🏢

SBA 504 Loans in Asheville, NC

Find lenders offering sba 504 loans in the Asheville, including Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Weaverville, and surrounding areas. Compare rates, terms, and programs from 21 lenders.

Lenders
21
Typical Rate
Below market (CDC portion ~5-6%)
Down Payment
10%
Term
10-25 years
Closing Time
45-90 days

Which SBA 504 lenders serve Asheville?

21 lenders offering sba 504 loans in the Asheville, NC area.

Live Oak Banking Company

Local SBA

WILMINGTON, NC

One of the nation's top SBA 7(a) lenders, specializing in lending to small businesses across healthcare, veterinary, beverage, self-storage, and other industries. Offers SBA loans, USDA loans, conventional business loans, and commercial real estate financing.

628 SBA loans
View →

First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company

Local SBA

RALEIGH, NC

One of the largest family-controlled banks in the U.S., headquartered in Raleigh, NC. Offers SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, commercial real estate, equipment financing, and lines of credit for businesses nationwide.

44 SBA loans
View →

Business Expansion Funding Corporation

Local SBA

Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, North Carolina-based nonprofit Certified Development Company providing SBA 504 loans to small businesses in the Carolinas. Offers long-term, fixed-rate financing for commercial real estate and equipment.

15 SBA loans
View →

Carolina Business Capital, Inc.

Local SBA

Charlotte, NC

3 SBA loans
View →

The Huntington National Bank

SBA

COLUMBUS, OH

Major regional bank and consistently one of the top SBA lenders in the country by number of loans. Offers SBA 7(a) and 504 loans alongside conventional business lending, commercial real estate, and treasury management services.

1337 SBA loans
View →

U.S. Bank, National Association

SBA

Cincinnati, OH

Fifth-largest commercial bank in the U.S. and a top SBA preferred lender. Offers SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, conventional commercial lending, commercial real estate, and a full suite of business banking products.

846 SBA loans
View →

Readycap Lending, LLC

SBA

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ

Non-bank SBA preferred lender offering SBA 7(a) and 504 loans nationwide. Specializes in commercial real estate, business acquisition, and expansion financing for small businesses. Known for fast closings and flexible underwriting.

563 SBA loans
View →

Wells Fargo Bank National Association

SBA

Sioux Falls, SD

One of the largest banks in the U.S. and a major SBA preferred lender. Offers the full range of SBA programs including 7(a) and 504 loans, alongside conventional commercial lending, commercial real estate, and equipment financing.

220 SBA loans
View →

Fifth Third Bank

SBA

CINCINNATI, OH

Major regional bank and SBA preferred lender with operations across the Midwest and Southeast. Offers SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, conventional commercial lending, equipment financing, and commercial real estate loans.

117 SBA loans
View →

Byline Bank

SBA

CHICAGO, IL

Chicago-based bank and one of the top SBA 7(a) lenders in the Midwest. Provides SBA loans, commercial real estate financing, equipment loans, and government-guaranteed lending for small and mid-sized businesses.

107 SBA loans
View →

Enterprise Bank & Trust

SBA

CLAYTON, MO

Midwest-based bank and top SBA preferred lender. Offers SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, conventional commercial lending, commercial real estate financing, and specialty lending for industries like healthcare and professional services.

63 SBA loans
View →

Cadence Bank

SBA

TUPELO, MS

Regional bank serving the Southeast and Texas, and an active SBA preferred lender. Offers SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, commercial real estate lending, equipment financing, and full-service business banking.

132 SBA loans
View →

United Community Bank

SBA

Greenville, SC

Regional bank serving the Southeast and an SBA preferred lender. Offers SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, conventional commercial lending, commercial real estate, equipment financing, and comprehensive business banking.

36 SBA loans
View →

East West Bank

SBA

PASADENA, CA

One of the largest independent banks focused on the U.S. and Greater China markets. Offers SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, commercial real estate, trade finance, and international banking for businesses with cross-border needs.

