Category Archives: Consulting & Planning

The Government Shutdown and Your Loans

The government is currently “shutdown”. How does this affect your current and future loans?

Current loans and the government shutdown:

  • If you have current loans with government agencies like the Small Business Administration, the SBA is still servicing these loans.
  • You can continue to make payments and can even make some changes (like in ownership). But you cannot modify any loan amounts at this time.
  • Please be sure that you continue to keep your EIDL loan current, even during the shutdown, as this affects your ability to seek future financing. You can use this link to confirm your EIDL status: Check here

Trying to Get a New Loan during the Government Shutdown?

  • If you are in the middle of an SBA loan application and your lender pulled the PLP number, your loan should not be delayed. The PLP number is an SBA-specific loan number and provides pre-approval status.
  • If you don’t yet have this pre-approval, your loan will be paused.
  • However, your lender will continue to underwrite your loan. You should continue to submit all requested documents so you are making progress.
  • But the SBA will not underwrite or approve new loans during the government shutdown.
  • If you are seeking financing because of a maturing note, we urge you to contact your current lender. Explain that you may need an extension because of the shutdown, which is beyond your control.
  • If you do obtain an extension, be realistic and patient. Even when the government shutdown ends, approvals will not begin immediately. There will be a backlog of work. Allow for a longer approval process.

GRP President Rick Patel and Managing Director Krishan Patel both have worked through government shutdowns before. They know that they can be frustrating, but with patience and planning, loans cans still close, even if slightly delayed. GRP Capital can help you as you negotiate with current lenders, satisfy sellers and guide you through the process.

Whether you’re purchasing, refinancing, or building from the ground up, our extensive network of lenders ensures you’ll find funding that aligns with your goals and cash flow needs.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • We save you time by researching and identifying the best funding options for your project.
  • Our expertise spans various loan products—including non-recourse loans, SBA loans, bridge loans, and conventional financing—so you can navigate even the most complex transactions confidently.
  • Beyond lending, we provide strategic guidance on operational decisions that drive long-term business success.
Loan calculation

Check Your EIDL Status: Your Future Loans May Depend on It!

What is your EIDL Status?

During the onset of the COVID pandemic, many business owners took advantage of low cost loans offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), called Economic Injury Disaster Loans or EIDL. These were long term loans at a very low interest rate, intended to keep businesses operating.

If you have an EIDL on the books, it is critical that you are making the regular monthly payments. Even more critical is that every person who is even a partial owner in a business with an EIDL must confirm that their loan is current. You can use this link to confirm your EIDL status: Check here

GRP President Rick Patel and Managing Director Krishan Patel both have worked closely with clients whose EIDL status was not current.

Rick mentions, “There is almost nothing that is more detrimental to future loan eligibility than having an EIDL that is not current.”

Krishan states that responsible business people “must be proactive and check on any EIDL that has their name attached” before seeking out future financing.

What to Know and Do about your EIDL Status

  • Make sure you keep a current list of every business that you own (fully or partially) in which you received an EIDL.
  • The SBA portal can be utilized to check on the status of each EIDL loan. However, if there have been multiple partners or owners of a business that sought out a loan, you need to determine who set up the portal and the login information (user ID and password).
  • Within the SBA portal, you can see if the loan is current or not.
  • If your EIDL status is not current and shows either a default or even worse a charged off status, you must address this right away.
  • You cannot obtain future SBA loans (including 7(a) and 504) if your EIDL status is anything but current.
  • Please allow sufficient time to repair your EIDL status. First, find out the amount needed to get your loan current. Then continually communicate with the SBA to ensure that the portal status changes.
  • The SBA portal allows you to download EIDL documents, which might be requested by lenders, particularly the loan agreement.

Best business practice tip: Maintain Business Debt Schedules

  • Maintain a business debt schedule for every business you own (even if you are even a partial owner).
  • Each business debt schedule should list every loan for this business, the monthly payment, the date of the loan and when it will mature, the interest rate, the original loan amount and the current balance.
  • For real estate mortgages, also include the original cost to purchase the property and the current market value (your best estimate).

