Since 2004, Dakota Business Lending has been offering the SBA 504 loan program to small businesses located in 5 counties in western Minnesota – Ottertail, Polk, Becker, Clay, and Wilkin. In 2022, they expanded all their special loan programs to be available across these 5 counties as well, bringing even more financing solutions to small businesses.
Today, they are a multi-state CDC serving the entire state of Minnesota.
Meet the MN Team
Meet Jason, Scott, Steve, and Ann – the driving forces of Dakota Business Lending in Minnesota! With a passion for helping small businesses on their entrepreneurial journey, these four are always going the extra mile to set businesses up for success. Collaboration is their strong suit, and they seek to create partnerships that will help you secure the financing you need to start, expand, and truly make an impact.
Whether your in the beginning stages of planning your startup business or are ready to grow and expand your established business, our MN team is here for you.
Jason Gerdes
Business Development Officer
Scott Schake
Business Development Officer
Steve Dusek
President/CEO
Tyler Byron
Business Development Officer
SBA 504 Loan Program in Minnesota
Dakota Business Lending in Minnesota offers the SBA 504 loan program – one of the best kept secrets in the small business financing world today. The program can finance long-term fixed assets and offers benefits such as:
Up to 90% financing
10, 20, and 25-year term options
Fixed, below-market interest rates
Minimum 10% down payment
SBA 504 Structure Examples
Depending on the type of business and what the loan will be used for, there are several ways that your loan may be structured.
The typical SBA 504 loan is structured in a 50-40-10 model:
- 50% financed by a third party lender
- 40% financed by Dakota Business Lending and the SBA
- 10% financed by the borrower in the form of a down payment
*Loan structure may vary. Please contact us to learn more & get specific details on your project’s structure.
The SBA 504 Loan Program in Action
The real measure of our success and impact is told in the stories of our borrowers: the entrepreneurs and businesses that dared to turn a dream into a plan into a reality. Check out how the SBA 504 loan program helped this physical therapy and fitness center in Moorhead, MN.
Total Balance Physical Therapy and Fitness
- Born with an entrepreneurial mindset, Dr. Dan Johnson knew he wanted to start a private physical therapy practice of his own someday
- Opened Total Balance North Fargo, ND in November 2017
- Opened two additional locations (Hawley, MN and South Fargo, ND) within two years
- Used the SBA 504 loan program to open a fourth addition in his hometown of Moorhead, MN
- Now has over 20 full-time and close to 30 part-time employees
Other Loan Programs
In 2022, Dakota Business Lending expanded all their special loan programs to be available across the state. Learn more about these additional programs and the financing opportunities they offer for small business owners.
Borrower Resources
There are a variety of FREE resources and programs available for small businesses throughout Minnesota. Here are a few that we commonly refer our borrowers to for entrepreneurial development resources such as education, training, and technical assistance:
Women Venture
Assists current & potential women business owners with training, technology, & business development
MN Small Business Development Center
Assists small businesses with business plans and financial projections
SCORE Mentors
Retired business owners volunteer to mentor and counsel small business owners
The Small Business Administration (SBA) website also contains a wealth of information on starting and running a business, including:
Small Business Resource Guide
Download this guide that includes various aspects on starting and operating a business
SBA Learning Center
This portal includes many online training courses on almost every aspect of business ownership
Dakota Business Newsletter
Email dedicated to providing valuable information about starting & growing a small business
Lender Resources
Are you wanting to know more about the SBA 504 loan program and if it’s the right fit for your borrower? Download our resources below to get an overview of the SBA 504 / Debt Refinance programs and their requirements.
Meet the Minnesota Loan Review Committee
In order to better serve the state of Minnesota, Dakota Business Lending has created a separate loan committee for their Minnesota office comprised of representatives from various sectors in business, lending, and economic development throughout the state.
Anthony Hanson
First Elected - 2023
Currently serving as President of Citizens Bank & Trust in Hutchinson, MN, Anthony brings extensive knowledge in the banking, finance, and lending industry to the Minnesota Loan Review Committee. His experience and perspective allow him to help find the best financing solutions for borrowers throughout the state.
Clay Sharkey
First Elected - 2023
Clay knows the ins and outs of assessing risk, consumer credit, and what it takes to make financing successful. He has an extensive understanding in the credit world and serves as the Chief Credit Officer for Pioneer Bank in Mankato, MN. As the owner of Beans Coffee Company, he also brings firsthand knowledge about running and growing a business.
Ryan DeBates
First Elected - 2023
As Market President for Security Savings Bank in Luverne, MN, Ryan’s daily work in business financing makes him a valuable resource for helping businesses get the capital they need to succeed. His 25+ years of experience in the banking/lending world and knowledge in all types of lending provides a significant perspective to the MN LRC.
Brent O'Neil
First Elected - 2023
Brent lives out his passion for helping local businesses and communities thrive in his role as Economic Development Director for the City of Elk River. His years of economic development provide a valuable perspective that is instrumental to the success of businesses in MN.
Jeremy Gossen
First Elected - 2023
As President/CFO for Carlson & Steward Refrigeration, Inc. in Marshall, MN, Jeremy understands firsthand what it takes to manage & grow a business. His real-world experience, coupled with 18 years in the banking world, makes him a great advocate, partner, & advisor to small businesses across the state.