Need funding for your business? Compare your best options.
Match your goals with the right funding option.
Score & Go Loan
Up to: $150,000
Best for: Low-hassle funding for existing businesses with solid credit and tax history. Great for working capital or small upgrades
Common uses:- Working capital
- Hiring or payroll
- Marketing or technology upgrades
Franchise Loan
Up to: $5,000,000
Best for: Opening a new franchise location or expanding an existing one. Designed for both new and experienced franchisees.
Common uses:
- Startup costs
- Expansion or multi-unit growth
- Working capital during the ramp-up phase
Acquisition Loan
Up to: $5,000,000
Best for: Buying an existing business or buying out a partner. Ideal if you already have a target business and plan in hand.
Common uses:- Full business acquisitions
- Partner buyouts or ownership restructuring
- Working capital for day-to-day expenses
Real Estate Loan
Up to: $5,500,000
Best for: Purchasing or constructing commercial real estate. Works well for owner-occupied buildings.
Common uses:
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Owner-occupied real estate purchases
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New construction or ground-up builds
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Facility expansions or renovations
When the usual options don’t apply, we make new ones.
Let’s find the loan that fits your business — not the other way around.
You’ve got a vision. We’ll help you get there—step by step.
We know applying for a loan can feel overwhelming. That’s why we walk with you through every step—offering expert guidance, honest feedback, and constant communication. You’ll never wonder where things stand or what comes next.
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Step 1: Tell Us Where You're Headed
Open or Close
Start by sharing your business goals and what you're hoping to achieve—whether you're buying, expanding, or just getting started. This short form helps us connect you with the right specialist.
✔ Quick and simple to complete
✔ No credit check
✔ Helps us understand what success looks like for you -
Step 2: Meet Your Loan Specialist
Open or Close
You’ll talk one-on-one with a lending expert who’s here to support you, not sell to you. We’ll listen, ask questions, and start mapping out a path that fits your timeline, your experience, and your vision.
✔ Personal guidance from someone who knows SBA loans inside and out
✔ No pressure, no confusion—just clarity
✔ You’ll leave knowing exactly what to expect -
Step 3: See If You’re Ready to Move Forward
Open or Close
Together, we’ll look at the essentials to make sure you're in a strong position to move ahead. If something’s missing, we’ll help you prepare.
✔ Review your credit, experience, and ownership background
✔ Talk through available cash or capital
✔ Learn what strengths you already have—and what we can help strengthen -
Step 4: Build Your Business Profile
Open or Close
We’ll help you gather the details needed to tell your business’s story. You’ll never have to guess what to send—we’ll walk you through it all.
✔ Business plan and projections (don’t worry—we can help!)
✔ Financials, tax returns, or purchase documents
✔ Clarity around what lenders need and why -
Step 5: Submit with Confidence
Open or Close
Now it’s time to officially apply. But you’re not doing it alone—we’ll help package everything with you, submit it, and keep you updated every step of the way.
✔ We help the heavy lifting
✔ Constant communication—no black holes
✔ You'll always know where things stand
Ready to take the first step?
We’re here when you are—and we’ll be with you the whole way.
Real success stories from real business owners.
Read their stories and see how First Bank of the Lake turned business goals into reality.
Winter Park Ski Rental
In just 35 days, a Colorado entrepreneur closed a $2.2MM SBA 7(a) loan to purchase a long-standing ski rental business from a retiring owner—thanks to our fast and flexible financing.
"First Bank of the Lake was the best banking experience I have ever had."
—Andy, President, Winter Park Ski Rental
Freelite AZ
Tyler Green took over Freelite AZ, a window and door installer in Phoenix, with a $363,000 SBA 7(a) loan. We guided him through the business acquisition process with confidence.
"The bank process was as easy it could be. The biggest thing is how transparent and reliable they were." —Tyler Green, Co-founder, President, Freelite AZ
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Franchise
By securing a $345,000 SBA 7(a) loan, Kasia Anderson was able to open her own Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming franchise. We helped turn her dream of owning a dog grooming business into a reality.
"I got my $345,000 SBA loan approved from First Bank of the Lake in 35 days!" —Kasia Anderson, President, Woof Gang Bakery - Bradenton, FL
Tint World
Dan Billings used a $585,000 SBA 7(a) loan to launch his Tint World franchise—and reached breakeven within his first year. We were proud to help drive his success.
"My First Bank of the Lake rep was great – Easily the finest banker I have dealt with in my life." —Dan Billings, President, Tint World - San Antonio
Reed’s Moving & Storage
Reed’s Moving & Storage secured a $3.3MM SBA 7(a) loan in under 30 days, giving them the stability they needed for their warehouse and the funding to grow their moving business.
"They got my loan done in under 30 days in very, very trying circumstances. Miraculously, First Bank of the Lake was able to push up the closing date and close our loan after another SBA lender went out of business." —Reeds Moving Service
Lifetime Green Coatings Franchise
When Lifetime Green Coatings needed capital for franchise licensing, equipment, and working capital, we made it happen—closing a $400,000 SBA 7(a) loan in less than 30 days.
"If we ever need business capital, my first call would be to First Bank of the Lake. Why would I look elsewhere?" —Barry Norfleet, Co-founder, Lifetime Green Coatings - Kentucky
Proven expertise backed by industry-leading results.
Ranked in the
Top 1%
of SBA lenders nationwide*
Funded Over
+$1.1B
In SBA Loans from
2020-2024
Ranked
Top 5
SBA Franchise Lender*
Funded Over
2000
Loans
Ready to Talk? We’re Ready to Help.
Tell us a bit about your business — we’ll help you find the right path.
All loans are subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations may apply. First Bank of the Lake does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. All decisions concerning these matters should be made in conjunction with your professional advisors.
*Top 1% of SBA 7(a) lenders by approval amount during SBA fiscal year 2023. Top 5 SBA franchise lender by approval count during SBA fiscal years 2024 and 2023.
Approved to offer SBA loan products under SBA's Preferred lenders Program.