Whether you’re purchasing, refinancing, or building from the ground up, our extensive network of lenders ensures you’ll find funding that aligns with your goals and cash flow needs.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • We save you time by researching and identifying the best funding options for your project.
  • Our expertise spans various loan products—including non-recourse loans, SBA loans, bridge loans, and conventional financing—so you can navigate even the most complex transactions confidently.
  • Beyond lending, we provide strategic guidance on operational decisions that drive long-term business success.

Lending Workout Plans: Rick Patel and Krishan Patel Talk with Lenders at LendingCon

LendingCon, which brings together a diverse group of lenders, has just concluded.

GRP President Rick Patel and Managing Director Krishan Patel both participated in a seminar called “Lending Workout Plans.” They discussed defaults, forbearance and loan maturity.

Here are some of the key points of their remarks:

Market Conditions Affecting Lending Workout Plans

Q: What’s happening in the borrowing marketplace in the last 12-18 months?

A: Borrowers are showing confidence, and anticipate interest rate reductions in the next several years. On the other hand, the lending market has tightened up in several sectors, particularly hospitality. Some borrowers are exploring private credit, when possible. In addition, business operators are keeping an eye on inflation, which is “sticky” right now. As a result, entrepreneurs are restructuring and monitoring costs.

Q: How common are lending workout plans?

A: Defaults and lending workout conversations are becoming more common. This is particularly the case in distressed markets, like San Antonio, Austin, the Northeast and even certain Florida locations. Higher leverage clients are facing the greatest risk. And borrowers with maturing loans can struggle to find financing. There are delinquencies in several businesses: lodging, multi-family and office space. But we are heartened that many owner-operators are turning to lending workout plans rather than delinquency.

Lending Workout and Early Interventions

Q: What signs indicate that a loan is headed towards trouble?

A: Right away, we look for declining revenues. These start a cascade of problems including dipping into reserves. Then a business will start to exhibit operational indicators of distress, including poorer customer experience, decreased employee satisfaction, etc. If these issues don’t resolve, the issues magnify: franchise payment delays, payroll struggles, continued depletion of any cash reserves. And then finally, you will see inability to service debt.

Q: What should borrowers do when they feel their loan is at risk?

A: Borrowers should initiate open communication with lenders early, ideally two to three months before operational cash flow issues arise. Borrowers should share detailed cash flow projections and budgets. It’s critically important for borrowers to start this process before the first payment is missed. Once a loan is in default, the lender has already lost trust in the borrowers.

Q: What information do lenders need to create a lender workout plan? 

A: Solid information about due dates for big bills like insurance, taxes and franchise fees is critical. Absolute honesty about total debt (especially debt taken on after a mortgage) is also crucial. Finally, realistic projects and budgets are a must.

What should borrowers avoid doing? 

  • Don’t wait to talk to your lender.
  • It’s a mistake to over-leverage during periods of instability.
  • Do not continue to borrow funds from family or other sources to sustain a declining asset.
  • Bad business decision: expanding operations despite negative financial trends.
  • Lacking a concrete recovery strategy could be distrastrous. Don’t rely on hope. Take action instead.

What are some possible lender workout plans?

  • Deferments and interest-only periods can offer relief. However, most lenders will not offer this assistance if a payment has already been missed.
  • Greater lender control, like requiring CD reserves or requirements for achieving and maintaining certain debt coverage ratios.
  • Loan modification, often easier to accomplish with SBA loans.
  • Be aware that lenders can be constrained in their workout plans by regulatory pressure and their own institutional rules.
  • Private credit can be enticing in certain situations, but it comes with a price.

The State of Commercial Lending: A Conversation with GRP Capital Management Team

It’s a New Year and time to think about new beginnings, new ventures and new business plans. 

We thought it would be a good time to check in with our GRP Capital Management, President Rick Patel and Managing Director Krishan Patel. Let’s find out what their take is on the economy and the state of commercial lending. Check in with us if you have follow-up questions. We would love to hear your business plans and our team of experts is ready to consult with you.

Here is our conversation:

Q: What are the best ways to deal with rising interest rates while seeking financing? 

Krishan: Although borrowers may not have direct control over interest rates, they can work in their favor by reducing the leverage of their transactions. With a potential recession on the horizon, banks will be under close scrutiny by regulators, leading them to prioritize making safer loans. As a result, lenders may be more willing to offer reduced rates to borrowers who are willing to take on more risk or offer a banking relationship. Banks are interested in offering incentives to borrowers to choose their institution. 

