Local Kitchen in Tennessee Receives $3MM SBA Loan for Business Expansion

We are proud to have helped a local kitchen in Williamson County, Tennessee see their dreams of expanding their at-home business come to life. Focusing on gourmet homemade meals that families can conveniently purchase and then cook at home became a staple for the community and beyond. The commercial kitchen in their home no longer fit the bill and the client needed to purchase a building in order to expand and keep up with demand. Our team was able to assist the client by helping them secure a $3,022,000 SBA loan. Our expertise was able to guide the client through the expectations and requirements of SBA loan products - allowing them to close as quickly as possible.

Have a small business or would like to explore SBA loan opportunities? Contact us today to get the conversation started: https://alternativecapitalsolutions.com/funding-application/

by Leah Waldrop

What Survives Early Filtering in Commercial Lending

DealTalk Podcast host and CEO of Alternative Capital Solutions, Terry Luker, sat down with Commercial Capital BIDCO and Alternative Capital Solutions' VP of Operations, Jeff Luker, to discuss how early deal filtering in commercial lending is currently impacting the industry. Listen in to the latest episode of the DealTalk Podcast to learn more about what Commercial Lenders are seeing with SBA as well as tune in for new deal and lender spotlights!

View the full episode on the DealTalk YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/96ol1I6761U

Listen to the full episode on the DealTalk Spotify channel here: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/dYx1RBEtP1b

by Leah Waldrop

CCB Client Refinances Loan with ACS to Secure Permanent Financing

This client, based out of Goldendale, Washington, started out as a customer of Commercial Capital BIDCO - our direct lending partner - where they currently had a 12-month note for a previous loan. Our team with Alternative Capital Solutions picked up the loan when the client was ready to seek permanent financing. During this process, we were able to lock in the refinance of this $507,000 loan by working with an additional lender to secure a HELOC that would aide the client in paying off a portion of credit card debt - allowing them to secure the permanent financing on the mixed-use rental space.
Do you have a current bridge loan or a different type of short-term loan? Our team at Alternative Capital Solutions has over 13 years experience moving short-term loans to permanent financing utilizing outside-the-box thinking and our national network of banks and lenders - allowing you to keep your banking relationship while we work to take your deal out of market. Let's talk through your permanent financing strategy today. Visit our website to get started > AlternativeCapitalSolutions.com. 

by Leah Waldrop

ACS Secures SBA Loan for Long-Time Client in Birmingham, Alabama

What started as a bridge loan funded by our affiliate company, Commercial Capital BIDCO, in November of 2023 has recently transitioned into a permanent SBA Loan. The owners of a quirky diner in Birmingham, Alabama was able to acquire the real estate in 2023 as well as remodel the facility and finish the buildout of their kitchen space using the $650,000 in bridge loan funds through the initial lending process with CCB. This eatery is now a favorite for locals and visitors alike within the fast-growing area and is now able to enjoy permanent financing via a SBA Loan for $980,000. These funds are being used for working capital, inventory, and continued strategic growth opportunities.

“It’s been so great working with you. You’ve always been so helpful, patient, and considerate. I put a lot of value in service like that. It’s not often you get the chance to work with people like that these days. CCB has been our lifeline through all of this, and you and Jeff have gone above and beyond.” - Co-Owner, J.S.

Thank you to this longtime client for being a part of what we enjoy doing day in and day out - finding ways to make your business decisions and dreams flourish!

Are you looking for permanent financing on your commercial property, but running into walls with your local lenders? Let us take on the loan and you keep the depository relationship with your current bank! Allow us to take the loan out of market for you and go to work on your investment journey.

