SBA 504 loans are a powerful financing tool for Tampa businesses looking to acquire major fixed assets and fuel their growth. 

As one of Florida's premier Certified Development Companies (CDCs), Florida Business Development Corporation (FBDC) has helped countless businesses secure these loans. 

Let's examine which Tampa industries are benefiting most from this financing option and why.

What Makes SBA 504 Loans Attractive

The SBA 504 loan program offers several distinct advantages that make it particularly appealing to growing businesses, including:

• Low down payments (as little as 10%)
• Long-term, fixed interest rates
• Extended repayment terms up to 25 years

These loans work through a straightforward structure: typically, a conventional lender (bank or credit union) provides 50% of the financing, FBDC provides 40% through an SBA-guaranteed debenture, and the borrower contributes just 10%. 

This structure makes large purchases much more accessible for small businesses.

Top Industries Leveraging SBA 504 Financing in Tampa

Based on small business data and industry trends in the Tampa area, three industries stand out as the primary beneficiaries of SBA 504 financing:

1. Construction

Construction businesses frequently need financing for land acquisition, buildings, and heavy equipment purchases. This makes SBA 504 loans ideal for supporting Tampa's ongoing development and infrastructure projects.

The high employment numbers in Tampa's congressional districts underscore this industry's significance in the local economy. For example, in Districts 15 and 16, construction accounts for 17,493 and 15,968 small business employees respectively.

Construction companies benefit from the 504 program's ability to finance:

• Land purchases for development projects
• New building construction
• Heavy machinery with 10+ year useful life

2. Health Care and Social Assistance

This sector includes hospitals, clinics, and social services organizations that often require substantial investment in medical facilities and specialized equipment. With high employment numbers across all Tampa districts (for instance, 21,788 employees in District 13), healthcare stands as a key beneficiary of SBA 504 financing.

This trend aligns perfectly with Tampa's growing population and expanding healthcare needs. Medical practices and healthcare facilities use these loans to:

• Purchase or renovate medical office buildings
• Acquire advanced medical equipment
• Expand existing facilities to serve more patients

3. Retail Trade

Retail businesses require financing for commercial real estate (such as storefronts) and equipment for inventory management. District 14, which is central to Tampa, has 13,714 small business employees in this sector, highlighting its importance in Tampa's economic landscape.

Retailers benefit from SBA 504 loans for:

• Purchasing retail locations instead of leasing
• Acquiring specialized equipment
• Renovating or modernizing existing retail spaces

Other Notable Beneficiaries

While the above three industries show the strongest evidence of SBA 504 utilization, two other sectors also demonstrate significant benefit from these loans:

• Accommodation and Food Services: Including restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses
• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: Such as architecture and engineering firms requiring office spaces and specialized equipment

Is Your Tampa Business Eligible for SBA 504 Financing?

To qualify for an SBA 504 loan, your business must:

• Be a for-profit business in the United States
• Have a tangible net worth under $20 million
• Have a net profit under $6.5 million (after taxes) for the two preceding years

These funds can be used for:

• Purchasing land
• Buying or constructing buildings
• Renovating or modernizing existing buildings
• Purchasing machinery and equipment with a 10-year useful life
• Refinancing existing commercial real estate debt
• Refinancing existing machinery and equipment debt

Current SBA 504 Loan Rates

As of April 2025, interest rates for SBA 504 loans are:

• 25-Year Debentures: 6.437%
• 25-Year Refinance: 6.466%
• 20-Year Debentures: 6.457%
• 20-Year Refinance: 6.487%
• 10-Year Debentures: 6.348%
• 10-Year Refinance: 6.384%

The FBDC Advantage

Since 1989, FBDC has been dedicated to helping Florida small businesses access the capital they need to grow. As the premier provider of SBA 504 loans in the region, we've helped more businesses obtain these loans than any other provider.

What sets us apart is our commitment to:

• Certainty: Reliable support and expert guidance backed by over three decades of experience
• Speed: Quick, efficient processes ensuring you receive necessary financing without delays
• Service: Support from application through the life of your loan

Ready to Grow Your Tampa Business?

Whether you're in construction, healthcare, retail, or another industry that could benefit from fixed-asset financing, FBDC can help you secure the SBA 504 loan you need. Our streamlined process takes you from application to closing with certainty, speed, and exceptional service.

Contact us today to schedule a no-risk consultation with one of our loan officers. With over 35 years of expertise, FBDC is your trusted partner for small business financing.