Webinar: Unlocking the Power of
SBA 504 Loans
September 24, 2025
Close more deals with less friction and more confidence.
Overview
Thanks to everyone who joined our live webinar on September 24, 2025, Unlocking the Power of SBA 504 Loans. The session was led by Matt Hunt and Candace Sheets, moderated by Sanat Patel, drawing on their experience closing $5B+ in SBA loans.
In this uncertain economic environment, SBA 504 loans are one of the most powerful wealth-building tools for entrepreneurs. They can unlock affordable, long-term financing for owner-occupied commercial real estate—but only if you navigate the rules and paperwork smoothly. This webinar broke down the structure, eligibility, and documentation so brokers and business owners can turn interest into closings with confidence.
If you missed the event—or would like to review the highlights—you can still access the full replay and takeaways below
Request the webinar’s video recording
Key Insights from the Webinar
• SBA 504 loan structure explained: 50% lender, 40% SBA debenture, 10% borrower equity
• Who qualifies: For-profit U.S. businesses with
owner-occupied CRE projects
• What slows down deals: common documentation and
structuring pitfalls
• How AVANA supports every step — from packaging to CDC coordination to closing
• Real-world examples where AVANA helped business
owners secure financing and brokers close faster with SBA 504 loans
Next Steps
Submit a scenario for early eligibility feedback.
Meet the Speakers
About Sanat Patel
As Chief Lending Officer at AVANA Companies and Chair of the Board at AVANA Bank, Sanat Patel brings more than three decades of experience in financial services, private credit and commercial banking, with a proven track record in loan structuring, risk management, and balance sheet growth. Sanat has led strategic initiatives that connect institutional capital with entrepreneurial ambition, supporting the growth of businesses, and owners engaged in commercial real estate across the U.S. He has built and scaled lending platforms in partnership with banks and credit unions, developing tailored financial solutions that drive job creation and foster inclusive economic development.
Meet the Speakers
.png)
About Matthew Hunt
Matt has over 25 years of lending experience and currently serves as the Chief Credit Officer for AVANA. Prior to joining AVANA Capital, Matt was Senior VP and Director of National Real Estate lending for Zions Bank. In that role, he oversaw the bank’s nationwide commercial real estate lending platform with a primary focus in SBA 504 lending.
During his 16 years at Zions, the National Real Estate Group originated over $10 billion in commercial real estate loans, including nearly $5 billion in SBA 504 1st mortgage loans. He brings deep experience, having managed a $5.0 billion CRE portfolio through the global financial crisis and overseeing the secondary market program at Zions Bank.
Meet the Speakers
About Candace Sheets
Candace is a Senior Vice President of Credit for AVANA companies. Candace has 26 years of experience in commercial and residential lending, with extensive expertise in credit underwriting analysis and risk assessment, including commercial, SBA 7a/504, and mortgage loans. She excels in structuring and underwriting complex and diverse commercial credits for various business and collateral types, including hotels, gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants, strip malls, multi-family, assisted living, retail, and office buildings. Candace began her career at Imperial Bank (now Comerica), where she played a key role in establishing the SBA Lending Division and obtaining PLP status. She also was instrumental in establishing the Conventional Correspondent Lending program, which originated over $1 billion in loan volume from 1999 to 2005