47 SBA loans
View →

Grasshopper Bank National Association

SBA

New York, NY

New York-based digital business bank offering SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, commercial lending, and innovative banking solutions. Combines fintech convenience with traditional banking for small business owners and startups.

36 SBA loans
View →

What does the Asheville commercial real estate market look like?

Asheville's CRE market is defined by its tourism-driven economy, craft brewery scene, and the constraints imposed by its mountain geography in the Blue Ridge region. The downtown core along Biltmore Avenue and Lexington Avenue commands premium rents for retail and hospitality properties, supported by over 11 million annual visitors drawn to the Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The River Arts District along the French Broad River has evolved from artist studios into a mixed-use submarket with new hotel, residential, and retail development. Limited developable land in the valley setting restricts new supply, keeping vacancy rates relatively tight across most property types.

Key Economic Drivers

  • Tourism economy anchored by the Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, and craft brewery industry
  • Mission Hospital (HCA Healthcare) as the region's largest employer driving medical office demand
  • River Arts District redevelopment creating new mixed-use investment opportunities along the French Broad River
  • University of North Carolina at Asheville and Warren Wilson College supporting local workforce and housing demand

Market Insight

Asheville's geographic constraints in the Swannanoa Valley limit new commercial construction starts, resulting in downtown retail vacancy rates that have historically remained well below the national average and supporting above-average rent growth for existing properties.

How do sba 504 loans work in Asheville, North Carolina?

SBA 504 loans provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets like commercial real estate and heavy equipment. The loan is split between a bank (50%), a Certified Development Company (40%), and your down payment (10%), resulting in below-market rates on the CDC portion. In the Asheville metro area, borrowers can access 21 lenders offering SBA 504 financing, including Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Weaverville, and surrounding areas. Loan amounts typically range from $125K to $17M with rates from Below market (CDC portion ~5-6%).

Who should consider sba 504 loans?

  • Owner-occupied commercial real estate
  • Heavy equipment purchase
  • Business expansion
  • New construction

What are the key requirements?

  • For-profit business
  • Net worth under $15M
  • Average net income under $5M (after taxes) for prior 2 years
  • 51%+ owner occupancy
  • Create or retain jobs (1 per $90,000 CDC)

Advantages

  • Only 10% down payment
  • Below-market fixed rate on CDC portion
  • Long terms (20-25 years for RE)
  • No balloon payments

Considerations

  • Must be owner-occupied (51%+ for existing, 60%+ for new construction)
  • Cannot be used for working capital
  • Longer closing timeline
  • Two closings (bank + CDC)

SBA 504 Loans in Asheville FAQ

How many SBA 504 lenders serve Asheville, NC?
There are 21 lenders offering sba 504 loans in the Asheville metro area. Of these, 4 are headquartered in North Carolina, including Live Oak Banking Company, First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Business Expansion Funding Corporation. Loan amounts typically range from 125K to 17M with rates from Below market (CDC portion ~5-6%).
What are SBA 504 loan rates in Asheville?
SBA 504 loan rates in Asheville typically range from Below market (CDC portion ~5-6%), though exact rates depend on factors like your credit score, the property's cash flow, and loan-to-value ratio. Down payments usually run 10%, and closing can take 45-90 days. Compare multiple Asheville-area lenders to find the best terms for your deal.
What is a Certified Development Company (CDC)?
CDCs are SBA-certified nonprofit organizations that partner with banks to provide the 504 loan. They handle the SBA-backed 40% portion of the financing.
Can I use SBA 504 for a rental property?
No. SBA 504 requires 51%+ owner occupancy for existing buildings. It's designed for businesses that will operate from the property.
How is the SBA 504 loan structured?
50% from a bank or lender (first lien), 40% from a CDC backed by SBA (second lien), and 10% from the borrower as down payment.

Where else can I find sba 504 loans in North Carolina?

Find SBA 504 Lenders in Asheville

Get matched with lenders offering sba 504 loans in the Asheville, NC area. Free for borrowers.

Get Matched — Free →