February 2026

New For FY 2026:

🏭 Manufacturing Rates (NAICS 31–33):

📌 25-year: 5.80%

📌 20-year: 5.86%

📌 10-year: 5.67%


SBA has waived both the upfront guaranty fee and the ongoing guaranty fee for manufacturers (NAICS 31–33).

The purpose of GLCF's Manufacturing Rate is to demonstrate how waiving the ongoing guaranty fee impacts the overall SBA 504 effective rate.

Additionally, GLCF is upping the ante by covering 50% of the third-party lender fee (up to $5,000) for manufacturing projects approved through September 30, 2026, thereby providing our Manufacturers in Michigan, as well as those in Indiana and Ohio border counties, with even more benefits. You can read more about it below, or click the link: https://buff.ly/qgucMEu.

Featured Funding: Extra Credit Projects

Growth often depends on timing, opportunity, and the right financial partner. For Extra Credit Projects (ECP), support from Great Lakes Commercial Finance (GLCF) provided the stability needed to take the next step.

With assistance from the SBA 504 Loan Program through GLCF, ECP secured long-term stability and the flexibility to grow. The structure provided a low down payment and a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan, reducing risk and giving leadership the confidence to focus on expansion rather than financial uncertainty.

“The 504 Loan program enabled stability and gave us the ability to grow the business,” ECP shared. “Without it, we may have faced relocation or other restrictions as we continued to expand.”

This kind of financing does more than support individual businesses; it strengthens the broader West Michigan economy. With a permanent home, ECP continues to deliver creative solutions for major regional organizations while investing time and talent back into the community through volunteer work and marketing services for nonprofits and small businesses.



GLCF’s role in this expansion reflects its broader mission: empowering local businesses with the tools they need to build long-term sustainability, create economic value, and give back to the community. By pairing flexible financing with trusted guidance, GLCF helps companies like ECP move from possibility to progress.

To read more about Extra Credit Projects and the work they do within the West Michigan Community, CLICK HERE.

GLCF Launches FY 2026 Manufacturer Incentive Program

Great Lakes Commercial Finance is building on the success of last year’s initiative with a new FY 2026 incentive program designed to support manufacturers across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. In alignment with recent SBA guidance, qualifying manufacturers can benefit from waived SBA 504 fees plus a GLCF-funded incentive covering 50% of the third-party lender fee (up to $5,000), creating meaningful upfront and long-term savings for borrowers.

CLICK HERE to learn more about our FY 2026 Incentive Program and how borrowers can benefit!

Events

GLCF Annual Bracket Challenge

It is almost here!

Get a head start 🏀

Before things tip off, make sure you're ready by creating your CBS Sports account now.

Stay tuned - full challenge details will hit your inbox soon, so keep an eye out.

A $100 gift card is on the line for the champion 🏆

Join us for a day full of golf, drinks, lunch, an after-round gathering, prizes, and more!

Participation in the Lenders Cup is limited to lending institutions with at least one loan approved between now and September 16th.

Connect with one of our loan officers today!

Want to get even more visibility this year? Sponsorships are selling out fast, and becoming a sponsor is a great way to elevate your brand recognition throughout the event and beyond.

For more information, including how to become a valued sponsor, click below:

For more information, click Here

Do you have a client who could benefit from learning how to secure SBA financing?

Join the SBA Michigan District Office every third Thursday for an online Access to Capital Information Session, where experts explain how lenders assess loan requests and outline SBA financing options.

This session helps business owners understand the “Five Cs of Credit” and prepare stronger, more competitive applications.

Join one of these monthly sessions to learn more:

All sessions will be from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

FY2026 Schedule (Virtual)

Schedule a Time to Learn More About

the Benefits of the SBA 504 Loan Program

Interested in learning more about the SBA 504 Loan Program? If you or your team would like to better understand the program and how it supports both small businesses and lending partners, please schedule a meeting with one of our loan officers. Presentations can be tailored to your group size and time constraints.

Lender Leader Board

We want to thank all the lenders that have had loans authorized through GLCF by the SBA in FY 2026. At the end of our current fiscal year (09/30/2026), the lending institution with the most loan approvals will receive GLCF's Lender of the Year Award!