What’s the outlook for lending, commercial real estate and small business growth in 2022? Last year around this time, Seedcopa’s crystal ball looked much fuzzier at that stage of the pandemic. We went on to see a record-high 12 months of lending, and in 2022 we’re seeing no slow-down in the number of loan applications. Why is that?
You’d think that with supply chain and workforce challenges, businesses would be distracted from SBA 504 loans and other government-backed financing options geared toward growth. Instead, we’re working with businesses that either thrived — or rebounded strongly — during COVID-19, and are now seeing the necessity to expand and invest in themselves. They’re using SBA 504 and other loan programs to buy the land and commercial real estate they currently occupy, refinance high-interest real estate or equipment debt, purchase new machinery and equipment, expand and improve buildings, or construct something entirely new. As we head into 2022 with these trends going strong, we know we will need to keep an eye on the labor shortage and disrupted supply chain issues that continue. Here’s Seedcopa’s round-up of the top headlines in 2021 that got us here.
2021 kicked off with a new $900 billion COVID relief bill that had borrowers asking: How will my SBA loan be affected? The answer: Covered loan payments & fee relief! Hello 2021.Five Seedcopa borrowers made it on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Book of Lists” including VBC Construction, Premier Office Solutions, Allied Resources Technical Consultants, Rittenhouse Realty Advisors and Green Lawn Fertilizing.Seedcopa borrower Consolidated Storage doubled sales after a SBA 504 loan for a $5.5 million project that retained 104 jobs in Tatamy, PA.Seedcopa borrowers made national news! Alderfer Auction in Hatfield, PA was profiled by the Associated Press. Eclat Chocolate in West Chester, PA was named a top chocolatier in Food & Wine Magazine. in April, Seedcopa welcomed Loan Operations Specialist Lauren Sandusky to the team, and we’re hiring again right now!In August, new debt refinancing rules went into effect for SBA 504 loans that make it a better time than ever to refinance real estate. The new debt refinance rules resulted in double-digit savings for Seedcopa borrower Legacy Logistics in Reading, PA.In November, Seedcopa was once again named the #1 SBA 504 Lender in Eastern Pennsylvania. The U.S. Small Business Administration ranked Seedcopa #1, with projects totaling more than $92 million. Forty-two loans were approved totaling more than $37 million in fiscal year 2021.
For almost forty years, Seedcopa + SeedcoDE has helped businesses get the money they need to start, grow and expand. We are proud that the loan programs we work with promote economic development.
Together with economic development partners throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware, we help to grow local businesses, create and retain jobs and stimulate local communities.
Our team has over 75 years of combined government lending experience and a dedication to excellent customer service. After our initial assessment of your project, our commitment is to get you approved and closed.