Q: What measures should business owners be taking during these times of higher interest rates? 

Rick: I tell all our clients to be strong managers. Focus on controlling expenses as much as possible. You may want to reach out to your lender. Keep them informed if you have any hardship with your interest rate. It might be the time to discuss modifying your rate if it’s workable.

Krishan: Clients also need to be watching carefully how rising interest rates are affecting their bottom lines. Interest rate increases can have a ripple effect throughout the supply chain, as companies may need to raise their prices in response. As an end seller or service provider, it is important to consider these changes. Adjust prices strategically to maintain your margins and remain competitive in the market. It is also essential to move levers with conviction, rather than reacting to changes haphazardly or without a clear plan.

Commercial Lending Options

Q: Are there any loans out there right now that can actually come down in rate or allow for earlier refinancing? 

Krishan: Conventional loans offer more flexibility in terms of interest rates and prepayment options, but they can be more difficult to qualify for. On the other hand, government-guaranteed loans may have less flexibility in terms of prepayment options, but they may be easier to access for some borrowers.

Rick: The borrower’s financial picture is really critical. A strong borrower has the leverage to find financing options through other sources, for example credit unions, community banks, CMBS and other avenues. Our team specializes in finding the best rates, which are often not the local lenders. 

Krishan: When clients come to us looking for financing, we talk to various potential lenders and try to work out the best structure. Ideally, we want to tick off the most boxes for our clients. 

Q: What types of loans are lenders interested in making now? 

Krishan: Florida, Texas, and other southeastern states have attracted lenders’ attention due to their strong economies. In addition, diversification in asset type may also be a key lender strategy in 2023 in order to remain competitive, spread risk and ensure a stable portfolio.

Rick: The truth is that lenders are looking at strong business models and strong borrowers. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t money for people with a few dings on their credit report or those who have had some ups and down in business in the past. But in general, lenders are a little on the cautious side right now. 

Q: What do borrowers who are interested in SBA loans need to know? 

Rick: I know some borrowers want to avoid the SBA, but they shouldn’t! 

Krishan: Yes, we definitely have clients who found the SBA application process to be too tedious.

Rick: But the truth is that SBA financing may still be the perfect fit for meeting their leverage requirements (equity contribution). We find that our GRP Capital expertise takes the bulk of the burden of the application off the clients, which makes the SBA loan underwriting faster and easier for everybody.  

Krishan: Ultimately, borrowers should not see SBA loans as a burden. Rather it is an opportunity for borrowers to access the financing they need.

Rick: Borrowers should know that 7a loans have historically had variable rates. However, some of our lenders are now providing fixed rate options. We know that interest rates can also come down in the future. So we have to work with our clients to determine the right time to lock in a rate or whether a variable rate is in fact the best product. 

Q: What are the most important reasons to refinance even during these times? 

Rick: Numerous reasons. Moving from 7a loans to a fixed rate option is a great example. 

Krishan: Refinancing with non-predatory lenders or establishing new banking relationships can open up opportunities in the future.

Rick: Refinancing should always make your cash position better or allow for improvements on the property. 

Q: What’s happening with construction loans? 

Rick: It’s complicated!

Krishan: Although construction lending has slowed, lenders are carefully evaluating the ability of general contractors to complete projects in the face of supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and rising costs due to inflation. 

Rick: If you are considering construction, you need really strong professionals advising you on all aspects of the project. You especially need professionals in budgeting and zoning. Not every lender is interested in construction projects. However we are able to place these loans with good evidence of future profitability.

New Issues and Products

Q: Are there any special programs for any specific loan sectors? 

Krishan: One area we’d especially like to break into is the USDA Food Supply Chain Guarantee. These loan products are newer to GRP but are designed to strengthen America’s food supply chain. They offer many benefits that other businesses sectors can’t capture. The program supports any businesses involved in aggregating, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, or distributing food. 

Q: Anything changing in the appraisal process? 

Rick: In the current economic climate, it is likely that appraisers will be more cautious in their underwriting process in order to mitigate risk. They will assume higher supply costs and higher payroll costs, just to name two categories.

