About

Commercial Lending Reinvented

South End Capital was founded in 2009 and is a division of Stearns Bank N.A., a $2.2 billion institution. Our innovative direct lending and comprehensive marketplace financing delivers a full spectrum of capital solutions for emerging and expanding businesses. A tech-powered platform and premier customer support offers equal access to industry-leading business, equipment, and real estate funding.

Get FinancingPrograms

Programs

FAST Capital
Equipment
Business

Thanks to our preferred SBA lender status and major guideline changes recently enacted, obtaining an SBA business loan with us is now easier, faster, and more affordable! Streamlined SBA working capital is now available up $500,000 with rates starting at Prime + 3%. Funding under $50,000 can even occur in days often without collateral or financials.

Eligible businesses can avoid costly merchant cash advances, pay $0 in SBA guarantee fees, and transition to predictable monthly loan payments.

  • Financing up to $500,000
  • Rates from Prime + 3%
  • Monthly Payments
  • 10-Year Loan Term
  • 700 Min. Credit Score
  • Streamlined Underwriting
  • No SBA Guarantee Fees 
  • 2 Yrs. Min. Time in Business
  • Nationwide Financing
  • No Prepayment Penalty
Get Financing

We are one of the nation’s top equipment lenders and our customized term and payment options match your business’s cash-flow cycle. Our innovative loan portal and live personal support enable us to issue financing approvals in hours, and fund in less than a day.

Most equipment and businesses are eligible, and you can count on the most competitive terms and a tailored equipment financing structure that works for you.

  • $5,000 to $5 Million+
  • Custom Payment Options
  • Competitive Pricing
  • Up to 10-Year Terms
  • Dealer & Private Party Sales
  • Nationwide Financing
  • 0% Down on Purchases
  • Start-Up Terms Available
  • Same Day Funding
  • NEW and USED Equipment
Get Financing

We offer multiple financing options for business owners including Real Estate Mortgages, SBA Loans, Term Loans, Credit Lines, Advances, Cannabis Loans, and more! We can even consider borrowers turned down by other lenders due to low credit or other financing barriers.

Funds can be used for any business purpose such as to purchase or construct real estate, buy or start a business, for working capital, or to consolidate debt or merchant cash advances.

  • $1,000 to $20 Million+
  • Nationwide Financing
  • Competitive Rates
  • Monthly Payment Options
  • Short and Long-Term Loans
  • Flexible Underwriting
  • Most Businesses Eligible 
  • Sole Proprietors are OK
  • Start-Up Financing Available
  • No Collateral Options
Get Financing

Recent Closings

$355,000
Therapy Co.
SBA Working Capital Loan
11.00% Rate, 10-Year Term
Washington, DC

$35,000
Consulting Co.
Working Capital Advance
6-Week Term, 1 Day Funding
Queens, NY

$110,097
Junk Hauler Purchase
0% Down Payment, 1 Day Closing
13.14% Rate, 5-Year Term
Denver, CO

$53,650
Excavator Purchase Financing
8.68% Rate, 5-Year Term
12-Month Early Buy-out Option
New Windsor, NY

$125,185
Gym Equipment
20% Down Equipment Financing
9.03% Rate, 5-Year Term
Brooklyn, NY

$116,039
Excavator
0% Down Equipment Financing
11.884% Rate, 6-Year Term
Alpharetta, GA

$19,195,956
Construction Financing
126-Unit Apartment Complex
2-Year Purchase & Renovation Loan
Chicago, IL

$3,693,000
Cannabis Financing
Dispensary & Equipment Purchase
5-Year Term, 20-Year Amortization
Las Vegas, NV

$250,000
Software Co.
SBA Express Credit Line
11.00% Rate, 10-Year Term
Tallahassee, FL

$975,000
Anti-Aging Center
SBA 7(a) Franchise Start-Up
10.75% Rate, 10-Year Term
Nashville, TN

$215,000
HVAC Franchise
SBA 7(a) Start-Up Loan
10.00% Rate, 10-Year Term
Teaneck, NJ

