Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

All SouthStar Bank locations will be closed on Monday, October 13 in observance of Columbus Day. Normal business operations will resume on Tuesday, October 14.

To learn more about our mobile app, online banking, and more, watch our video tutorials.

SBA

SBA Loans Explained: Which Option is Right for Your Business?

For many entrepreneurs, access to the right financing is the key to growing and sustaining a successful business. Whether you’re looking to expand, purchase equipment, or buy commercial real estate, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several loan programs to support small business owners. At SouthStar Bank, we’re proud to be an SBA-Preferred Lender, which enables us to approve loans in-house and streamline the process. If you’re searching for SBA loans in Texas, our team is here to help guide you toward the program that best fits your needs. SBA 7(a) Loan Program The SBA 7(a) Loan is the most popular and flexible option available to small businesses. With loan amounts up to $5 million, it can be used for a wide range of purposes, including: Debt consolidation Equipment purchases Working Capital Business acquisition Commercial real estate purchases or construction The extended repayment terms, often ranging from 10 to 25 years, make the SBA 7(a) loan a powerful tool for business owners seeking to manage cash flow while pursuing growth. SBA Express Loan The SBA Express Loan offers a faster approval process, with a more limited underwriting scope; however, this varies from lender to lender based on internal processes. While similar to 7(a) loans, Express Loans have a maximum loan amount of $500,000, but similar uses and terms are available. This program supports a Revolving Line of Credit option. This program is ideal for Texas small businesses needing quick access to working capital or short-term financing opportunities. The SBA Express Loan combines speed with flexibility, giving you the funds to seize opportunities when they matter most. SBA 504 Loan Program SBA 504 Loans provide financing for owner-occupied commercial real estate and equipment, which are considered fixed assets for expansion and modernization. More specifically, this includes: Purchasing existing buildings Acquisition of land Ground-up construction Financing building improvements Equipment acquisition Refinance and cash-out opportunities (that meet program requirements) As such, they offer long-term, fixed-rate financing at below-market rates. This type of loan requires a minimum down payment of 10%. An SBA 504 Loan promotes business growth and job creation by expanding capital access. This specialized program brings two separate lenders together – in this case, SouthStar Bank and a Certified Development Company (CDC). CDCs are nonprofit corporations dedicated to promoting economic development within their communities. Other SBA Loan Options Beyond the 7(a), Express, and 504 programs, the SBA also offers additional options to meet specialized needs: CAPLines: Revolving lines of credit for working capital. Export Loans: Support for businesses expanding into international markets. Microloans: Up to $50,000 for startups or smaller capital requirements. Disaster Loans: Assistance for businesses recovering from declared disasters. NEW– Manufacturers Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) These programs can provide targeted solutions for unique challenges faced by Texas business owners. Partner with Your Local Experts at SouthStar Bank Choosing the right SBA loan depends on your goals, timeline, and financing requirements. As a trusted SBA-Preferred Lender, SouthStar Bank has the expertise and authority to help you secure funding […]

southstar bank cockrum custom homes

Round Rock Family Eye Care

Brett Hamilton, OD is an Optometrist and the owner of Round Rock Family Eye Care. Dr. Hamilton came to SouthStar Bank interested in transitioning from leasing his medical office space to building and owning his own medical office building. The Bank was able to offer land purchase financing as well as conventional and SBA construction loan options which included permanent financing once construction was complete. During the process, SouthStar Bank was also able to provide Dr. Hamilton with business operating account solutions including Remote Deposit Capture so his operations managers could deposit checks right from their desk. Today, Dr. Hamilton is a full relationship customer who has personal and business accounts. SouthStar Bank was also able to provide a speedy PPP loan to aid his business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

southstar bank cockrum custom homes

Triple B Hardware

Four years ago, Tony Bielamowicz of Bremond decided to expand the family cedar mill into a hardware store to serve the communities’ need for rural living supplies. After extending his building shell, he turned to SouthStar Bank for several loans including inventory, an eye-catching digital street sign, and later a forklift. Along the way, he enlisted SouthStar to set up his merchant services (credit card acceptance) account. Tony’s never met a stranger, and greets customers with free refreshments and expert DIY advice. “SouthStar Bank is a fantastic business partner. Norman and Justin check in regularly, and I’m comfortable asking for just about anything a bank provides. They made it a priority to understand my vision for a true mom-and-pop store where folks can come in for a part and some fix-it advice. Their help got us selling and keeps us going. Thanks in part to SouthStar, business is great!” —Marvin Sommerfeld, President, Sommerfeld Construction