Krishan: Appraisers are also considering the possibility of sustained current interest rates. And they are constantly watching the potential for inflation to erode earnings and affect discretionary spending. 

Rick: We try to have these conversations with our clients before and during the appraisal process. Borrowers need to be aware of these potential challenges. They have to clearly understand the value of the property being financed, without emotion or excitement about potential financing. 

As you can see, the current loan climate is changing all of the time. We at GRP Capital are in contact with our large network of lenders to stay on top of all of the ups and downs, new and old ways to structure loans and finding the best matches for our clients.

Graphic of electric vehicle charging station

New Spending Bill and Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles are in the news right now. The new spending bill that just passed through Congress affects the purchase of these vehicles and charging stations. In addition, the bill may have an impact on your future business decisions.

How can electric vehicle charging stations benefit you? What legislative decisions will also affect you?

Electric Vehicles (EV) and the New Spending Bill:

• Expiration of Tax Credit for EV Purchases : Currently, individuals who purchase an electric vehicle receive a $7,500 tax credit for new vehicles and a $4,000 tax credit for used vehicles. These tax credits will expire on September 30, 2025.

• Possible Effects of Expiration: EV owners are loyal and largely happy with their purchases. There is likely to be a surge of demand and purchases of EV’s up to the expiration date. There may also be interest and inquiries regarding nearby charging stations.

• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: There was also a tax credit through the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit. This tax credit, limited to $100,000, offered incentives to businesses that installed charging stations. Many business owners took advantage of this credit. This included gas station and convenience store owners, retail and commercial office space owners, multi-family housing owners and hospitality owners.

• When is the EV Charging Station tax credit expiring? This tax credit is due to expire on June 30, 2026.

• Should I Install an EV Charging Station? Our lenders are aware that business owners may be keen to take on this business upgrade with some urgency. In addition, if you are in the market to purchase or refinance commercial real estate, you may want to include a charging station installation in your business plan. While it is difficult to predict the cost-benefit of a charging station, it is certainly advantageous to install the station before the tax credit expires. t

Our GRP Capital team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and money, as we research the best choices for their funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to find funding that is project-appropriate and will allow for sufficient cash flow. Whether you are looking to refinance or purchase or engage in construction, we would love to discuss your business plans with you. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

Meeting from above

SBA Launches Working Capital Loan

The Small Business Administration has just announced a brand new working capital loan program. This program will be administered as a 7a loan. Although the SBA has not announced a start date, the official launch of the loan could occur as early as third quarter 2024.

The name of the pilot program is the Working Capital Pilot Program (WCP). The goal is to provide lines of credit to small business owners. The SBA particularly wanted to create this financing option during the current extended high rate environment.

According to the SBA’s press release, “This pilot program represents a significant expansion of the SBA’s loan programs by adding a line of credit product with an innovative fee structure engineered to increase flexibility for small businesses and lenders, providing more options when structuring a line of credit to meet businesses’ specific needs.”

What we Know about the Working Capital Loan Program:

• Competitive Rates for a Line of Credit: This loan can be utilized for short-term capital injections. As a result, the loan should help increase profitability or jump start a new aspect of a business. The shorter team loans and flexible designs should be enticing to many entrepreneurs.

• Flexibility: The WCP offers greater flexibility than other SBA 7a offerings in terms of maturity date and loan terms.

• Asset Based Financing : The WCP will offer a line of credit, based upon the assets of the small business. This should enable business owners to manage cash flow and to also deal with any snags in supply chains.

• More guidelines are forthcoming: The SBA is offering one-on-one consulting to lenders to help educate their personnel first about the advantages and details of the WCP. GRP Capital expects to be able to recommend these loans after a short study period with our lending partners.

• Using Valued Lender Partners: In order to access this working capital loan, we will need to engage with experienced lenders in the SBA marketplace. These lenders are already in contact with our GRP Capital team. Together we are determining the best usage of this new financing option.

• Annual Guaranty The loan will include an upfront SBA guaranty. Borrowers can pay this guaranty annually.

