Stearns Bank Holdingford National Association to be Acquired by Canadian-Based VersaBank to Expand VersaBank’s Banking Services to the United States

Stearns Financial Services Inc. (“SFSI”) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement with VersaHoldings US Corp. to acquire Stearns Bank Holdingford N.A. (“SBH”) and launch VersaBank’s expansion into the United States. Canadian-based VersaBank, a leader in digital banking and cyber security solutions, is acquiring SBH through its wholly owned US subsidiary, VersaHoldings US Corp, for an estimated US$13.5 million (subject to adjustment at closing).

South End Capital Announces a Selection of Recent Loan Closings

Among the many recent loans funded by South End Capital was a 5.5% rate, 10-year amortized $2,096,300 SBA 7(a) loan for the purchase of equipment, inventory, and working capital for business expansion needs. South End Capital is a $2.3 billion balance-sheet lender and tech-enabled loan marketplace offering a full spectrum of business and real estate loans from $1K to $75M+.  

South End Capital Named the LendVer 2022 Best Commercial Real Estate & Business Lender

LendVer, the reputable database of vetted business and investment property lenders and service providers has finalized its review process for the 2022 Best Commercial Real Estate & Business Lender, and has selected St. Cloud, MN based South End Capital. Founded in 2009 by Noah Grayson as a nationwide, non-conforming commercial lender, South End Capital became a division of Stearns Bank N.A., a $2.3 billion financial institution, in June of 2021.

Stearns Bank N.A. Recognized by Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) in its 2021 Best of the Best Rankings  

The 2021 Best of the Best ranking, released in the May issue of Independent Banker, is based on pre-tax return on assets (ROA) from the past three years, with banks divided into three asset segments. Stearns Bank has consistently been ranked within the top 10, and for 2021, has been ranked #9 in its peer group of banks with over $1 billion in assets [see the rankings].

Noah Grayson, President of South End Capital, Interviewed for Real Estate Bees Article “How Much Do Hard Money Lenders Charge?”

This article will clearly describe the charges and costs of hard money loans (that are sometimes also called private money loans). This includes hard money rates and terms, fees, closing costs, and payments. There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s get started.

Noah Grayson, President of South End Capital, Interviewed for INSIDER Article “7 Key Things to Know When Seeking a Business Loan”

Grayson emphasizes three key factors that lenders prioritize before making lending decisions: Ability to repay the loan, the need for the money and how it will assist with a critical business need or growth, and the business and business owner’s overall creditworthiness.

“The number of employees the business has, or the amount of gross revenue (revenue received before expenses) doesn’t matter as much as the net income of the business (revenue after expenses) and the amount of time a business has been in operation,” Grayson says. “The higher the net income of the business and the longer the business has been in operation, the more financing options the business will have, and the more favorable terms will be available.”

South End Capital Announces 723 Equipment Financings for $53M in March

South End Capital a division of Stearns Bank N.A., a trail-blazing commercial lender and tech-enabled equipment, real estate, and business loan platform, has announced another explosive month for equipment financing. The 723 equipment financings in March were delivered to start-up and established businesses of all kinds, and many were funded in hours and required the borrower to complete just a short verbal or 1-page application.

South End Capital Announces a Selection of Recent Balance-Sheet and Marketplace Financings

We’re a $2.3 billion balance-sheet lender and tech-enabled loan marketplace offering a full spectrum of business and real estate loans from $1K to $75M. Most recently, we directly funded an 18-month, 7% rate, interest-only, short-term 4.71 acre land refinance loan with no prepay penalty. The land was raw, pre-development.  

South End Capital Delivers 0% Down Payment Equipment Financing for Hard to Fund Industries

South End Capital a division of Stearns Bank N.A., a creative commercial lender and tech-enabled business, real estate, and equipment finance platform, has announced a selection of recent equipment financings. The highlighted equipment financing transactions were provided to industries often overlooked by other equipment lenders, and demonstrate South End’s ability to think outside the box.

Trucks & Boats & Dumpsters, Oh My! South End Capital Presents a Selection of Recent Equipment Financings

From computers to airplanes and everything in between! if your small business needs to purchase or refinance equipment, we can help. We’re a $2.3 billion balance-sheet lender and tech-enabled loan marketplace offering a full spectrum of business and real estate loans from $1K to $75M. 

South End Capital Opens Partner Program to Affiliate Marketers

South End Capital a division of Stearns Bank N.A., a nationwide $2.2 billion direct lender and tech-enabled business, real estate, and equipment loan platform offering loans from $1,000 to $80 million in all 50 States and D.C., has announced the expansion of its partner program to include affiliate marketers.

South End Capital Announces 687 Equipment Financings for $49M in December

South End Capital a division of Stearns Bank N.A., an innovative commercial lender and tech-enabled business, real estate, and equipment finance platform, has announced another explosive month for equipment financing. The 687 equipment financings in December were delivered to start-up and established businesses of all kinds, and many were funded in hours and required the borrower to complete just a short verbal or 1-page application.

Noah Grayson, President of South End Capital, Featured in Commercial Property Executive Article “The Upsides, Challenges of CRE Fintech”

Factors in fintech’s ascendency are many, including a COVID-era desire for contactless, technology-enabled business transactions and the goal of reducing the reams of paper involved in a transaction. Another factor is CRE borrowers’ expectation that loan processes will be expedited, as they have been in home mortgage and alternative business lending, said Noah Grayson…

South End Capital Announces 499 Equipment Financings for $36M in November

South End Capital a division of Stearns Bank N.A., an innovative commercial lender and tech-enabled business, real estate, and equipment finance platform, has announced another record-breaking month for equipment financing. The 499 equipment financings in November were delivered to a variety of business types, and many were funded the same day and required the borrower to complete only a verbal or 1-page application.

South End Capital Announces $35M in Equipment Financings in October

South End Capital a division of Stearns Bank N.A., a nationwide $2.2 billion direct lender and technology-enabled business, real estate, and equipment loan platform, has announced 528 equipment financings totaling approximately $35 million in the month of October.