How to Secure Funding and Strengthen Your Business in 2026
In South Florida's competitive market, access to capital defines who grows and who stalls. Discover how SBA loans empower local businesses to scale with confidence.
Florida has positioned itself as a key business hub in the United States. The absence of state income tax, a pro-business environment, and its strategic location as a gateway to Latin America have created a growth-oriented ecosystem for entrepreneurs.
According to Nicholas "Nic" Bustle, Executive Vice President of U.S. Century Bank, “Florida remains a place where the economy moves with strength, unlike other regions of the country."
As the market grows more competitive, securing the right financing has become the key differentiator for businesses that want to expand without overextending.
This competitive advantage has driven a strong migration of companies and individuals seeking better conditions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Business & Industry Time Series / Trend Charts data, the state led new business creation in the U.S. in 2025, with more than 47,000 new business applications in January alone, according to official figures. Weather conditions and quality of life continue to attract talent and investment.
South Florida, in particular, is driven by small and medium-sized enterprises. More than 99% of the state's business fabric consists of these types of businesses, which employ nearly 40% of the workforce. Add to this a large number of micro-enterprises, such as consultants and independent professionals, which enrich the ecosystem.
This migration wave means new clients, suppliers, and competitors. For business owners, access to flexible capital can determine who scales—and who stalls.
However, the environment also presents challenges. Although the region maintains strong prospects, with GDP growth projected at around 2.4% for 2025, factors such as high interest rates, sustained increases in real estate prices, and trade uncertainty due to tariffs are creating pressure. These pressures are reshaping how South Florida businesses plan and finance growth.
In this scenario, accessing flexible financing is crucial. Solutions such as SBA loans not only enable SMEs to grow with support, but also help them navigate current challenges without compromising their stability. Programs like SBA loans allow companies to grow confidently, even amid uncertainty. They provide capital stability without compromising liquidity.
Do you know what type of loan you need? Discover how to choose the right one for your business.
The Current State of SBA Loans: More Financing and Better-Prepared Entrepreneurs
The volume of SBA-guaranteed loans continues to grow nationwide. In FY 2024, the SBA approved more than 70,000 loans under the 7(a) program, totaling $31 billion, and 6,000 additional loans under the 504 program, totaling $6.7 billion, according to the SBA’s Capital Report. Early figures for FY 2025 suggest that demand is remaining strong, with volumes on track to match or exceed those levels
In this landscape, Florida stands out as one of the states with the highest approved volume, representing nearly 10% of the national total, according to Bustle. Its business dynamism, driven by the constant arrival of new companies, maintains high and sustained demand for capital, especially in the southern part of the state, which accounts for between one-third and one-half of those loans.
This region, dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, offers a fertile environment for business creation and expansion, which reinforces the importance of the SBA program as a key tool for accessing financing.
Additionally, many of these companies participate in foreign trade. For them, SBA programs with specific advantages for exporters have been fundamental, particularly for those operating with Latin America and other international markets.
Entrepreneurs Are Better-Informed - But Still Need Expert Guidance
Many business owners now approach the bank with a solid understanding of SBA loans—their purpose, structure, and main SBA loan requirements. Digital resources have reshaped the landscape, producing more informed applicants.
However, as Bustle points out, that information is only the first step. While it's true that entrepreneurs understand the general aspects of the SBA loan, they still depend on an advisor to understand the details of the process. In his experience, personalized guidance remains decisive for a successful application.
That's why at U.S. Century Bank, the focus is on human guidance—simplifying the process and helping applicants move from interest to approval with confidence.
SBA Loans: A Key Tool to Grow and Overcome Challenges
In the current environment, many small and medium-sized enterprises face barriers to accessing credit under reasonable conditions. The SBA program is designed precisely to close those gaps: it allows viable businesses to access federal-backed financing, even if they don't qualify for traditional loans.
