Second Exit™ – Build Wealth by Owning Your Building with the SBA 504 Loan

For business owners who’ve built successful companies, the next strategic move isn’t just more growth—it’s control.

Second Exit™ by ThinkSBA is built for entrepreneurs ready to transition from renting to owning their commercial real estate. Created and led by Ryan Smith, Founder of ThinkSBA, this program empowers small and mid-sized business owners to purchase owner-occupied real estate using SBA 504 loan programs, transforming their lease payments into equity-building mortgage payments.

---

Why a Second Exit™?

Most entrepreneurs focus on exiting their business. Fewer realize that owning their building is a second, often more profitable, exit strategy. With commercial property ownership:

• You lock in long-term stability
• You reduce rising rent risk
• You build wealth through appreciation and equity
• You improve cash flow with fixed financing

Second Exit™ isn’t just a financing strategy. It’s how you own your future.

---

The First Exit – Selling the Business

When it’s time to exit your business, owning the property introduces additional flexibility. Selling your business while retaining ownership of the building allows you to lease the property to the new owner. This approach creates an ongoing source of income while separating the business sale from the real estate asset.

For example, a manufacturing business owner might sell their operations but retain ownership of the building, leasing it back to the buyer. This strategy provides steady, reliable income without operational involvement. Retaining the property allows you to maximize the value of your assets while maintaining financial control over the next stage of your life.

---

The Second Exit – Selling or Leasing the Real Estate

After selling the business, you have the opportunity for a second exit by selling or leasing the property. This step can serve as an effective retirement or late-stage succession strategy. Here’s how it works:

• Capital Generation: Selling the property after exiting the business allows you to access the equity you’ve built, providing a significant financial resource for retirement or investment.
• Passive Income: Opting to lease the property instead of selling creates a continued income stream, offering flexibility for long-term financial planning.
• Timing Control: Real estate ownership gives you the ability to choose when to sell or lease the property, allowing you to respond to market conditions and optimize the value of your asset.

By structuring your exit in two stages—first the business, then the property—you create options for financial security and flexibility.

---

How ThinkSBA Helps

Through the SBA 504 loan, ThinkSBA delivers up to 90% financing for owner-occupied properties—office, industrial, retail, medical, and more. Ryan Smith provides white-glove support across every stage:

1. SBA Pre-Qualification

• Assess personal and business financials
• Confirm eligibility for SBA 504
• Provide a pre-qual letter to strengthen your property offer

2. Financing Strategy

• Compare SBA 504 vs. 7(a) based on your goals
• Structure the right equity injection and debt coverage
• Plan for working capital and future refinancing

3. Lender Sourcing

• Match with the right SBA Preferred Lender
• Secure multiple competitive loan terms
• Navigate industry-specific requirements

4. Loan Packaging & Submission

• Prepare a complete, SBA-compliant package
• Coordinate with appraisers, underwriters, and escrow
• Eliminate retail bank delays with direct submissions

5. Deal Structuring

• Review contracts and purchase terms
• Strategize seller financing or leaseback if needed
• Ensure full SBA compliance

6. Close & Optimize

• Track milestones and document flow
• Coordinate appraisal and environmental reports
• Post-close guidance on tax strategies, cost segregation, and more

---

Property Types Eligible

• Office and medical buildings
• Industrial warehouses
• Retail or restaurant spaces
• Automotive facilities
• Daycare or educational centers
• Mixed-use (majority owner-occupied)

Results You Can Expect

• Up to 90% financing through the SBA 504 program
• Fixed interest rates up to 25 years
• Dramatic reduction in rent burden
• Wealth-building through appreciation and tax advantages

---

Start Your Second Exit™

This is your moment to stop renting and start owning. Let Ryan and ThinkSBA guide you through the SBA 504 process with the clarity, expertise, and lender relationships you need to succeed.

Schedule your SBA 504 Strategy Call today.
www.thinksba.com | Schedule Call