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Want to Put Less Money Down and Get Lower Interest Rates? Take Advantage of the SBA 504 Loan With WBD.

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Lender 504 Newsletter, September 2026

 

Posted: 09/14/26

 

September's lender newsletter highlights FY2027 504 fee waivers, celebrates our newest Elite Lender, and provides reminders about WBD's SBA 7(a) Training and the MN Lenders Conference.  

 

SBA 504 fee waivers are expanding in FY 2027. Eligible manufacturers, food supply chain businesses, and rural businesses will pay no upfront guaranty fee or annual service fee on qualifying loans.

 

WBD congratulates Jim Crowley with WaterStone Bank, for recently completing his 10th and 11th SBA 504 loans with the organization. Crowley is now recognized as WBD’s 74th Elite Lender!

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, August 2026

 

Posted: 08/10/26

 

August's newsletter explores the value of SBA 504 loans, scam SBA emails, WBD's upcoming SBA 7(a) Training, the grand opening of our new Oshkosh office, and more!  

 

SBA 504 helps lenders structure financing solutions that support strong borrowers and growth projects while maintaining sound credit standards and strengthening customer relationships.  

 

Lenders and borrowers have recently contacted WBD asking whether certain emails appearing to come from the U.S. Small Business Administration are legitimate.

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, July 2026

 

Posted: 07/13/26

 

July’s Lender Newsletter highlights recent SBA 504 trends, WBD’s newest Elite Lender, October SBA 7(a) training, the MN Lenders Conference, and the Elite Lender Golf Outing.  

 

WBD is honored to recognize Stephen Timm with Bank of Sun Prairie, as its 73rd Elite Lender. Stephen recently completed his 10th SBA 504 loan with WBD.

 

Recent Trends in SBA 504 Demand

 

Posted: 07/08/26

 

FY2026 through Q3, WBD approved 130 SBA 504 projects totaling $131 million, with 88% supporting established business growth and transitions.  

 

June’s Lender Services newsletter features conference highlights, ITL updates, and answers to your questions.  

 

SBA 7(a) Lending Training

 

Posted: 06/23/26

 

Sign up for WBD's two-day, in-person training for a practical, beginning-to-end understanding of the SBA 7(a) loan lifecycle.

 

Click here to learn WBD's CCO Wenda Roycraft's key takeaways from the 2026 Spring NAGGL Conference this past April.

 

Get to Know Kyle Kuntz

 

Posted: 06/18/26

 

Kyle Kuntz is Senior Vice President – Senior Lender at WBD and has been with the organization since 2010.

 

More than 500 lenders and banking professionals from across the state gathered May 14 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells for the 36th Annual Wisconsin Lenders Conference.

 

Recent SBA guidance has expanded the reach and usability of the International Trade Loan (ITL) program, particularly for manufacturers and businesses operating in the food supply chain.

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, June 2026

 

Posted: 06/15/26

 

In June’s newsletter, we share two beneficial SBA updates, celebrate a new WBD Elite Lender, and offer a final reminder for WBD’s June seminar series.  

 

Eligible borrowers can now access up to $10 million in total SBA financing by using both programs—up to $5 million in 7(a) and an additional $5 million in 504 financing.

 

WBD congratulates Jim Flanagan, who now joins 71 other distinguished lenders in achieving WBD Elite Lender Status.

 

The SBA is updating its policy to increase flexibility and scalability in the 504 program, especially for larger, complex manufacturing expansions.  

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, May 2026

 

Posted: 05/12/26

 

May’s newsletter introduces WBD’s newest employee, highlights 504 business acquisition strategies, promotes the June seminar series, and features April seminar event photos.  

 

Business acquisitions present strong lending opportunities, with SBA 504 complementing 7(a) deals involving real estate or equipment by improving cash flow and credit quality.  

 

WBD is pleased to announce the addition of Wesley Walsh as Vice President – Loan Officer, expanding our support for small businesses, bank and credit union partners across southeast WI.

 

Borrower Newsletter, April 2026

 

Posted: 04/24/26

 

In this borrower newsletter, we share tips on insurance claims after severe weather, fee waivers for manufacturers, EIDL scam prevention, and more!  

 

SBA 504 Manufacturing Fee Waivers

 

Posted: 04/24/26

 

Temporary SBA 504 fee waivers reduce financing costs for eligible manufacturers, supporting growth and domestic production.  

