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
CREDIT LINE
BUSINESS
EQUIPMENT
CREDIT BUILDER

We offer multiple financing options for businesses including Term Loans, SBA Loans, Advances, Credit Lines, 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 buy or start a business, for working capital, or to consolidate debt or merchant cash advances.

  • $1,000 to $500,000+
  • No Min. Credit Score
  • Competitive Financing Rates
  • No Collateral Required
  • Streamlined Underwriting
  • No Min. Revenue Required
  • No Min. Time in Business
  • Most Business Types Eligible
  • Nationwide Financing
  • Same-Day Funding Available
PREQUALIFY

Are you seeking flexible access to capital, where you pay only for the funds you need? A revolving business line of credit operates like a credit card, usually offering a higher credit limit and lower interest rate, and you pay interest and fees solely on the funds you utilize.

You can pay off your balance at any time without incurring penalties and repeatedly draw funds for expansion, emergencies, or any unforeseen business expenses—all through a convenient online portal.

  • $1,000 to $500,000+
  • Low Interest Rates
  • No Min. Credit Score
  • Up to 36-Month Terms
  • Streamlined Underwriting
  • 6+ Months Time in Business
  • No Collateral Required
  • Most Business Types Eligible
  • Nationwide Financing
  • Same-Day Funding Available
PREQUALIFY

Business owners can access flexible Conventional Loans or preferred SBA Financing for a variety of business purposes such as to purchase or construct commercial real estate, buy or start a business, for large amounts of working capital, to open a new location, or to consolidate debt or merchant cash advances.

We can even consider borrowers turned down by other lenders due to credit issues, limited collateral, or other financing barriers.

  • $250,000 to $15 Million
  • Nationwide Financing
  • 650 Credit Score Min.
  • Competitive Interest Rates
  • Monthly Loan Payments
  • 5- to 25-Year Loan Terms
  • Flexible Underwriting
  • Most Businesses Eligible 
  • No Prepay Penalty Options
  • Expedited Funding Available
PREQUALIFY

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
  • Startup Terms Available
  • Same-Day Funding Available
  • NEW and USED Equipment
PREQUALIFY

Even if you have no or low credit, you may still be eligible to prequalify for financing without impacting your credit through our flexible programs. If financing eligibility remains a challenge, our advisors can assist you in selecting from various Credit Builder products, such as the Credit Builder Loan, Credit Builder Card, Bill and Rent Reporting, and Credit Repair.

With ongoing credit score monitoring, you’ll receive notifications about score improvements and when you’ve re-qualified for better financing terms.

  • Free Consultation
  • Affordable Plan Options
  • Create On-Time Pay History
  • Same-Day Solutions
  • 65 Point Avg. Score Increase
  • Remove Incorrect Credit Info
  • Industry-Leading Providers
  • Save on Future Payments
  • Tailored Program Options
  • Personal & Business Credit
PREQUALIFY

Recent Closings

$50,000
Gas Station / C-Store
Working Capital
40-Week Term
5 Business Day Funding

$65,000
Mobile Storage Co.
Equipment Purchase
60-Month Term / 0% Down Payment
11.80% Finance Rate

$137,000
Child Care Center
Line of Credit
18-Month Term / 3 Day Funding
1.33% Interest Rate per Month

$179,720
Wellness Co.
Equipment Purchase
60-Month Term / 0% Down Payment
11.16% Finance Rate

$58,850
Communications Co.
Equipment Purchase
60-Month Term / 0% Down Payment
12.37% Finance Rate

$500,000
Oil & Gas Co.
Working Capital
10-Year Term / No Prepay Penalty
11.25% Interest Rate

$12,800
Freight Trucking Co.
Working Capital
6-Month Term / 1 Day Funding
Single Truck Operator

$60,000
Agricultural Company
Used Tractor Purchase
60-Month Term / 12.81% Finance Rate
1 Day Funding

$50,000
Consulting Firm
Working Capital
10-Year Term / 15% Interest Rate
No Prepay Penalty

$119,000
Forestry Company
Logging Harvester Purchase
48-Month Term / 0% Down Payment
16.22% Finance Rate

$93,224
Construction Company
Used Bulldozer Purchase
60-Month Term / 15% Down Payment
13.24% Finance Rate

$920,000
Restaurant
Real Estate Purchase
10.75% Interest Rate / 86% LTV
25-Year Term / Amortization

$1,000,000
Winter Lodge & Cabins
BUSINESS Working Capital / Debt Refi.
11.50% Interest Rate / 10-Year Term
650 Credit Score, Rural Location

$162,000
Rural Resort
EQUIPMENT Purchase Financing
14.34% Finance Rate / 60-Month Term
0% Down Payment, Used RV

$100,000
Pet Grooming Co.
FAST CAPITAL Credit Line
3.33% Interest Rate / Mo., 18-Mo. Term
Application & Bank Stmts. Only

$500,000
Freight Trucking Co.
FAST CAPITAL Working Capital
13.25% Interest Rate, 10-Year Term
No Prepayment Penalty

$295,200
Fitness Boot Camp
BUSINESS Franchise Startup Loan
11.25% Interest Rate, 10-Year Term
No Prepayment Penalty

$29,999
Excavation Co.
EQUIPMENT Purchase Financing
12.50% Finance Rate, 60-Month Term
0% Down Payment, Used Dump Truck

$1,550,000
Appraisal Company
SBA Business Purchase Loan
11.25% Rate, 10-Year Term
Mukwonago, WI

$105,000
Handyman Service
SBA Business Start-Up Loan
11.75% Rate, 10-Year Term
Stockbridge, GA

$150,000
Retail Clothing Store
SBA Working Capital Loan
9.00% Rate, 10-Year Term
St. Cloud, MN

$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

Team

Leadership

Noah Grayson
President, Founder
LinkedIn

Matthew Naughton
VP, Sales Director
Contact

Myron Alford
VP, Operations Manager
Contact

Bill Schmidt
Finance Manager
Contact

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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!
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Announcements

South End Capital Announces Business Credit Line Program up to $500,000 – ST. CLOUD, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES, February 20, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — South End Capital, a division of Stearns Bank N.A., is excited to unveil its Business Line of Credit Program, providing businesses nationwide with access to up to $500,000 in a revolving credit facility. With a 15-year track record as a technology-driven lender and loan marketplace, South End Capital remains committed to evolving its funding solutions to fulfill its mission of democratizing access to business capital. [read 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

4140 Thielman Lane
St. Cloud, MN 56301