Reach out to us today at alternativecapitalsolutions.com.

by Leah Waldrop

ACS Secures $1.8MM SBA Loan for Client After Other SBA Lenders Refused

Alternative Capital Solutions is proud to announce the closing of a SBA Loan for our client in Westfield, Indiana. The $1,880,000 loan will allow the client to construct and build out his latest barbecue restaurant. Having been turned down by other SBA lenders prior to coming to us, we were not only able to walk the client through the process of acquiring construction permits, but we were also able to lock in this SBA deal for him when other lenders refused. We pride ourselves in outside-the-box lending strategies so that our clients can get the funding they need quickly and seamlessly. We would love to work with you on your next investment opportunity.
Submit a deal inquiry today at alternativecapitalsolutions.com.

by Leah Waldrop

Small Business Owners - Do Not Let the 2025 Economy Leave You With Questions

Today we are talking to Small Business Owners across the United States! Here at ACS, we know that the current economy can make you question your next steps when it comes to securing funds for you company as well as leave you scratching your head wondering, "What's next?!" However, our team is here to help! We have a proven track record of assisting our Small Business Customers and allowing them to build a plan for their company! Connect with us today and let's discuss a SBA loan strategy that makes sense for you! Learn more at https://alternativecapitalsolutions.com/

 

 

by Leah Waldrop

ACS Welcomes New CFO

Please help us give our new Chief Financial Officer, Michelle Jordan, a warm welcome! Ms. Jordan joined our team this October and hit the ground running by joining us at the NACLB Conference in Las Vegas. Prior to her employment with us, Ms. Jordan served in several roles including Corporate Controller and CFO for a variety of financial services companies in the Nashville area. Ms. Jordan is a licensed CPA in Tennessee, and she earned her BS in Accounting from Lipscomb University in Nashville. Ms. Jordan is a member of the AICPA and TSCPA and she resides in Williamson County, Tennessee.

by Leah Waldrop

The Right Strategy: Professional and personal development will help you find greater satisfaction

By: Keely Pate, Alternative Capital Solutions: Director of Development

Published for The Scotsman Guide / July 2022

Commercial real estate professionals have diverse backgrounds and experiences. After the initial entry into the business — whether through an employer or a training program — lenders, brokers, credit officers and other industry professionals all navigate their own unique career, both professionally and personally.

Where these professionals find themselves at the beginning of their careers, however, is not the final destination. Expanding knowledge and building new capabilities can lead to increased effectiveness and personal satisfaction. With ongoing regulatory and economic changes, technical advancements, and shifts in personal preferences and priorities, savvy lending professionals continuously evaluate where they are and where they want to be.
Continuing education enables mortgage finance professionals to maintain existing certifications and licenses, keep up with industry trends, diversify skill sets and prepare for new growth opportunities. With so many options in the marketplace, and limited time and resources, it can be challenging to identify the right development path for each professional’s unique needs and future goals.
An ongoing and intentional continuing education strategy can help commercial real estate professionals connect activities to desired outcomes while generating increased effectiveness and satisfaction. To quote John C. Maxwell, the renowned leadership expert, speaker and author, “If you want to reach your goals and fulfill your potential, become intentional about your personal growth. It will change your life.”
You may be familiar with the concept of using a SWOT analysis to consider the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to a business or product. A personal SWOT analysis can help generate clarity about an individual’s current state of development, and the results can be used to map out an intentional path forward when it comes to professional development activities.

Evaluate your strengths

The first step is to evaluate current strengths in the areas of knowledge, skills and abilities. Then, through self-reflection and constructive feedback from others, consider weaknesses by identifying behaviors that could potentially jeopardize relationships, as well as gaps in knowledge or skills that could possibly lead to oversights or missed business opportunities.
After that, consider possible external threats that could hinder professional performance and results. Lastly, evaluate opportunities that are available within the industry and your community, as well as your professional network and other places.
The commercial mortgage industry, as those involved quickly learn, offers endless opportunity to specialize and diversify. The key for each professional is to identify which areas of specialization and diversification are right for them.
Your desired future might involve the identification of new clients within a current niche, expansion into a different geographic market, or even a new product launch or service offering. Painting the picture of a desired future expedites the decisionmaking process for professional development.
Once the current state and desired future state have been defined, it is time to explore specific continuing education options and evaluate how each initiative will lead to the desired result.
Resource constraints such as time, funds and logistics will largely factor into the selection process. The following programs and activities outline continuing education options that professionals in the commercial mortgage field have utilized, along with the connection to desired business results.