$225,000
Pet Resort
SBA 7(a) Business Purchase
10.75% Rate, 10-Year Term
Pittsburgh, PA

$45,163
Lawn Mowers
0% Down Equipment Financing
14.397% Rate, 3-Year Term
Erie, CO

$262,500
Boom Lift
0% Down Equipment Financing
11.118% Rate, 5-Year Term
North Pole, AK

$42,596
Construction Co.
Working Capital
10.24% Rate, 3-Year Fixed
Lula, GA

$148,950
Hauling Co.
Equipment Financing
9.955% Rate, 5-Year Term
Metter, GA

$261,900
Restaurant
SBA 7(a) Expansion Loan
10.5% Rate, 10-Year Term
Indianapolis, IN

$340,000
Construction Co.
SBA 7(a) Debt Consolidation
10.75% Rate, 10-Year Term
Chesterfield, VA

$252,037
Logging Co.
Equipment Financing
8.56% Rate, 5-Year Term
Lyndhurst, OH

$25,000
Wellness Co.
SBA Express Working Capital
Prime + 6.5%, 10-Year Term
Clermont, FL

$350,000
Restaurant Building
SBA 7(a) Refinance & Expansion
10.25% Rate, 10-Year Term
Atlanta, GA

$52,874
Hauling Co.
Equipment Financing
12.13% Rate, 5-Year Term
Riverside, CA

$139,500
Sandwich Franchise
SBA 7(a) Business Purchase
9.25% Rate, 10-Year Term
Las Vegas, NV

$66,829
Construction Co.
Equipment Financing – 3 Day Close!
10.63% Rate, 0% Down Payment
Sugar Hill, GA

$350,000
Freight Logistics Co.
SBA 7(a) Line of Credit
9.75% Rate, 10-Year Term
Vancouver, WA

$4,900,000
Aesthetic & Wellness Spa
SBA 7(a) Expansion Loan
9% Rate, 25-Year Term
Boston, MA

$570,000
Equipment Supplier
80% LTV Industrial Building Purchase
8.5% Rate, 3-Week Closing
Palm Harbor, FL

$650,000
Medical Clinic
75% LTV Office Building Purchase
9.5% Rate, Foreign National
Tampa, FL

$70,350
Long-Haul Trucking Co.
Equipment Financing
14.36% Rate, 0% Down Payment
Wilmington, CA

$221,466
Laboratory Testing Co.
Equipment Financing
7.79% Rate, 5-Year Term
Waite Park, MN

Team

Leadership

Noah Grayson
President, Founder
Forbes | LinkedIn

Matthew Naughton
VP, Sales Director
Contact

Myron Alford
VP, Operations Manager
Contact

Bill Schmidt
Finance Manager
Contact

Subscribe

Join our email list! If you’re a business owner, real estate investor, loan professional, or entrepreneur, then subscribe to our email list below. Stay up-to-date on our innovative financing, partner program, and industry trends.
Subscribe

Partner Program

Increase revenue by adding another income stream! We make it easy to offer financing and earn BIG fees. Get your FREE co-branded website, 24/7 tracking, and much more in just 60-seconds. Custom partner options available!
Learn More

Announcements

South End Capital Announces FAST CAPITAL up to $500,000 – ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, November 29, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — South End Capital, a division of Stearns Bank N.A., a prominent $2.2 billion financial institution, is thrilled to announce the availability of FAST CAPITAL, offering up to $500,000 for businesses nationwide [learn more]…

FAQs

Listed here are the most commonly asked questions about who we are and how we operate. If you have a question that is not found here, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to address it.

Is SEC a lender or a broker?

SEC is a division of Stearns Bank, NA, a $2.2 billion national financial institution. As such, SEC is an approved direct commercial real estate lender, investment residential lender, business lender, SBA lender, USDA lender, and equipment financing lender. SEC also administers a cutting-edge, technology-based intermediary loan marketplace that facilitates the placement of loans SEC cannot fund in-house, through a strategic network of lending partners. SEC lends in all 50 States plus Washington, DC.

What documents are required to close a loan with SEC?

The documentation required will vary depending on the financing type.

