As a preferred lender, we know SBA loans. Our team of experts will guide you through the entire process — and get the funds you need fast.
Key Features
- Available for start-up businesses, as well as purchasing, expanding, and refinancing existing businesses
- Government-assisted help for businesses that might otherwise have difficulty getting approved
- Special financing for qualifying businesses
- Competitive fixed and variable rates for a wide range of business purposes:
- Expand, acquire or start a business
- Purchase or construct real estate
- Refinance existing business debt
- Buy equipment
- Provide working capital
- Finance building improvements
- Purchase inventory
- A wide range of lending options available
- Generally lower down payments and extended terms
- Attentive, friendly service from start to finish
Loan Size
Loan amount may vary depending on the request, but is limited to $5,000,000.
Interest Rate
- Variable or fixed rate
- Fully amortized through the term of the loan
Terms Available Amortization Periods
- Up to 25 years on commercial real estate, and up to 20 years on farm real estate
- Up to 10 years: equipment, business acquisition
- Up to 10 years: working capital
- All loans are fully amortized
- No balloon payments
Loan Structure
-
Equity injection of at least 10% of the total project cost on Change of Ownership transactions and on Start-Ups
Loan Fees
- SBA Fees ranging from 0% to 2.77% of the loan amount depending on loan size
- Fees rolled into loan
Good SBA loan prospects are listed below, but not limited to:
- Business Acquisitions
- Loans to professionals – Doctors, Dentists, Veterinarians, Pharmacists
- Pet boarding facilities/pet hotels
- Real estate financing
- Franchises (SBA eligible)
- Service companies
- Manufacturers and wholesalers
- Hotels
Create a Business Plan
One of the best ways to prepare for SBA financing is to develop a business plan. It helps prove you have the data, gameplan, and business skill to be worth the investment. Not sure where to begin? We'll walk you through it.
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Schwanda Flowers
Managing Director
Loan Officer
First Financial Bank
Little Rock, AR
Phone: 501-672-5040
Email Me
Recognizing that passion for ownership and personal relationships are key to small business success, Schwanda uses her vast experience in ownership and business planning to support business owners in accomplishing their goal of ownership or expansion of their business.
Dr. Schwanda Flowers has been an innovative member of the community for the past 20 years. As a former independent pharmacy owner, she understands what it takes to be a successful owner and entrepreneur. Her expertise led her to academia, where she has been leading the way for the last 14 years focusing on entrepreneurship, ownership, business planning, and leadership, and professional development. She has mentored entrepreneurs for more than 13 years and is committed to helping the next generation of pet care realize their dream of ownership. She serves as a business plan team advisor and has been recognized nationally numerous times over the last 10 years. Schwanda, along with her husband, also developed the Pharmacy Ownership and Leadership Academy to prepare student pharmacists for ownership.
At home, she and her husband enjoy traveling, playing golf, and spending time on the water or skiing in Colorado with their five children. They are active in the community and volunteer with local organizations dear to their hearts.
The entrepreneurial spirit burns bright in the clients Bo guides through the intricacies of the process to pharmacy ownership. With his 20 years of experience in retail and commercial banking, clients gain a seasoned advisor who is instrumental in helping them achieve their goals.
Bo joined First Financial Bank’s client-focused pharmacy loan team in 2012 to specialize in helping those who are looking to acquire or build a pharmacy.
However, the relationship only builds from there. Bo enjoys building relationships with clients during the process and stays in touch with clients after closing.
Outside of work, you can find Bo and his high energy family engaged in variety of activities, including travel and golf.
Before joining our lending team, Dr. Bobby Glaze was an independent pharmacy manager and community pharmacist. He understands the day-to-day aspects of running a pharmacy and business. Bobby enjoys learning the story behind his client's pursuit of pharmacy ownership and the store they are purchasing. His experience as a pharmacist will benefit his clients in becoming successful pharmacy owners. Outside of being a loan officer, he owns a small business and loves spending time with his wife and their three pets.
Drew joined First Financial Bank’s Pharmacy Lending Team in 2012 after working at a leading research-based biopharmaceutical company. As an independent pharmacy owner himself for over 5 years, Drew enjoys coaching buyers through the details of pharmacy ownership. Clear communication helps alleviate concerns, and he understands the necessary skills and tools needed to navigate the process.
Whether dealing with a complex SBA loan or a multi-store deal with numerous affiliates, Drew works at the crux of expertise and creativity. This collaborative approach provides Drew with the best part of the job: witnessing the many success stories of his clients.
When not working with clients, Drew and his family are involved with their local church, participating in sports and enjoying the outdoors.
With over a decade of experience in growing successful start-ups, Ashlee knows what it takes to build a successful business from the ground up. Her passion for entrepreneurship and seeing the dreams of a business owner come to fruition is the driving force behind her work funding small business ownership.
Through her work as a Sales and Business Development professional, Ashlee has been an integral part of the success and growth of businesses in the health, wellness, and pet care space. She has worked with pet care businesses across the country, is passionate about their results, and knows what it takes to stand out in this very competitive field. Before joining the First Financial team, she worked with various small businesses as the creator of launch and expansion strategies that have achieved exponential growth. She holds a degree in Business Management and Marketing from Penn State, and has leveraged her knowledge and expertise to ensure the goals of small business owners are achieved.
Outside of work, Ashlee is passionate about animal welfare, and volunteers weekly at a local animal shelter. She is a lifelong athlete and martial artist, and loves participating in outdoor activities with her husband, children, and dogs. When there is down time, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family.