in the SBA 504 program, we maintain strong relationships with commercial lenders and provide tailored financing solutions for businesses in Maryland, DC, southern Delaware, Northern Virginia, and eastern West Virginia. Our leadership team includes industry pioneers who helped shape the SBA 504 program and continue to advocate for small business growth.
Services
SBA 504 Loans
Business Refinancing
Real Estate Financing
Equipment Financing
Business Expansion Loans
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- 20 years of SBA 504 loan expertise with $300M+ in approved financing
- Streamlined process from evaluation to loan closing and servicing
- Specialized in complex projects with commercial lender partnerships
- Pioneering role in developing the SBA 504 loan program structure
- Dedicated support for Mid-Atlantic businesses through economic challenges
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
What people say
Knowledgeable and helpful
Excellent to work with
Vital to business growth
Key reason for success
Terrific financing partner
Services
SBA 504 Loans
SBA 504 loans provide long-term fixed-rate financing for business expansion projects. These subordinated loans cover up to 40% of project costs with favorable terms, preserving working capital for businesses. Our team specializes in structuring these complex transactions with commercial lenders.
Business Refinancing
Our SBA 504 refinance program offers long-term fixed-rate solutions for existing business debt. This program improves cash flow while maintaining eligibility for conventional financing, particularly beneficial for growing companies needing stable capital structures.
Real Estate Financing
We facilitate SBA 504 financing for commercial real estate purchases, construction, and renovations. Our solutions cover office spaces, retail locations, and industrial facilities with terms up to 25 years, helping businesses secure permanent locations without depleting operating capital.
Equipment Financing
SBA 504 equipment financing provides long-term fixed-rate options for machinery and equipment purchases. With terms up to 10 years for equipment projects, this program helps businesses modernize operations while maintaining financial flexibility through lower monthly payments.
Business Expansion Loans
Our expansion financing solutions support business growth through facility upgrades, capacity increases, and strategic acquisitions. The SBA 504 program structure allows companies to preserve working capital while accessing favorable financing terms for sustainable growth initiatives.
People
John Sower
President
Co-founder and President with hundreds of SBA 504 loans facilitated. Former National Development Council executive who helped create the SBA 504 program and served on its advisory committee. Holds MBA in Finance from University of Michigan.
Tom Turner
Sr. Vice President
14-year veteran marketing 504 loans in Mid-Atlantic region. Former small business owner with University of Maryland degrees. Specializes in connecting businesses with appropriate financing solutions through the SBA 504 program.
Questions
What types of businesses qualify for SBA 504 loans?
For-profit businesses with under $15M net worth and $5M annual net income qualify. Eligible industries include restaurants, hotels, medical offices, manufacturers, contractors, and service businesses across the Mid-Atlantic region.
How does the SBA 504 loan process work?
Chesapeake evaluates your project, structures the loan with a commercial lender, prepares SBA documentation, and manages the closing process. Most loans can be approved within days and funded within weeks.
What can SBA 504 loan funds be used for?
Funds finance real estate purchases, construction, equipment acquisitions, leasehold improvements, and eligible debt refinancing. The program cannot be used for working capital or investment property purchases.
What are the loan terms and amounts?
Loan amounts range from $200,000 to $5,000,000 (up to $5.5M for green projects). Terms offer 10-25 years for real estate and 10 years for equipment with fixed below-market interest rates.
How does the loan structure benefit businesses?
The 504 program preserves working capital with only 10-20% equity required. Businesses benefit from long-term fixed rates while maintaining primary financing relationships with their chosen commercial lenders.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Maryland, Washington DC, southern Delaware, Northern Virginia, and eastern West Virginia. Our expertise extends to complex projects across multiple industries in the Mid-Atlantic region.