southstar bank cockrum custom homes

Sommerfeld Construction

“I’ve worked with Brent Gibbs at SouthStar Bank to finance construction of several high-end residential projects, including the spec home we are showing during this year’s Parade of Homes. From our first call through the final draw, they consistently make the process easy and straightforward – even when the project is not. The professionals at SouthStar Bank clearly understand builders and their needs, and deliver as promised.” —Marvin Sommerfeld, President, Sommerfeld Construction

southstar bank cockrum custom homes

Arbogast Homes

“I have had the great pleasure of working with SouthStar Bank on several large, complex custom home projects. SouthStar Bank delivered exceptional service, great value, and a long term partnership to each and every client. I have been so impressed, I had SouthStar Bank finance my personal home as well.” —Tod Arbogast, President, Arbogast Homes

southstar bank cockrum custom homes

Customer Spotlight – Cockrum Custom Homes

Cockrum Custom Homes is locally owned and operated by Bradley and Marian Cockrum. Established nearly three decades ago, the Cockrums are intimately familiar with Williamson County market, witnessing significant growth in Georgetown and its surrounding communities.   Bradley was keenly interested in home building from an early age. Helping frame homes with his grandfather who was a German carpenter, Bradley began his home building career at the age of 16. He has passed on his passion for craftmanship to his entire family that now works by his side. His son, Garrett Cockrum, working as superintendent and project manager at Cockrum Custom Homes, and daughter, Amber Cockrum, who manages the most recent expansion of their business, Cockrum Commercial. His eldest daughter, Haley Waggoner, a licensed residential real estate agent with Keller Williams, manages the real estate transactions.    Cockrum Custom Homes remains a niche business dedicated to quality custom homes. A full-service, residential custom home builder, the team specializes in 1+ acre homesites in Williamson County. Clients appreciate their attention to detail and personal approach to home building.  Bradley values personal relationships and local expertise, and so found SouthStar Bank to be a fit for his financial needs. SouthStar Bank is able to provide a full relationship including commercial accounts as well as lending services for spec homes. From the personal attention by Stephanie Weaver, Branch Manager, in retail and commercial banking to knowledgeable insights from lender, Jesica Garza. “Their professionalism and service can’t be beat,” says Bradley.  Ready to build your custom home with Cockrum Construction? SouthStar Bank provides financing for lot purchase and construction with one-time-close. If your dream home is on acreage or otherwise unique, look to Jesica Garza and the team of expert lenders who specialize in flexible, common-sense financial solutions to meet your needs.  CONTACTS  Cockrum Custom Homes  200 Sedro Trail  |  Georgetown, TX 78633 sales@cockrumhomes.com  512.930.1130  SouthStar Bank  4535 Williams Dr.  |  Georgetown, TX 78633 512.688.5093  Jesica Garza, Vice President & Branch Executive | NMLS# 1508061 jesica.garza@southstarbank.com | m: 512.966.7342  Stephanie Weaver Assistant Vice President & Branch Manager stephanie.weaver@southstarbank.com  |  m: 512.217.7605 

DSC 8628 scaled

Customer Spotlight – Jonathan Twaddle

Jonathan Twaddle Homeowner After months of searching for a lender who would finance a self-employed, 27-year old first-time homebuyer, I was on the verge of giving up. After many exhausting ‘NO’s’, an associate recommended I visit with SouthStar Bank. I was immediately impressed with their ability to look beyond the standard paperwork and consider the individual behind the application. Other lenders said ‘you don’t quite fit the box and should start small’. The team at SouthStar Bank assured me that because they set their own lending criteria, the jumbo loan I needed was quite workable. We’ve enjoyed our new home for several months now! If you’ve been turned down because a banker doesn’t ‘get’ your vision, give SouthStar Bank a call!

SSB GonzalesDSC 2708 141 2 scaled

Customer Spotlight – Daniel and Christie Dance

Daniel and Christie Dance Almighty Rentals Our support network advised us to ditch the big bank and partner with a regional institution that remembers names, recognizes potential and has the resources to support growth. SouthStar Bank embodies these characteristics. They took the time to understand our goals and offered invaluable perspective. We value our relationship.

FalconheadDSC 1985 005 scaled

Customer Spotlight – Rudy and Ramiro Yepez

Rudy and Ramiro Yepez After years of dealing with faceless people and bureaucratic attitudes we were looking for a bank with a personal interest in our financial matters. SouthStar Bank’s professional approach and personal touch really makes the difference. They took the time to understand our banking needs and provided working capital for our student housing project.

SW Austin

Customer Spotlight – Joel Walker

Joel Walker This was my first SBA loan and the team at SouthStar Bank help me understand the process and work through my to-do list. I heard stories about the SBA, but the experienced professionals at SouthStar Bank submitted a thorough application and our loan was approved soon after. I’ll be opening another store soon and will definitely use SouthStar Bank again.

Start typing and press Enter to search