Direct Capital for High-Impact Business Growth.
- Funding for USDA and SBA eligible businesses.
- Early-stage ventures and established entities.
- Empowering high-impact, transformative projects.
Empowering eligible businesses with specialized financing.
Our mission
At Waterside, we specialize in financing high-impact businesses and transformative projects. As your dedicated financing partner, we guide ventures from early stages to expansive growth, upholding quality, integrity, and transparency. Together, let's elevate your vision.
Empowering Growth with Tailored Financing
Who we are
Waterside Commercial Finance, LLC is a premier financier specializing in empowering high-impact businesses and transformative projects. At the heart of our expertise lies government-backed lending, notably through USDA and SBA guarantees. As we navigate the diverse terrain of commercial financing, we're recognized for providing robust, flexible, and tailored financial solutions to growth-driven enterprises.
Our approach
Every business is unique, but the aspiration for growth is universal. Our dedication extends particularly to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of innovation and progress. Beyond merely facilitating finance, we believe in forging lasting partnerships. It's not just about numbers for us; it's about understanding your vision, aligning with your goals, and providing the tailored guidance to illuminate your path forward.
Who you are.
You are a small or medium-sized business which is:
- Rural, as defined by the USDA, in which case we handle all industry types, or –
- Supporting the food-supply chain, in which case you can be anywhere;
- Planning a large capex or infrastructure-related project;
- Seeking capital to develop near-term growth or –
- Having debt already and looking to refinance.
Who you are.
You are a small or medium-sized business which is:
Rural, as defined by the USDA, in which case we handle all industry types, or –
Supporting the food-supply chain, in which case you can be anywhere;◦
Planning a large capex or infrastructure-related project;
Seeking capital to develop near-term growth or –
Having debt already and looking to refinance.
Federally-backed lending specialist.
Water supports all living things, similar to how capital is considered the lifeline of business. For us, providing capital is more than just a transaction, investing is about connection and the relationship. We believe every company, whether they are weathering the storm, or getting ready for the next big step needs a curious partner. Someone who understands their industry and is committed to riding out the ups and downs right there with them.
Bridge capital.
Water supports all living things, similar to how capital is considered the lifeline of business. For us, providing capital is more than just a transaction, investing is about connection and the relationship. We believe every company, whether they are weathering the storm, or getting ready for the next big step needs a curious partner. Someone who understands their industry and is committed to riding out the ups and downs right there with them.
Waterside :
Your Strategic Financial Partner
In the complex landscape of business growth, reliable and strategic financial support is paramount. At Waterside, we go beyond mere transactions. We focus on understanding your business needs, tailoring financial solutions, and providing consistent support. With us, you're securing more than just capital—you're engaging a partner dedicated to your long-term success.
Explore our partnership approach.
Securing USDA and SBA Loan Guarantees
The USDA and SBA stand as cornerstones in federal support for economic development. Their commitment spans from renewable energy, healthcare, and agriculture to vital infrastructures like water, electricity, and communications. Furthermore, they champion high-impact businesses and transformative projects that propel communities and industries forward. With Waterside's expertise, we'll help you navigate these intricate guarantee pathways, ensuring your venture harnesses the full potential of these federal resources.
Discover how Waterside can guide you.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Expertise
USDA Rural Development is pivotal in championing rural economic growth. By offering asset-based loan guarantees, they enable rural businesses of all sizes to secure the credit crucial for expansion and local job creation. These initiatives drive private credit availability by endorsing loans for businesses across the rural expanses of the U.S.
As specialists in USDA financing, Waterside has honed its expertise in four key programs of this agency, ensuring that our partners gain the best possible advantages from these offerings.
Explore our USDA specializations.
Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program (B&I)
Guarantees are available on loans up to $25 million for almost any types of businesses operating in small communities (population under 50,000). Borrowers can be corporations or individuals, small or large, for-profit or not-for-profit. Their borrowing can be for purchases of real estate, inventory, and equipment, or for working capital – even for start-ups.
Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program (9003)
This program extends loan guarantees reaching up to $250 million, fostering the evolution and establishment of pioneering technologies. Specifically, it focuses on the advancement of biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased products, providing crucial support for their development, construction, and retrofitting endeavors.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
These guarantees are for loans up to $25 million that promote renewable energy and / or overall energy efficiency in agriculture and for-profit small businesses. The borrower must operate in a community with a population of not more than 50,000.
