Harvest Small Business Finance is a non-bank SBA Preferred Lender founded in 2016 and headquartered in Laguna Hills, California, that has established itself as one of the most specialized and well-performing SBA lenders in the United States. Currently ranked #7 nationally for SBA 7(a) loans and #2 nationally for SBA 504 loans, Harvest focuses exclusively on commercial real estate (CRE) financing — owner-occupied property purchase and refinancing through SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 programs. Its track record is exceptional: $3B+ funded across 1,146 loans since 2016, with only 5 permanent defaults — a 99.6% performing loan rate that reflects genuinely disciplined underwriting. As one of only 14 non-bank SBLC licensees authorized to originate SBA 7(a) loans, Harvest operates in a highly exclusive regulatory tier. Average close time of 54 days from application to funding. Best for established businesses with 2+ years of history and 640+ credit looking to purchase or refinance owner-occupied commercial real estate.
Harvest Small Business Finance is a non-bank SBA Preferred Lender founded in 2016 and headquartered in Laguna Hills, California, that has established itself as one of the most specialized and well-performing SBA lenders in the United States. Currently ranked #7 nationally for SBA 7(a) loans and #2 nationally for SBA 504 loans, Harvest focuses exclusively on commercial real estate (CRE) financing — owner-occupied property purchase and refinancing through SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 programs. Its track record is exceptional: $3B+ funded across 1,146 loans since 2016, with only 5 permanent defaults — a 99.6% performing loan rate that reflects genuinely disciplined underwriting. As one of only 14 non-bank SBLC licensees authorized to originate SBA 7(a) loans, Harvest operates in a highly exclusive regulatory tier. Average close time of 54 days from application to funding. Best for established businesses with 2+ years of history and 640+ credit looking to purchase or refinance owner-occupied commercial real estate.
CRE exclusivity, SBLC license, #2 national SBA 504 ranking, and a 99.6% performing loan rate set Harvest apart from every other SBA lender.
Harvest is exclusively for businesses purchasing or refinancing owner-occupied commercial real estate through SBA programs.
Buy the building your business operates in with 10% down through SBA 7(a) or 504 financing at government-capped rates.
Refinance an existing commercial real estate loan into SBA-backed financing with better rates and longer terms.
Fund the purchase of medical, dental, or veterinary office space — a common Harvest specialty transaction.
Finance industrial facilities, warehouses, and manufacturing space for owner-occupied operations.
Fund owner-occupied office or retail space acquisition through SBA 7(a) or SBA 504 programs.
Finance mixed-use properties where the business occupies 51%+ of the space — eligible for SBA programs.
All Harvest products are CRE-focused. Contact Harvest directly to discuss which program fits your specific property and transaction.
SBA-backed commercial real estate purchase or refinancing. Government-capped rates. Up to 25-year terms for real estate. 10% equity injection. As one of only 14 SBLC licensees, Harvest approves in-house.
For major CRE or equipment: 50% conventional lender + 40% SBA debenture (fixed rate, long term) + 10% borrower. Harvest ranked #2 nationally. Preserves cash flow with low down payment.
Standard commercial real estate loans for transactions where SBA financing isn’t available or the best fit. No SBA guarantee fees. Contact Harvest directly for terms.
Submit an inquiry on Harvest’s website or contact a loan officer directly. Harvest evaluates the property, business financials, and SBA eligibility before advancing.
Prepare business and personal tax returns (2+ years), financial statements, property appraisal, and SBA-required documentation. More extensive than non-SBA lenders but Harvest’s CRE specialists guide the process.
As an SBLC-licensed Preferred Lender, Harvest approves SBA 7(a) loans in-house. The SBA 504 process involves coordination with a CDC and conventional lender. Harvest manages this coordination.
Harvest averages 54 days from application to closing — faster than most bank SBA lenders. SBA 504 transactions may take slightly longer due to the multi-party structure.
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| Eligibility | ||||||
| Loan Amount | $125K – $20M | $10K – $5M | $5K – $1.5M | $5K – $400K | $5K – $600K | $10K – $5M |
| Time in Business | 24+ Months | 9+ Months | 6+ Months | 12+ Months | 6+ Months | 12+ Months |
| Monthly Revenue | $100K+ | $30K+ | $12K+ | $8,333+ | $15K+ | $21K+ |
| Min. Credit Score | 680+ | None | 500 | 625+ | 500+ | 600+ |
| Loan Details | ||||||
| Funding Speed | 60–90+ Days (SBA) | Same Day | 72 Hours | Same Day | 24 Hours | 24–48 Hours |
| Approval | — | Within 3 Hours | — | — | 4 Hours | — |
| Rating | ||||||
| Rating | ||||||
| BBB Rating | N/A | A- | A+ | A+ | A+ | N/A |
| Apply Now | Apply | Apply | Apply | Apply | Apply | |
Harvest specializes exclusively in commercial real estate (CRE) financing through SBA 7(a) loans, SBA 504 loans, and conventional CRE loans. It does not offer working capital, equipment financing, lines of credit, or general business loans. Owner-occupied commercial real estate is its entire focus.
Harvest is one of only 14 non-bank Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) licensees authorized by the SBA to originate 7(a) loans. It holds SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status, allowing in-house credit approval without SBA review. Currently ranked #7 nationally for SBA 7(a) and #2 nationally for SBA 504.
Harvest typically requires a minimum credit score of 640 for SBA loan eligibility. The full financial picture — DSCR, business history, equity injection, and property value — is evaluated alongside credit score.
The SBA 504 program is structured as: 50% conventional lender loan + 40% SBA debenture (fixed below-market rate, long term) + 10% borrower down payment. This low down payment is the primary advantage for businesses purchasing commercial real estate. Harvest is the #2 national 504 lender.
Harvest averages approximately 54 days from application to closing — significantly faster than the 90–120 days typical at many bank SBA lenders. Its in-house Preferred Lender decision authority and CRE specialization drive this speed.
Yes. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Laguna Hills, California, Harvest holds one of only 14 non-bank SBLC licenses, is ranked #7 nationally for SBA 7(a) and #2 for SBA 504, has funded $3B+, and maintains a 99.6% performing loan rate with only 5 permanent defaults from 1,146 loans.
Harvest Small Business Finance is the most specialized SBA CRE lender in this review series — and one of the best performing. A 99.6% performing loan rate from 1,146 originated loans, #7 national SBA 7(a) ranking, #2 national SBA 504 ranking, and a 54-day average close time reflect genuine expertise in a specific and important transaction type. For established businesses looking to purchase or refinance owner-occupied commercial real estate, Harvest is a compelling first call.
The entire product menu is CRE. If you need working capital, equipment financing, or a general business loan, Harvest cannot help you. If you do need commercial real estate financing and want a lender with deep SBA CRE expertise, a top-10 national SBA ranking, and an exceptional default track record, Harvest earns serious consideration.
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