Our GRP Capital team specializes in finding the right lender for each project. We save our clients time and money, as we research the best choices for their funding sources. Our experience allows our clients to find funding that is project-appropriate and will allow for sufficient cash flow. Whether you are looking to refinance or purchase or engage in construction, we would love to discuss your business plans with you. If you are considering becoming a first-time (or second or third time!) buyer, we can assist you.

Fed Flag lower interest rate

The Fed Lowered Interest Rates Again: The Takeaway

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point today. This is its third consecutive rate reduction. The Federal Reserve (often called “the Fed”) is tasked with monitoring the economy. The Fed is considering the employment rate and inflation as they made this decision. When the Fed lowers interest rates, they are attempting to stimulate growth. The Fed’s lower rate indicates a slowdown of inflation. In addition, the rate is designed to boost hiring. 

Clearly, the Fed is concerned about the persistent inflation concerns. The Fed also indicated that they do not know if they will be able to achieve their goal of a 2% inflation rate for the foreseeable future. Finally and significantly, this was a split decision, an indication that we are probably approaching the end of lowering rates.

A lower interest rate brings certain advantages, including:

  • Loans will now be cheaper. The cost to borrow money will now be cheaper by about .25%. That adds up! 
  • Demands for new loans will now increase. So your project needs to show strength to lenders to move you to the front of the queue. 
  • Now is a very good time to consider a refinance, especially for high interest loans. 
  • Fixed versus variable interest rates. Rates probably will not go down further (by much) in the short term. It might be better to lock in rates now. 
  • Lower rates don’t make everything perfect. A distressed property is still a distressed property and will still be difficult to finance. 

How do interest rates impact your current and future loans?

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or business owner, understanding the mechanics of interest rates is critical. Only then can you make informed decisions.

Let’s break it down.

Cost to borrow money:

  • A loan’s interest rate determines how much it costs to borrow money. The interest rate determines the additional amount you pay on top of the principal.
  • Lower rates reduce your borrowing costs. As a result, your cash flow and profitability improve.

Value and growth of investments:

  • On the flip side, interest rates dictate the returns on investments. These include bonds, treasury bills, savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CD’s). Higher interest rates can mean better yields for investors.
  • Compounded interest rates accelerate the growth of these investments over time.
  • It is critical to compare returns against inflation. If inflation outpaces interest rates, your purchasing power diminishes.

Key Factors to Know about Interest Rates:

•Not every loan is dependent on the Fed rate or the prime rate. While many loans are influenced by Federal Reserve policies, others are pegged to different benchmarks. These include the SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Right), swap rates or even lender-specific indices.

The prime rate is often used as a baseline for commercial lines, with an additional margin based on borrower risk. (Prime +1.5 for example).

• Fixed vs. Variable Rates

  • Fixed rate loans lock in your interest rate for a part of the life of the loan. This provides stability, but can be less advantageous if market rates drop significantly.
  • Variable rates fluctuate with market conditions and are often readjusted quarterly. While they offer savings during low-rate environments, they can become costly when rates rise.

Navigating the complexities of financing in today’s fluctuating rate environment can be challenging. But that’s where we come in.

Be realistic about business expenses. Simply put, if you are contemplating a purchase of a new business or refinancing a maturing note, you need to know how much a loan will cost you. Fortunately, our GRP Capital team can help you look at options. We will examine possible loan terms, so you can know the nuts and bolts. What will the monthly payment be? Is that a reasonable price to pay?

Variables to Consider about all Loans:

• Interest Rate: What is the rate and is it fixed or variable? Be sure to understand how your lender calculates a variable interest rate. Is there a floor or a ceiling?

• Prepayment Penalties: Many loans have a prepayment penalty if you exit the loan quickly. If you are looking at a loan for a short term, be sure you consider this aspect. It may not make sense to exit a loan when you consider the penalty. 

If you would like to discuss loan options or any other business plans, feel free to contact our team.  We can conduct a business evaluation, reach out to our lenders, offer advice on bidding and secure financing for you. An initial business evaluation is complimentary. 

We specialize in matching client with lenders who understand their unique projects.

  • Our expertise spans acquisitions, refinancing and construction financing across various industries.
  • We prioritize solutions that balance competitive terms with sufficient cash flow for long-term success.

Whether you are looking to refinance existing debt or secure funding for growth opportunities, our GRP Capital team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your business goals.