Community Facilities Loan Program (CF)
The program offers guarantees on loans up to $100 million for public bodies and non-profits in small communities (up to 50,000 inhabitants), such as schools, day-care facilities, hospitals, and others.
USDA Loan Requirements
Business Type
USDA loans are available to for-profit businesses, non-profits, cooperatives, and tribal groups that operate in eligible rural areas.
Industries
USDA loans are available to all industries; however, there are restrictions on geographical location.
Debt-Service-Coverage
The typical Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) for current or project-based financing over a three-year period ranges from 1.1:1 to 1.2:1. In simpler terms, this means that the borrower's cash flow must be sufficient to cover their debt payments by a factor of 1.10 to 1.20.
Collateral
The USDA operates as an asset-based lending program, which means that borrowers are required to provide collateral such as a lien on the property or other assets to secure the loan. The loans issued through this program necessitate a minimum asset coverage of 1:1.
Guarantees
USDA loans can be either recourse or non-recourse.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Partnership
The SBA casts a wide net, making most for-profit small businesses eligible for their guaranteed loans. This includes ventures in both rural and urban settings, spanning manufacturers to independent or franchised retailers, wholesalers, and service organizations.
Waterside doesn't just advise; we actively facilitate and provide two specific types of SBA loan guarantees, directly empowering businesses to seize growth opportunities.
SBA 7 (a)
The SBA’s most common loan program, it provides financial help for small businesses with special requirements. Subject to an upper loan limit of $5 million, real estate acquisition is a particular focus, but it can also be used for working capital, whether for the short- or long-term, for refinancing current debt, or for buying equipment and inventory.
SBA 504
For loan guarantees up to $5 million, this program helps small businesses borrow from accredited lenders such as Waterside in order to buy fixed assets such as buildings, land, and equipment.
SBA International Trade Program
Supports businesses that are involved in importing and exporting or engaging in other international activities. The program aims to help small businesses expand their international trade capabilities, increase their competitiveness in the global marketplace, and create jobs in the U.S. economy. Small businesses meeting specific eligibility requirements can access up to $5 million in loans through the program.
Empowering Growth & Innovation
At Waterside, we understand the multifaceted challenges businesses face in today's dynamic landscape. Our tailored financing solutions aim to address diverse needs, spanning from high-impact industries to working capital requirements. Delve deeper to discover how our expertise aligns with your aspirations.
High-Impact Industries & Projects
Waterside has a keen interest in high-impact industries and transformative projects. Our commitment stretches across businesses bolstering the food supply chain, pioneering agricultural practices, groundbreaking renewable energy systems, and innovative carbon-negative ventures. Our focus is not just on the financial returns, but also on creating a sustainable, impactful future.
Rural Community & Job Creation Support
The heart of our mission lies in uplifting rural businesses and communities. Beyond mere financing, our involvement seeks to spur job creation and foster economic stability in these areas. By channeling capital into projects that matter, we aim to enhance local economies and improve quality of life.
Comprehensive Asset Financing
Every business has unique needs, and Waterside recognizes that. Our financing encompasses a wide range of assets – from real estate and standard equipment to specialized, esoteric equipment. Whether it's construction-to-permanent financing, inventory management, or accounts receivable, we've got it covered. No asset is too niche; we’re here to support all your business requisites.
Flexible Working Capital Solutions
Every phase of a business presents its own challenges. Waterside stands prepared with working capital solutions tailored to your evolving needs. With the capability to underwrite on both current and proforma bases, we provide interest reserves, ensuring projects have the breathing space they need until business stabilization. We don't just finance; we foresee and facilitate.
Responsible Investing (ESG)
Waterside is not just our name; it's a reflection of our core belief in sustainability and its intertwined nature with our values of integrity, quality, and partnership. In an era where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are paramount for businesses in all sectors, we're here to guide and support our clients in adapting to this transformative landscape.
Our mission is to partner with forward-thinking companies, dedicated to long-term sustainability and responsible business practices.
Let's embark on a sustainable journey together. Contact us to learn how our ESG Origination can accelerate your path towards a greener tomorrow.
What our clients say about Waterside
Vertical Farming CFO said:
When we approached Waterside we had already evaluated the USDA as an option but given that we were not located in a rural area we thought we were ineligible. Working with the Waterside team, they were able to inform us of the Federal Code of Regulations which detailed exceptions for businesses operating in our sector. They proceeded to structure our financing and walk us through the process.
As a result, we were able to obtain the critical financing we required.