Licenses and certifications

When prioritizing continuing education, mortgage professionals should first understand the applicable state licensing requirements and the educational requirements to maintain that license. After that, optional certifications and other continuing education activities can be considered.
Jobs within the mortgage industry have varying licensing requirements, which also can differ from state to state. Currently, the distinction that drives licensing requirements is consumer lending versus commercial lending. Most consumer protection regulations are not applicable to loans made for business purposes. But regulatory changes may impact licensing requirements, subsequently affecting continuing education strategies for commercial mortgage brokers and other industry professionals.
Professional certifications are usually voluntary initiatives for individuals to gain proficiency and, particularly when granted with an exam, demonstrate mastery of related knowledge. Although some certifications require continuing education, most do not.
Colleges and universities offer a variety of adult continuing education programs. These are typically led by expert industry practitioners or faculty. Ranging in duration from a few days to several weeks, the programs usually include in-person learning, virtual learning and self-paced e-learning. This flexibility makes programs in other cities and states a possibility for professionals with busy schedules.

Networking opportunities

Another reason to take part in continuing education programs is the opportunity for networking. The adage, “It’s not only what you know, but also who you know,” rings true for those in the commercial mortgage industry. An active network of brokers, lenders, accountants, attorneys and business owners offers the expertise needed to meet your clients’ needs.
Establishing a greater presence on social media has enabled mortgage professionals to expand to new geographic markets and reach potential clients outside of their existing professional networks. Online sites offer a wealth of resources that show how to better utilize social media.
Videos on YouTube, posts on Reddit and simple Google searches offer step-by-step instructions and free online tools to help market your services on platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Even if the decision is to outsource and have someone else manage your social media strategy, having a foundational knowledge of options and strategic considerations can lead to more informed decisions.

Skill expansion

Regardless of the industry, busy professionals can build capabilities through the expansion of skills outside of their direct job roles. For example, an experienced commercial mortgage professional dedicated time to the study of jiu jitsu. They found that it helped their ability to stay calm and solve problems under pressure.
Developing this skill relates to work situations, interacting with clients and troubleshooting challenging situations. As this person put it, there are many times in jiu jitsu where you are in a bad position with an opponent and panicking will only make it worse. You must learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable and to think through the solution, because overreacting will not help the situation.
A business coach also can help a mortgage professional develop new skills and strengths, including the ability to better understand situations and effectively respond to them. Many people use their own experiences and perceptions to interpret situations, then act without fully understanding the intent and motivation of others. Responding effectively, in a way that meets the needs of the situation, can make the difference in securing a client and closing a deal when the stakes are high.
In a dynamic industry such as commercial real estate finance, professionals who can listen to the client’s needs and develop effective solutions are better prepared for success. Increasing self-awareness and awareness of others helps to develop emotional intelligence or emotional quotient. Having emotional intelligence allows professionals to respond thoughtfully to situations. Utilizing a business coach, completing a personality assessment, and learning about conflict and communication styles are tools that can result in consensus building, clarity, and satisfied clients and stakeholders.
•••
Continuing education is not a one-way journey with a single destination. Instead, it serves as a resource to help professionals achieve desired results. It is one step within an ongoing strategic process of envisioning potential outcomes and then mapping a strategy of how to get there.
With changing external opportunities and obstacles — and with new programs and continuing education options — regular review and reassessment is a best practice for staying current and achieving fulfilling professional outcomes. After all, if you want to reach your goals and fulfill your potential, become intentional about your personal growth. It will change your life.

 

by Leah Waldrop