Through institutions like U.S. Century Bank, this program facilitates regulated rates, longer terms, and affordable down payments, adapted to each company's reality. The result? More opportunities to invest, grow, and compete, without putting liquidity at risk.
Strategic Uses of SBA Loans
- Business acquisitions: Ideal for acquiring existing companies, especially in a context where many owners approaching retirement are looking to sell. The loan allows structuring acquisitions with less initial capital and manageable terms.
- Purchase of owner-occupied commercial real estate: SBA 7(a) and 504 programs can finance the purchase, construction or renovation of the premises where your business operates. These programs commonly offer repayment terms of up to 25 years and combined bank/SBA financing of up to about 90% of project costs, which helps preserve liquidity while you build equity over time. Actual benefits depend on the property, market conditions, and your specific situation, and all loans are subject to SBA eligibility and credit approval
- Working capital: Used to finance operational needs such as inventory, accounts receivable, or expansions. It's useful during periods of external pressure, such as high inflation or low liquidity cycles.
- Equipment and improvements purchases: Enables access to machinery, technology, or infrastructure, aligned with the asset's useful life.
- Export and internationalization: There are specific lines with a 90% guarantee for exporting companies. In a region like South Florida, with its strong international focus, this backing has helped many export-oriented SMEs
Market Challenges and How SBA Loans Help Address Them
South Florida is a region with strong economic activity, but businesses continue to face pressures that can make access to traditional credit difficult. Below is one of the most relevant challenges and how SBA programs can help address it:
1. Elevated Interest Rates
Following the Federal Reserve’s rate increases between 2022 and 2024, many conventional commercial loans remain priced higher than they were before the tightening cycle, even though benchmark rates have recently stabilized and begun to edge down. Across the market, SMEs often see offers in the high single digits and, depending on risk profile and loan type, sometimes above 10% for conventional or non-SBA products.
SBA-backed loans in programs are subject to program-defined maximum interest rates, which cap how high lenders can price eligible loans. In addition, SBA terms can extend up to 10 years for working capital or equipment and up to 25 years for real estate, which helps businesses structure payments over a longer horizon. This combination can make SBA financing a useful option for some businesses seeking to refinance higher-cost obligations or access credit that might otherwise be out of reach.
2. Tariffs and Trade Uncertainty
Businesses that import inputs or export products face additional costs from variable tariffs, logistical disruptions, and greater need for working capital.
SBA export loan programs can help cover liquidity gaps by financing eligible advance purchases, supporting ongoing production, or covering export-related accounts receivable in foreign markets. By providing a federal guarantee on qualifying loans, these programs help lenders consider export-related transactions that might otherwise be more difficult to approve under standard credit criteria.
3. High Real Estate Prices
The value of commercial properties in South Florida has increased considerably. For many companies, this makes purchasing their own premises seem unattainable. However, SBA loan programs can help eligible businesses finance a significant portion of the purchase price, in some cases with combined bank and SBA financing of up to about 90% of project costs and repayment terms of up to 25 years for owner-occupied real estate.
This structure can help businesses that were previously tenants work toward becoming owners, potentially improving long-term stability and supporting equity building over time. In some cases, companies may also be able to lease excess space to generate additional income, depending on SBA occupancy requirements and their specific situation.
SBA-backed real estate financing can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be harder to access and can offer a practical way to respond to current market conditions. Its longer terms and government guaranty may make it a valuable tool for businesses planning for growth in complex environments.
Breaking Myths About SBA Loans
Despite the clear potential advantages of the SBA program, misconceptions persist that can discourage potential applicants. Here we clarify three of the most common ones:
Myth #1: "SBA Loans Take Forever to Get Approved"
Reality: While SBA financing has a reputation for being slow, many SBA processes today can be completed more efficiently, particularly when the application is well-prepared and submitted through lenders experienced with SBA programs. Specialized banks like U.S. Century Bank work regularly with SBA guidelines and documentation, which can help streamline the process, reduce avoidable delays, and minimize common application errors.