Interest rate

Interest Rates and Your Loans and Investments

Interest rates are a hot topic right now. But how do they impact your current and future loans? Whether you’re a seasoned investor or business owner, understanding the mechanics of interest rates is critical. Only then can you make informed decisions.

Let’s break it down.

Cost to borrow money:

  • A loan’s interest rate determines how much it costs to borrow money. The interest rate determines the additional amount you pay on top of the principal.
  • Lower rates reduce your borrowing costs. As a result, your cash flow and profitability improve.

Value and growth of investments:

  • On the flip side, interest rates dictate the returns on investments. These include bonds, treasury bills, savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CD’s). Higher interest rates can mean better yields for investors.
  • Compounded interest rates accelerate the growth of these investments over time.
  • It is critical to compare returns against inflation. If inflation outpaces interest rates, your purchasing power diminishes.

Key Factors to Know about Interest Rates:

•Not every loan is dependent on the Fed rate or the prime rate. While many loans are influenced by Federal Reserve policies, others are pegged to different benchmarks. These include the SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Right), swap rates or even lender-specific indices.

The prime rate is often used as a baseline for commercial lines, with an additional margin based on borrower risk. (Prime +1.5 for example).

• Fixed vs. Variable Rates

  • Fixed rate loans lock in your interest rate for a part of the life of the loan. This provides stability, but can be less advantageous if market rates drop significantly.
  • Variable rates fluctuate with market conditions and are often readjusted quarterly. While they offer savings during low-rate environments, they can become costly when rates rise.

FAQS about Interest Rates:

Q: I have a fixed rate mortgage or business loan. Should I be concerned about interest rates?

A: Not necessarily. Fixed rate loans shield you from market volatility; your payments remain constant. However, if the rates drop significantly lower than your fixed rate, it might be a good idea to explore refinancing. At GRP Capital, we can help you assess whether refinancing aligns with your long-term goals and global cash flow.

Q: Are variable rate loans risky?

A: Variable rate loans can be advantageous when interest rates are low but require careful planning for potential increases in payments during high-rate periods.

  • A $1 million loan at 4% variable interest would cost $40,000 annually in interest payments. If the rate increases to 6%, that jumps to $60,000, a significant cash flow consideration.
  • Business owners who prefer predictable expenses often opt for fixed rate loans despite potentially higher costs during lower rate climates.

Q: How do higher interest rates affect my ability to secure financing?

A Higher interest rates increase borrowing costs. They may also tighten lending criteria, as lenders assess higher risks. This makes it even more important to work with experienced professionals who can identity competitive financing options tailed to your needs.

Navigating the complexities of financing in today’s fluctuating rate environment can be challenging. But that’s where we come in.

At GRP Capital:

  • We specialize in matching client with lenders who understand their unique projects.
  • Our expertise spans acquisitions, refinancing and construction financing across various industries.
  • We prioritize solutions that balance competitive terms with sufficient cash flow for long-term success.

Whether you are looking to refinance existing debt or secure funding for growth opportunities, our GRP Capital team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your business goals.

Energy efficient lightbulb

No More Cap on SBA 504 Green Loans

Hot off the presses is this procedural change regarding SBA 504 green loans!

In the past, the SBA 504 green loan program had a $16,500,000 cap. The SBA has announced, that starting in April, they have removed the cap.

Why Is This New Rule Important ?

  • Lifting the cap means that more borrowers can access this funding.
  • No more cap means that Green Loan funding is now available for bigger loans, including construction, acquisition and renovation.
  • The cap removal means that each project has no cap and each borrower has no cap in terms of green loans.

FAQ’s About the SBA 504 Green Loan Program

  • The SBA 504 Green Loan program encourages business owners to be energy efficient and to utilize renewable energy.
  • To be eligible for this funding, you must be creating either more efficiency or transferring your energy consumption to renewable energy in your business.
  • Typically renewable energy must be generating 15% of your energy needs.
  • Energy efficiency must result in utilizing 10% less from non-renewable energy sources.

Matching You with an Appropriate Lender

  • Not every lender has experience with 504 loans including Green loans.
  • Our GRP Capital team already know which lenders are interested in which industries and if they have geographic preferences. We also know which lenders have good reputations and have a high percentage rate of closing loans in a reasonable time frame.
  • Because the 504 program can take a little longer to close, it’s imperative for us to match you with a lender that we both trust.