$55 million senior secured loan for a vertical farming company under the USDA Food Supply Chain and Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.
Craft Spirit CFO said:
We approached Waterside after another USDA lender provided us loan terms but then walked away from the deal. Waterside demonstrated a deep understanding of our industry and our assets. They took a flexible approach to structuring the senior facility which allowed us to refinance existing debt and provided a delay draw facility for future growth.
$17 million senior secured loan for a spirit manufacturer under the USDA Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.
Life Science CEO said:
We were referred to Waterside after having struggled to secure financing on our own given the sources of our revenue. Despite being cashflow positive, creditors had a hard time understanding our licensing revenue, our addressable market, and projections. We did not think the SBA was an option, but Waterside was able to structure a cost effective SBA 7 (a) loan which refinanced our real estate, provided an equipment line and working capital.
$5 million senior secured loan for a life sciences manufacturer under the SBA 7 (a) Guaranteed Loan Program.
Organic Fertilization CEO said:
Waterside had approached us looking for borrowers who would be eligible for the USDA programs. Coincidentally, we had been seeking financing private credit market for a large capex expansion project. We had received terms from a few lenders, but the USDA program was far superior in terms of rate and amortization.
They provided one loan which included construction to permanent financing and equipment financing in a one stop shop.
$12.5mm senior secured loan for life sciences manufacturer under the USDA Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.
Whiskey Manufacturing CEO said:
As an aged whiskey manufacturer, we are required to invest heavily into whiskey barrels. The turn on our inventory is quite long, and we were looking for a solution which would allow us to effectively finance our inventory and effectively acquire new inventory.
Waterside's knowledge of the spirits industry was pivotal in us successfully securing a loan facility. The facility created liquidity in our exist inventory and provided us a draw-down to acquire new barrels.
This solution allowed us to leverage our inventory to obtain the working capital we required to grow our businesses.
Private capital solution which consisted of $4.2mm loan secured by aged whiskey barrels along with a $1mm draw-down facility for additional purchases.
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Equipment
We provide capital leasing, financing and credit lines solutions for capital equipment purchases. This is more than just a transaction. We get to know your business, understand your goals and take each desired asset into consideration to provide a finance product that works for you.
Real estate
We offer one-stop-shop for all your nationwide (US & Canada) commercial direct hard money & NON-QM Loan Programs. Including bridge, industrial, construction facilities, agriculture, and cash-out refinance projects.
Cash flow
Our commercial loans can bridge your cash flow gaps. Cash flow is the life blood of your business. That’s why we make it as easy as possible for you to get the cash you need to help you open new markets, gain new customers and purchase new equipment. We offer cash flow and working capital so you can pay bills, payroll, and taxes, everything you need to keep your business running smoothly.
ABL revolvers
Waterside's asset based lending services will create a custom funding solution for your entrepreneurial business needs from your company assets including equipment, property and cash flow loans, inventory advances and purchase order financing.
Receivables
Accounts receivable financing through asset-based lending is a viable alternative to bank financing for companies looking for maximum flexibility. Accounts receivable loans and other financing methods can unlock the value of the accounts receivable you have earned but have not yet collected.
SBA & USDA
SBA: Most for-profit small businesses are eligible for an SBA guaranteed loan. This includes manufacturers, wholesale, retail and service businesses as well as independent or franchise businesses. USDA: Is an asset-based loan program designed to help rural businesses obtain needed credit to grow and create jobs in local communities. The program bolsters the availability of private credit by guaranteeing loans for businesses in rural areas across US.
Every industry faces a variety of risks, possibilities, and opportunities. Financial liquidity is paramount for all businesses. Waterside prides ourselves in working with varied industries, including those on the new frontier, and markets not well served by traditional lenders such as cannabis. As an interested and curious partner, we take a holistic approach with our clients and look to provide custom-built financing solutions to help you overcome your capital challenges.
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Water remembers all its incarnations: Ice, glacier, snow, hail, sleet, lake, fog, dew-drop, rain, rapid and creek. Water is an incredibly powerful shapeshifter; We truly are nothing without it. Water has been here for all of life on earth and remembers everything. Life dependance on water, is akin to businesses' dependance on capital. Value-added capital solutions can create tremendous impact on businesses. We pride ourselves on delivering creative solutions across the capital stack, and seek to leverage our specialty with Federally-backed lending where possible.
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The client’s CFO said:
As a result, we were able to obtain the critical financing we required."