Myth #2: "The Paperwork is Overwhelming"
Reality: SBA loans do require detailed documentation, but that doesn't mean the process is unattainable. The procedure can feel much more manageable when the client knows from the beginning what must be submitted and receives clear guidance and support from their lender.
In the case of U.S. Century Bank, the team works closely with applicants from the first contact, helps review required forms and information in advance, and supports the preparation of a complete application package.
Myth #3: "SBA Loans Are Only for Businesses with Financial Problems"
Reality: Some believe that applying for a government-guaranteed loan is a sign of weakness or is a last resort in the face of financial problems. But the truth is quite the opposite: many successful, well-managed companies strategically use SBA loans to support growth and new investments.
The primary uses of this credit are business acquisitions, commercial property purchases, expansion, equipment purchases, and working capital—activities undertaken by growing businesses, not just those in dire straits.
At U.S. Century Bank, we've seen firsthand how reality defeats myths: prosperous clients obtaining SBA financing through well-managed procedures and then using those funds to invest in improvements and growth initiatives in their operations.
As one client explained: “Now we have a business that we can leave as a legacy to our family,” says Gabe Colón, co-owner of Miami Roller Rink, about his experience with the SBA loan that allowed them to fulfill their dream of reviving an iconic Miami skating rink.
Remember: business financing is not necessarily a sign of struggle, but can be a tool to accelerate growth and support long-term success.
Avoid Mistakes and Increase Your Chances: Tips for a Strong SBA Application
Nicholas Bustle, who has extensive experience guiding businesses in Florida through credit processes, notes that there are several best practices that can help increase the chances of success when applying for an SBA loan.
These are his recommendations:
● Have a Clear Purpose
It's important to have clarity about the purpose of the loan. Are you considering purchasing a commercial property? Do you need capital to grow or invest in new equipment? Whatever the objective, define it in advance and be prepared to explain it concretely. According to Bustle, this can help the bank understand your vision from the start and better support you in structuring the financing.
● Organize Financial Information
Documentation is an essential part of the process. SBA financing typically requires financial statements, tax returns, projections, and, in the case of acquisitions, business valuations.
For Bustle, this is a key point because the evaluation process often depends heavily on the quality and completeness of the information submitted by the applicant. Whenever possible, make sure your figures are current, consistent, and well organized before you apply.
● Be Completely Transparent with the Bank
Beyond paperwork, Bustle emphasizes the importance of an open and collaborative conversation between the applicant and their banker or advisor. The clearer the dialogue, the smoother the path. Transparency about objectives, needs, and potential obstacles can help the bank better understand your situation and structure an appropriate solution.
Want to prepare even better?
In addition to the guidance and support that U.S. Century Bank provides throughout the process, we recommend reviewing this practical guide with key requirements for building a strong application.
Avoid Mistakes and Increase Your Chances: Tips for a Strong SBA Application
The coming years are expected to be important for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in South Florida. The region's dynamism, driven by its entrepreneurial character, international projection, and constantly evolving economy, is likely to continue supporting the demand for flexible, accessible financing adapted to environmental challenges.
According to the U.S. Century Bank executive, financing opportunities like SBA loans are expected to not only remain relevant but may become increasingly strategic, especially in sectors such as business acquisitions, international expansion, and working capital for companies affected by global factors like tariffs.
This means that those who are better prepared may be better positioned to access key resources to support and transform their growth.
But accessing these opportunities doesn't depend solely on context. It also requires support, knowledge, and a close relationship with an institution that understands the particularities of the local market.
Are you considering buying a business, expanding your operations, or strengthening your finances? This can be a good time to explore your options with specialized support.
At U.S. Century Bank, that commitment is part of our DNA. Our relationship banking approach, combined with modern technology and a team experienced in SBA lending, helps us accompany you from start to finish with personalized service and solutions tailored to your needs.
*In participation with the SBA.
