B:Side Capital equips our partner lenders with the tools, expertise, and support needed to expand your SBA lending portfolio and serve more small businesses. As a Certified Development Company (CDC) and Lender Service Provider (LSP), we specialize in Small Business Administration lending — including SBA 504 loans for businesses across Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona, as well as SBA 7(a) services nationwide.
As a Certified Development Company (CDC), supporting small business growth is at the center of what we do. Our team brings deep SBA 504 experience and industry insight, ensuring efficient, reliable service for lenders of all sizes. We simplify complex SBA requirements, advocate to the SBA on your behalf when needed, and give you a trusted, one-stop resource for SBA 504 lending.
SBA 7(a) lending can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. B:Side Capital acts as a trusted extension of your team, supporting lenders who may not have in-house SBA expertise. As a nationwide Lender Service Provider (LSP), we guide you and your borrowers through the entire SBA 7(a) lending process, helping you navigate requirements, reduce risk, and confidently grow your small business lending portfolio.
Many early-stage, low-income, or underserved businesses simply don’t meet traditional credit standards, which can strain lender-client relationships and push entrepreneurs toward high-cost alternatives. Through B:Side Fund, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we help fill those gaps responsibly. Supported by grants, program-related investments, and mission-driven lending partners, B:Side Fund delivers accessible capital to pre-bankable businesses while helping you maintain strong, long-term relationships with your clients.
As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), B:Side Fund helps lending institutions meet Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) goals while reinvesting in the small businesses that need it most. Contact our B:Side Fund Direct Lending Team to learn more.
Whether you’re new to SBA lending or looking to expand your skills, B:Side University offers lender-focused trainings on SBA 504 and 7(a) programs. Our team provides clear, practical guidance designed to increase confidence, efficiency, and loan volume. Explore online courses in the Lender Portal or reach out to our Client Relations Team for personalized training options.
Complete our Eligibility Check to quickly assess a project or connect with our team directly. We’re here to help you expand your SBA lending and support more small businesses in your community.
Clear answers to common questions about our loan programs, partnerships, and SBA support.
A Certified Development Company (CDC) is a nonprofit organization regulated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that provides affordable financing to small businesses.
B:Side Capital is a CDC and facilitates SBA 504 loans alongside lenders from application through servicing.
You can learn more about the program here.
A Lender Service Provider (LSP) is a thrid-party entity that provides back office support to banks or credit unions, which supports them in the processing and servicing of Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loans. There are a number of related benefits in partnering with an LSP, some of which include:
SBA 504 and SBA 7(a) loans are structured differently and serve different financing needs.
SBA 504 loans are designed for fixed-asset projects such as owner-occupied commercial real estate or heavy equipment. The typical equity structure of an SBA 504 loan includes 50% from the bank, 40% from the CDC, and 10% from the borrower, although this can vary based on a number of factors.
SBA 7(a) loans are more flexible and can be used for a variety of uses like working capital, business acquisition, refinancing, expansion, and tenant improvements, among other things. It is a government guaranteed program where the loan is financed by the bank, unlike the SBA 504 program, which requires a CDC to be involved. Banks can process SBA 7(a) loans in-house or work with an LSP like B:Side Capital to assist in navigating the process.
SBA loan programs help lenders:
Reduce credit risk through SBA-backed portions
Offer longer-term financing to borrowers
Support economic development and job creation
Expand lending opportunities for small businesses
Strengthen CRA and community impact goals
SBA programs can be an effective way to grow small business lending portfolios.
SBA 504 loans are best for projects involving:
Owner-occupied commercial real estate purchases
Construction or renovation of facilities
Equipment purchases with long useful life
Expansion and job-creating investments
SBA 504 is not intended for working capital or short-term financing needs.