Berkeley, CA – Owning commercial real estate can be a game-changer for small businesses, providing stability, growth opportunities, and long-term financial security. For Jessica Lasky, the owner of Jessica Lasky Catering, the SBA 504 Loan Program has played a critical role in expanding her business and establishing a solid foundation for the future.
TMC Financing helped Jessica secure SBA 504 loans for two properties, providing her catering company with the space and stability to continue its farm-to-table, seasonal cooking tradition while allowing for future growth and additional revenue streams.
Turning Passion into Growth: The Start of Jessica Lasky Catering
Jessica Lasky Catering began with a focus on farm-to-table, seasonal cuisine, catering events for those who value fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Jessica’s passion for cooking and her commitment to sustainability allowed her to grow her business steadily. By 2013, she was ready to take the next big step—purchasing a commercial property for her operations.
That year, with the help of TMC Financing, Jessica secured her first SBA 504 loan for $701,000 to purchase a 2,204-square-foot building located at 5759 Thornhill Drive in Oakland, CA. This acquisition provided her business with long-term stability and a dedicated space to expand operations. The loan required just a 10% down payment and came with a fixed 25-year term, making it an affordable and strategic investment for Jessica’s growing company.
“Having a stable location allowed us to focus on what we do best—creating memorable events for our clients with food that speaks to our values,” Jessica shared. “The SBA 504 loan gave us the flexibility to invest in our business without the heavy upfront costs.”
A Second Location for Continued Growth
By 2024, Jessica Lasky Catering had grown significantly, employing 22 people and serving a loyal and expanding customer base. With the business continuing to thrive, Jessica needed additional space to support this growth. She turned again to TMC Financing for assistance, securing another SBA 504 loan to purchase a second property at 1209 Sixth Street in Berkeley, CA.
The total project cost for this new acquisition was $2.7 million, including building purchase, tenant improvements, and new equipment. The loan will enable Jessica Lasky Catering to expand operations while maintaining the security of a long-term location with fixed occupancy costs.
“The ability to secure funding through the SBA 504 program has been crucial to our success,” Jessica said. “We’re investing in our future and creating more opportunities to serve our clients, all while stabilizing costs and growing our team. We couldn’t have done this without the support of TMC Financing and the SBA.”
Why Commercial Real Estate Ownership Matters for Small Businesses
As Jessica Lasky Catering continues to grow, the purchase of commercial real estate has provided the company with much more than just space—it has given them the ability to plan for the future, invest in new equipment, and hire additional staff. With the improvements at the new location, Jessica expects to create 10 new jobs, further strengthening her business’s role in the community.
The SBA 504 Loan Program offers significant advantages to small business owners like Jessica. With down payments as low as 10% and long-term fixed interest rates, it allows entrepreneurs to secure real estate with minimal upfront costs while reaping the benefits of ownership.
“Commercial real estate is a key asset for any business,” Jessica added. “It offers stability and growth potential while allowing us to control our operational costs. I encourage any business owner to explore the SBA 504 loan program—it’s been a game-changer for us.”
TMC Financing: A Trusted Partner for Small Business Growth
With the guidance of Kurt Chambliss, Business Development Officer at TMC Financing, Jessica was able to navigate the SBA 504 loan process and secure the funding needed for both properties. Kurt and the team at TMC worked closely with Jessica throughout both transactions, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
“TMC’s expertise and support were invaluable,” Jessica said. “They made the entire process easy to understand, and their dedication to helping small businesses like mine made all the difference.”
As businesses like Jessica Lasky Catering continue to grow, the SBA 504 loan program remains an essential tool for securing long-term financial security through commercial real estate ownership. With TMC Financing by their side, small business owners can achieve their dreams of expansion and stability while investing in their futures.
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. For businesses outside these areas, the SBA’s Lender Match tool can connect you with a certified development company (CDC) lending partner near you.
About TMC Financing
Since 1981, TMC Financing has been the nation’s leading provider of SBA 504 commercial real estate loans, funding over $14 billion in projects across Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and Oregon. More than 7,000 businesses have benefited from this program, resulting in the creation of approximately 60,000 jobs.