Advia Credit Union Business Loans & Commercial Lending

Advia Credit Union Commercial Lending for Michigan and Wisconsin Businesses

Access to capital determines whether a business can expand, survive a downturn or seize a time-sensitive opportunity. Advia Credit Union's commercial lending division serves businesses at every stage, from startups seeking their first line of credit to established companies acquiring commercial property. The credit union's cooperative structure means lending decisions prioritize the borrower's capacity and business plan rather than maximizing lender profit margins.

Commercial Real Estate Loans

Advia Credit Union finances owner-occupied and investment commercial properties across Michigan and Wisconsin. Loan amounts range from $50,000 to $5 million. Terms span 5 to 25 years with amortization schedules up to 25 years on owner-occupied properties. Both fixed and variable rate structures are available, with fixed rates starting at 6.49% APR for well-qualified borrowers.

Eligible property types include office buildings, retail storefronts, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, mixed-use buildings and multi-family residential properties with five or more units. Down payments typically start at 20% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is lower. SBA 504 loans can reduce the down payment to as little as 10% for qualifying owner-occupied purchases.

The underwriting process evaluates the business's debt service coverage ratio, the property's appraised value and condition, the borrower's credit history and the viability of the business plan. Advia Credit Union assigns a dedicated commercial loan officer to each application, and that officer remains the borrower's primary contact through the life of the loan.

Equipment Financing

Equipment loans from Advia Credit Union fund the purchase of machinery, vehicles, technology systems and other tangible business assets. Loan amounts run from $5,000 to $500,000 with terms matched to the expected useful life of the equipment, typically 3 to 7 years. Rates start at 7.25% APR. The financed equipment serves as the loan's collateral, which eliminates the need for additional security in most cases.

Both new and used equipment qualify. For used assets, the credit union requires an independent appraisal or documented fair market value. Businesses can also use equipment financing to refinance existing equipment debt from higher-rate lenders, potentially reducing monthly payments and total interest costs. Seasonal payment structures are available for agricultural and tourism businesses that generate uneven revenue throughout the year.

Business Lines of Credit

A business line of credit from Advia Credit Union provides revolving access to funds that the borrower draws on as needed and repays on a flexible schedule. Credit limits range from $10,000 to $250,000. Secured lines backed by business assets or real estate start at 7.75% APR. Unsecured lines begin at 8.50% APR and are available up to $100,000 for businesses with strong credit profiles and at least two years of operating history.

Interest accrues only on the outstanding drawn balance, not the full credit limit. Monthly payments cover accrued interest plus a minimum principal reduction, though borrowers can pay down the balance at any time without prepayment penalties. The line renews annually subject to a review of the business's financial performance. Common uses include bridging gaps between accounts receivable and accounts payable, funding seasonal inventory purchases and covering unexpected expenses without disrupting cash reserves.

SBA Loans Through Advia Credit Union

As an SBA Preferred Lender, Advia Credit Union holds delegated authority to approve and close SBA loans without waiting for separate SBA review. This status reduces processing time by weeks compared to non-preferred lenders. The credit union offers both SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loan programs.

SBA 7(a) loans provide up to $5 million for working capital, equipment purchases, real estate acquisition, business acquisition and debt refinancing. Terms reach 10 years for working capital, 10 years for equipment and 25 years for real estate. The SBA guarantees 85% of loans up to $150,000 and 75% of loans above $150,000, which reduces Advia Credit Union's risk exposure and allows approval of borrowers who might not qualify for conventional commercial lending.

SBA 504 loans fund major fixed asset purchases, primarily real estate and heavy equipment. The structure involves Advia Credit Union providing 50% of the project cost, a Certified Development Company providing 40% through an SBA-guaranteed debenture and the borrower contributing 10% as a down payment. This structure benefits businesses that need to preserve working capital while acquiring significant assets. Detailed program requirements are published on the SBA 504 loan program page.

Applying for a Business Loan at Advia Credit Union

The application process begins with a conversation. Business owners contact the commercial lending team at (844) 238-4228 or visit any of the 28 branch locations to discuss their financing needs. The loan officer identifies the appropriate product, outlines documentation requirements and provides a preliminary assessment of terms.

Standard documentation includes two years of business and personal tax returns, a current year-to-date profit and loss statement, a balance sheet, a business debt schedule, personal financial statements for all owners holding 20% or more equity and, for startups, a detailed business plan with financial projections. Commercial real estate loans also require a property appraisal, environmental assessment and title insurance.

Once the application package is complete, underwriting decisions on standard commercial loans are typically delivered within 5 to 10 business days. SBA loans may take 10 to 15 business days depending on program requirements and third-party documentation. Advia Credit Union does not charge application fees on any business loan product.