PanDia Seeds Inc. is an international wholesale vegetable seed company working with trusted growers worldwide to develop safe, healthy vegetable varieties using modern techniques.
Through breeding, trials, and production, PanDia Seeds upholds the highest standards of quality while helping growers of all sizes get better, more robust, and more flavorful vegetables.
Founder Robert Campana was thrilled that PanDia Seeds was thriving. However, so was the post-pandemic real estate market. Campana assumed that owning commercial property for his business was unobtainable – until he discovered TMC Financing’s SBA 504 loan program.
The SBA 504 Program Was a Clear Match for PanDia Seeds
The SBA 504 loan program enables small business owners to purchase owner-occupied commercial real estate at below-market, long-term fixed interest rates.
SBA 504 loans offer a down payment as low as 10 percent– compared to the conventional 25 to 40 percent. Plus, 504 loans are fully amortized over 25 years and do not have a balloon payment.
PanDia Seeds considered securing a conventional commercial loan, but the hefty down payment and fees put off Campana. With 10 percent down, his business could keep more cash in play to customize the new space to meet company needs.
“Everybody I talked to said owning your building is great, but the rates were soaring,” said Campana. “My goal was to buy an industrial condo to replace the space we had rented for years. The 504 Program allowed me to achieve this goal.”
PanDia Seeds Is Growing Faster than Ever After TMC Financing’s SBA 504 Loan
The company was originally renting its warehouse to store its ever-growing stock of equipment and seeds. Rent was on the rise, and Campana knew it would be a precarious situation if they ever needed to move out of the space.
By utilizing TMC Financing’s SBA 504 Program, Campana purchased the ideal 3,650-square foot industrial warehouse in Ventura, CA, to ensure long-term stability.
TMC Financing’s SBA 504 expert in Southern California, explains, “the 504 loan was the perfect solution for PanDia Seeds. Unlike renting, buying your building assures your monthly payment doesn’t change, which provides stability and peace of mind to many small business owners.”
Since moving to the new location, Campana lowered his occupancy costs and noticed improvements in productivity, morale, and operational flow.
“Now that we own our property, we can build it out exactly the way we want it. We’ve been able to add a recording studio, set up growing stations, and play around with the electrical and the plumbing. These are things we would never have done if we still were renting because we didn’t want to invest in someone else’s asset. People love it compared to where we were.”
Campana urges small business owners to move towards property ownership as soon as possible.
“I think as soon as a business owner is able, they should look into buying their own building with a 504 loan. It locks in low rates, builds equity, and really helps acquire new business.”
If you’re a small business owner and want to explore commercial real estate financing that fits your needs, TMC Financing’s SBA 504 loan program is where to start. Contact us to learn more.