Lender review
A specialized SBA lender focused on commercial real estate, ranked among the top SBA 7(a) and 504 originators nationally.
Harvest Small Business Finance is one of only a small number of non bank SBLC licensees authorized by the SBA to originate 7(a) loans, and it has built a national reputation specifically in owner occupied commercial real estate financing. Its SBA Preferred Lender status and singular focus let it close noticeably faster than the typical bank SBA process, and it will even consider startups, a rare feature among SBA specialists, though its 640 credit score floor and real estate focus still put it outside reach for a business that just needs working capital.
Harvest Small Business Finance specializes almost exclusively in SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans for owner occupied commercial real estate, ranking among the top national originators for both programs.
What distinguishes Harvest Small Business Finance is focus rather than breadth. Rather than offering a wide product lineup, it has built deep expertise in one category, SBA backed commercial real estate financing, which shows up in faster average close times than the typical bank SBA process and a willingness to fund startups that most SBA specialists will not touch.
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Exact rates and loan amounts vary by product and by applicant; see the product breakdown below for details on each one.
Harvest Small Business Finance concentrates on two SBA programs, both built around owner occupied commercial real estate.
| SBA 7(a) commercial real estate loan | Financing for purchasing, refinancing, or improving owner occupied commercial property, requiring the business to occupy at least 51 percent of the space and roughly a 10 percent equity contribution. |
| SBA 504 commercial real estate loan | Structured as 50 percent conventional lender financing, 40 percent SBA debenture at a fixed, below market rate, and a 10 percent borrower down payment, ideal for a low down payment on a major property purchase. |
Rate, term, and amount figures are set per applicant during underwriting.
Harvest Small Business Finance does not publish a full list of minimum requirements, evaluating each application on its complete financial picture rather than a single cutoff.
Harvest generally considers applications with a credit score as low as 640, more flexible than many traditional bank SBA lenders, though a stronger score improves your terms.
For SBA commercial real estate loans, your business must occupy at least 51 percent of the property being purchased or refinanced. Pure investment properties do not qualify.
Harvest will consider startups and early stage businesses with a strong business plan, though an established track record of profitability makes for a stronger application.
Expect to contribute roughly 10 percent equity and provide two to three years of tax returns and financial statements demonstrating your ability to service the debt.
Harvest Small Business Finance has streamlined its application relative to a traditional bank SBA process, though it still requires real documentation.
Harvest can process applications in as little as 2 to 4 days before moving into full underwriting.
Your credit profile, business financials, debt service coverage, and property details are reviewed together rather than screened on a single number.
As an SBA Preferred Lender, Harvest can close significantly faster than the typical 90 to 120 day bank SBA timeline.
Ranking among the top national originators for both SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans reflects real depth in one category rather than breadth across many.
SBA Preferred Lender status and a focused product line let Harvest close well ahead of the standard 90 to 120 day bank timeline.
Harvest funds a meaningful share of startup and early stage business loans each year, a rarity among SBA commercial real estate specialists.
640 is more accessible than many traditional bank SBA lenders require.
Harvest’s loan book reflects a consistently low default rate relative to its total originations.
If you need cash flow support rather than a property purchase, Harvest’s specialty will not fit your need.
Expect roughly 3.0 to 3.5 percent in typical SBA loan fees on top of your loan amount, the same as with any SBA lender.
Harvest does not list a comprehensive set of minimum requirements upfront, so expect to have a direct conversation to understand your fit.
Yes. Harvest is one of a small number of non bank SBLC licensees authorized by the SBA to originate 7(a) loans directly, and also originates SBA 504 loans.
Harvest generally considers applications with a credit score as low as 640, though a stronger score improves your terms.
Harvest can close SBA loans in roughly 30 to 45 days, faster than the 90 to 120 days typical at many bank SBA lenders.
Harvest specializes in SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans for owner occupied commercial real estate.
Yes. Unlike many SBA commercial real estate specialists, Harvest funds a meaningful share of startup and early stage business loans each year.
Harvest generally looks for a 640 or higher credit score, at least 51 percent owner occupancy for the property being financed, and roughly a 10 percent equity contribution.
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