Go Green to Qualify for Additional 504 Financing 

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Small businesses looking to grow and expand their operations through the purchase of commercial real estate and “go green” can benefit the environment and their bottom line with up to 90% fixed interest rate financing under the SBA’s 504 Green Loan Program offered through Florida First Capital.

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The Secret to Financing Multiple SBA 504 Projects Business owners who qualify for SBA 504 financing may be eligible for multiple SBA 2nd mortgages of up to $5.5 million per 504 green friendly project; however, the outstanding gross debentures issued for a small business concern, including its affiliates, must not exceed $16.5 million in the aggregate. These amounts are NOT reduced by any other outstanding SBA financing (7a, Community Advantage, regular 504).

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Additionally, there is no limit on the amount of the 1st mortgage of a 504 project and therefore no maximum project size. In many cases, qualified borrowers with projects exceeding $20 million can still obtain up to 90% financing.

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Benefits of the 504 Green Loan Program

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• Up to 90% financing at below-market, fixed interest rates with no future interest rate fluctuations.

• Up to $5.5 million on the SBA 2nd mortgage portion per project not to exceed $16,500,000 in the aggregate.

• Total projects from $125,000 to $20 million+.

• 10-, 20- and 25-year amortization terms available.

• Associated fees and soft costs can be financed in the loan (appraisals, closing costs, etc.).

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Eligible Use of 504 Green Loan Proceeds

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The following green initiatives are eligible for up to $5.5 million per project of SBA 504 financing provided they meet the following requirements:

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• Energy Reduction – The project must be a new facility that is replacing an existing facility or a retrofit of an existing facility and include technologies that reduce energy consumption by at least 10%.

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• Renewable Energy – Plant, equipment and process upgrades of renewable energy sources (solar, wind,

turbine, thermal) used to run a facility or renewable fuel producers, including biodiesel and ethanol producers. Projects must generate more than 15% of the energy used at the project facility.

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NOTE: Sustainable Design (LEED) Certification qualifies as a general SBA Public Policy Goal only (up to $5 million aggregate limit per borrower) and does not meet the SBA’s Green Public Policy Goal of up to $5.5 million per project.

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Owner Occupancy Requirements

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• Existing Buildings – Business must occupy at least 51% of the project within one year of ownership.

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• New Construction – The applicant must occupy 60% of the rentable property, may permanently lease to a third party up to 20% and temporarily lease an additional 20% with the intention of using some of the additional 20% within 3 years and all of it within 10 years.

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NOTE: Loan proceeds can’t be used to finance working capital.

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