From Term Sheet to Closing: Understanding the 504 Process

  • Once you have chosen a lender, our team goes into overdrive to get you to closing with a 504 loan.
  • In order to apply for SBA 504 funding, you have to utilize a Community Development Corporation or CDC. The CDC does the initial underwriting and makes sure that the loan will be acceptable to the SBA. We will help you select a CDC.
  • You will also be matched with a senior lender.
  • Our loan processing team, led by Keren Alpert, works directly with the underwriters at the CDC and the lenders as well as other third parties, like appraisers, attorneys, title agents and insurance agents. We know the process all the way until closing.
  • We work directly on your behalf, so you can work on running your business.
Please let us know if you are interested in financing for any of your business projects. Any member of our GRP Capital team would be happy to help you.

Whether you are investing in your first commercial business or expanding your existing portfolio, our in-house experts can help you identify and close on the right loan for your financing needs.
Our primary mission is to provide the most responsive, client-oriented financial services by offering competitive commercial and real estate loan products through a chain of banking and non-banking networks.

From Idea to Closing: The GRP Capital Loan Process

You’ve heard the phrase “the loan process”. What does that even mean to you as a borrower?

We’re glad you asked. Here’s what you need to know!

First Things First: What Is Important to You?

  • Clients come to us by contacting a member of our GRP team, either one of our business associates, our management team or any of our support staff.
  • We consider our first steps like a matchmaking process. First, we need to get to know you. What are the specific goals for your business, what kind of financing are you looking for? How do you envision your business for the short-term and the long-term?

Our Loan Process includes Expert, Personalized Advice

  • Our in-house team will begin to look at your business and your plans. We will ask questions to determine potential roadblocks and evaluate the strength of you and your business as a borrower.
  • Sometimes, we will come back to you with advice to delay seeking financing. We have advised clients to wait for their businesses to show another quarter of profitability. We also have advised clients when we believe that a purchase may be overpriced.
  • If we believe that your business plan looks strong, we will then reach out to our network of lenders to sell your story to them. It’s really important that we advocate for you with the lenders, seeking to find financing that meets your needs.

Matching You with an Appropriate Lender

  • Truly, the GRP Capital “secret sauce” is having relationships with many types of lenders. This is what saves our clients the most time and aggravation.
  • We try to find several lenders so you can choose from among a variety of loans, determining what the most important aspects are (size of loan, type of loan, schedule of repayments, monthly payment, having a relationship with the lender, etc.)
  • We have inside information in many ways, as we already know which lenders are interested in which industries and if they have geographic preferences. We also know which lenders have good reputations and have a high percentage rate of closing loans in a reasonable time frame.
  • Ultimately our lenders know that GRP Capital analyzes all of our potential clients before we begin to search for matching lenders. This analysis saves time for our lenders as they trust our ability to determine the strengths and issues that all of our potential loans have.

From Term Sheet to Closing:

  • Once you have chosen a lender, our team goes into overdrive to get you to closing.
  • Our loan processing team, led by Keren Alpert, works directly with the underwriters as well as other third parties, like appraisers, attorneys, title agents and insurance agents.
  • We work directly on your behalf, so you can work on running your business.
  • Lenders prefer to receive documents that meet their standards, are correct and demonstrate the true nature of the borrowers. Our loan processing team provides that for them.
  • Our clients may take on occasional loans. But our highly experienced loan processing team has seen it all. We can help manage the bumps along the way that can happen and guide you through the steps to take.
  • We know the process all the way until closing. If necessary, we can host closings in our office or support you as you sign documents closer to your home.

What lenders say about us:

“I wish all our clients were GRP Capital clients.”

“You guys rock!”

“They are great to work with and very responsive.”


Please let us know if you are interested in financing for any of your business projects. Any member of our GRP Capital team would be happy to help you.

Whether you are investing in your first commercial business or expanding your existing portfolio, our in-house experts can help you identify and close on the right loan for your financing needs.
Our primary mission is to provide the most responsive, client-oriented financial services by offering competitive commercial and real estate loan products through a chain of banking and non-banking networks.