Equipment Financing less than $150K (and up to $350K in some cases) requires only:

▶ A completed verbal or 1-page application for approval, and a few basic items to fund (this is why we can fund in as little as 82 minutes!)

SBA, Business, and Real Estate Financing may require additional documentation such as a personal financial statement, bank statements, financials and/or tax returns.

Documentation requirements for the participating lenders in our marketplace will vary by lender and transaction type. We only partner with the most technology-efficient lenders that have a track-record of performance. Many marketplace loans can fund with basic documentation in as fast as a few hours.

How do I signup as a Referral Partner with SEC?

If you are a lender, mortgage / loan broker, ISO, CPA, media company, finance / real estate professional, or entrepreneur looking to leverage our real estate and business loan programs to increase your revenue, then click here to register and be reviewed for approval as a Referral Partner (there is no cost to register and it only takes about a minute). Once approved you will be eligible to receive competitive referral fees on funded loans you referred to us, and view the status of your referral pipeline 24/7 in our comprehensive partner portal.

I’m a borrower, broker or lender—why should I work with SEC?

If you are a borrower looking for financing in this market, you know the process can be difficult and confusing. SEC is an experienced lender, founded in 2009, with a focus on customer service, transparency and ethical practices. We have always concentrated on providing non-conforming borrowers the most competitive and affordable loan options, and we have built a reputation as a market leader doing just that (Google us!).

If you are a broker or lender, then you know loan fallout is a costly issue that can be resolved and monetized by the right strategic partner. The loan programs SEC offers are genuine, and they perform. We utilize the latest technology to offer our partners the opportunity to convert their leads and fallout into significant revenue. We operate as your back-office so that you can focus your effort on what’s most important to you. We offer competitive referral fees, volume incentives, and additional benefits such as co-branded loan referral links and referral tracking. Once approved you’ll receive access to our innovative partner portal where you can view the status of your referral pipeline 24/7 and manage your account.

Does SEC charge upfront fees?

No. SEC charges no upfront or application fees. After a borrower signs and accepts a term sheet, he/she will be responsible for the payment of any required due diligence fees (if applicable), such as an appraisal or environmental report fee.

Does SEC charge loan points and/or fees at closing?

SEC charges standard origination and closing fees. Because we are a division of a bank, our fees tend to be lower than our competitors. We are happy to provide a fee estimate upon request so there are no surprises.

How long does it take to close a loan with SEC?

Closing time depends on the financing type, but we prioritize speed throughout the loan process. Equipment and marketplace business financing can be approved and funded in less than a day. Real estate, SBA, and USDA loan approval can occur in a matter of days (after receipt of a completed loan application), with the entire funding process taking approximately 45 to 90 days.

Does SEC offer loan programs outside of the United States?

We offer loan programs in all 50 states plus Washington, DC. We do not offer any loan programs in any other countries.

What collateral will SEC lend against?

Only commercial real estate, 1 to 4 unit non-owner occupied residential properties held (or to be acquired) for investment purposes, businesses and hard business assets (i.e., equipment, machinery, etc.) are eligible for financing under our programs. SEC can also provide business financing without any collateral in a number of cases. We do not offer financing on owner-occupied residential properties, securities or any other types of collateral.

Are Referral Partners, loan brokers, or third parties ever considered representatives, agents or employees of SEC?

No. SEC approved Referral Partners are only authorized to refer SEC eligible borrowers for potential financing. SEC approved Referral Partners are independent, third-party individuals and/or companies, are not subsidiaries, agents, or employees of SEC, are not authorized to make representations, or conduct business on SEC’s behalf, nor commit SEC to any obligation. Any third-party found to be making a claim of legal affiliation with SEC, a representation or commitment on behalf of SEC, or requesting funds on behalf of SEC, will be viewed as having committed fraud and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. If you feel you have encountered an individual or entity committing such fraud, falsely issuing documentation on behalf of SEC, or attempting to collect funds on behalf of SEC, please contact us immediately at fraudprevention@stearnsbank.com.

Contact

Customer Support


(320) 202 – 6106

4191 2nd St. S.
St. Cloud, MN 56301