At TMC Financing, our mission is to empower small businesses with the financial tools they need to grow and succeed. The SBA 504 Loan Program provides a strategic advantage for business owners looking to expand, purchase real estate, or secure long-term stability. Today, we are proud to highlight the achievements of two exceptional businesses that we had the pleasure of visiting on our annual TMC Trolley Tour—Tinkering Monkey and Jessica Lasky Catering—both of which have utilized SBA 504 loans to take their operations to the next level.
Tinkering Monkey: Custom Signage That Speaks Volumes
Founded by husband-and-wife team Paula Chang and Michael Cheung, Tinkering Monkey is a custom architectural signage studio located in Berkeley, CA. They have made a name for themselves by crafting modern, bespoke signage using a blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional materials. With over 3,000 companies nationwide relying on Tinkering Monkey for their signage needs, it’s clear that this small business is making a big impact.
However, as the business grew, so did their space needs. They reached capacity in their old location and needed a solution that could support their expanding operations. Enter the SBA 504 Loan Program.
In April 2020, Tinkering Monkey secured a $3.2 million loan through TMC Financing, which allowed them to purchase four industrial buildings totaling 13,800 square feet. This new space provided them with the room to invest in larger equipment and store more materials on-site, improving production efficiency and positioning them for long-term stability. With the help of TMC and the SBA 504 Program, Tinkering Monkey’s future has never looked brighter.
Jessica Lasky Catering: Expanding a Farm-to-Table Legacy
Jessica Lasky Catering, a boutique catering company that focuses on farm-to-table, seasonal cuisine, has been delighting clients for years. Owner, Jessica Lasky, first turned to TMC Financing in 2013 when she needed a loan to purchase her building in Oakland. That initial SBA 504 loan of $701,000 helped her secure a long-term location for her growing business.
Fast forward to 2024, and Jessica is once again expanding, this time with the purchase of a second property in Berkeley. With a total project cost of $2.7 million, the SBA 504 loan allowed Jessica Lasky Catering to purchase and improve a 2,204 square-foot building at 1209 Sixth Street. The new space will accommodate additional equipment and enable the business to support further growth, all while offering the stability of a fixed occupancy cost.
With the guidance of TMC Financing, Jessica Lasky Catering is poised for continued success.
Why SBA 504 Loans Are a Game-Changer
The success stories of Tinkering Monkey and Jessica Lasky Catering highlight the powerful impact of SBA 504 loans on small businesses. These loans provide access to affordable, long-term financing with as little as 10% down, enabling business owners to purchase, improve, or refinance commercial real estate while preserving capital for other business needs.
With fixed-rate terms of up to 25 years, the SBA 504 loan program offers predictability and stability, which is essential for businesses looking to expand and secure their future. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new property, like Tinkering Monkey, or expand your operations, like Jessica Lasky Catering, an SBA 504 loan could be the key to unlocking your business’s potential.
At TMC Financing, we’re proud to partner with businesses like Tinkering Monkey and Jessica Lasky Catering, helping them reach new heights through strategic financing solutions.
Watch the full video to hear more about how TMC Financing helps businesses grow!