For Paula Chang and Michael Cheung, the husband-and-wife owners of Tinkering Monkey, owning their own space was the key to unlocking new levels of success for their innovative architectural signage studio.

“We had reached a point where our leased space was holding us back,” Paula explains. “We needed room to grow and to bring our vision for the company to life.”

By partnering with TMC Financing and TMC Financing’s Executive Vice President, Kurt Chambliss, the couple secured an SBA 504 loan to purchase a new property, enabling them to expand their operations, improve efficiency, and gain long-term stability.

Here’s how Tinkering Monkey used the SBA 504 loan to grow their business, secure their future, and create a workspace that fosters creativity, efficiency, and long-term success.

From Innovative Beginnings to Nationwide Impact

Tinkering Monkey is a custom architectural signage studio known for its fresh, modern approach to crafting signage. By combining cutting-edge technology with traditional and unique materials, the team brings brands to life with their bespoke creations. “Every sign we create tells a story,” Paula shares. “We wanted our workspace to reflect that same creativity and craftsmanship.” Over the years, Tinkering Monkey has fabricated signs for more than 3,000 companies nationwide — a testament to their creativity and craftsmanship.

However, growth came with its own set of challenges. Their previous location was at capacity, limiting their ability to purchase larger equipment and store materials. To continue delivering top-quality products to their growing customer base, Paula and Michael knew it was time to invest in a larger, permanent space.

Finding the Perfect Property

The couple found an ideal location at 675-695 Cedar Street and 1500 3rd Street in Berkeley, CA. The property includes four industrial buildings totaling 13,800 square feet on three parcels, offering ample room to scale their operations.

Owning this space not only provided Tinkering Monkey with the room to grow but also stabilized their operating costs. “This move gave us the stability we needed,” Paula says. “We no longer have to worry about rent increases or losing our lease.” By moving out of a leased location, Paula and Michael gained control over their future and freed up resources to reinvest in their business.

Partnering with TMC for Financing

To make the property purchase possible, Tinkering Monkey worked with Kurt to secure an SBA 504 loan. The total project cost was $3,228,000, and the SBA 504 program allowed Paula and Michael to make the purchase with only a 10% down payment, while benefiting from a fixed 25-year term.

For small business owners, the SBA 504 loan program is an incredible tool because it provides:

Low Down Payments: With just 10% down, owners can preserve cash flow for other business investments.
Fixed, Below-Market Rates: The long-term stability of fixed rates makes it easier to manage occupancy costs.
Tax Benefits: Ownership comes with significant tax advantages, including deductions for interest and depreciation.
Long-Term Stability: Owning property secures the future of the business and builds equity over time.

“The SBA 504 program is a game changer for businesses like ours,” Paula says. “It made what felt impossible—owning such an incredible space—completely achievable.”

Expanding Capabilities, Securing the Future

The new location has transformed Tinkering Monkey’s operations. With more space, Paula and Michael have been able to purchase larger equipment and store additional materials on-site. “Having the right equipment and materials on hand means we can take on bigger projects and serve our clients more efficiently,” Paula explains. These upgrades are anticipated to increase production efficiency, enabling the team to take on more projects and serve their clients even better.

“This move was not just about gaining more space,” Michael explains. “It’s about setting ourselves up for long-term growth and ensuring we can continue to innovate and meet the needs of our clients.”

Why Choose TMC Financing?

With decades of experience and a focus on helping small businesses thrive, TMC Financing is the nation’s leading provider of SBA 504 loans. Their expert team understands the complexities of commercial real estate purchases and works closely with entrepreneurs to tailor solutions that meet their unique needs.

“Working with Kurt and the TMC team was seamless,” Paula adds. “They guided us through every step of the process and made sure we had everything we needed to succeed.”

Get in Touch to Learn How TMC Financing Can Help You

If your business is located in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, or Oregon, contact TMC Financing to explore how the SBA 504 loan program can help you grow. With the support of TMC Financing, you can achieve your goals and set your business up for a prosperous future.

For businesses outside these areas, the SBA’s Lender Match tool can connect you with a certified development company (CDC) lending partner near you.