 

With severe weather season underway, WBD's Servicing Team is here to help borrowers with insurance claims and checks.  

 

Be Wary of EIDL Scams

 

Posted: 04/24/26

 

Scammers are actively targeting EIDL borrowers with fake settlement, forgiveness, or "hardship" offers, falsely claiming they can reduce or settle your loan debt.

 

Reader Precision Earns MOTY Award

 

Posted: 04/24/26

 

Congratulations to WBD borrower Reader Precision Solutions for being named Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year during the recent awards ceremony.

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, April 2026

 

Posted: 04/14/26

 

April's lender newsletter dives into how 504 can accompany spring construction, celebrates a new elite lender, and announces WBD's June Seminar Series.

 

Spring Construction is Here

 

Posted: 04/13/26

 

Make SBA 504 part of your spring plans! Rather than viewing the 504 as a fallback, experienced lenders and advisors are positioning it early as a strategic financing tool.

 

June 2026 Seminar Series

 

Posted: 04/13/26

 

Unable to attend our April seminar series events? Don’t worry—we’re back with a second round this June! Click here to register and learn more.

 

WBD is pleased to recognize Dave Kruck, senior vice president and business banker with Horicon Bank, who recently completed his 10th SBA 504 loan with WBD and is recognized as a WBD Elite Lender.

 

March's Lender Services newsletter goes over SBA Policy & Procedural notice updates, common screen outs, WBD's SBA Fundamentals Workshop, and more! 

 

Get to Know Phil Schrabeck

 

Posted: 03/19/26

 

Phil Schrabeck, Vice President and Senior Credit Manager, has been with WBD since 2008. During his tenure, Phil has worked on 504, 7(a) and New Markets tax credit applications.

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, March 2026

 

Posted: 03/10/26

 

March's newsletter includes the inside scoop on WBD borrowers' credit profile, reminds readers of our April 2026 Seminar Series, announces an award for CEO Dan Schneider, and more!

 

Credit Profile of WBD Borrowers

 

Posted: 03/08/26

 

Read this article for a summary of the updated borrower credit characteristics based on WBD’s internal credit scoring at the time of approval. 

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, February 2026

 

Posted: 02/11/26

 

This month, we share April Nelson's inside scoop on equipment financing, announce our April 2026 Seminar Series, and invite readers to register for our SBA Fundamentals Workshop.

 

Registration is now open for WBD’s Fundamentals Workshop on Wednesday, May 13 at Kalahari Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells!

 

April 2026 Seminar Series

 

Posted: 02/10/26

 

WBD’s Seminar Series returns April 2026. Register for one of our free seminars featuring small business financing insights, SBA 504 Loan Program updates, and real-world case studies.  

 

The SBA 504 loan program is a powerful tool to help your clients finance major equipment CAPEX projects while strengthening your financial institution’s competitive position.

 

Our January Lender Services newsletter covers revisions to the SOP relating to citizenship and residency, recent lender questions, SBA litigation plans, and more! 

 

Navigating SBA Litigation Plans

 

Posted: 01/12/26

 

Lenders have seen a rise in SBA loan defaults, prompting many institutions to revisit their litigation plan procedures to ensure compliance with SOP 50 57 4, which became effective on Nov. 1, 2025.

 

The 2025 NAGGL Fall Conference brought together SBA lenders, policy experts, and industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of 7(a) lending.

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, January 2026

 

Posted: 01/12/26

 

In the first lender newsletter of 2026, WBD announces a new senior leadership team, recognizes a non-lender WBD Hall of Famer, and reminds readers of the upcoming 2026 Wisconsin Lenders Conference.

 

Get to Know Vicki Stone

 

Posted: 01/12/26

 

Vicki Stone is Vice President and Servicing Manager and has been with WBD since 2015. She is primarily involved in 504 loan servicing, though she’s also a terrific resource on the 7(a) side...

 

WBD Sets New Senior Leadership Team

 

Posted: 01/08/26

 

WBD President, Jason Monnett, is pleased to announce the organization's senior management team, including several promotions ahead of WBD's leadership transition.

 

WBD’s leadership bestowed the honor of inducting Patrick Schloss into its Hall of Fame during the meeting of its board of directors in November.

 

WBD, Inc. is pleased to announce Jason Monnett has been named President effective January 1, 2026.

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, December 2025

 

Posted: 12/15/25

 

In the last newsletter of 2025 we recap FY 2025, give guidance on the recovery from the federal government shutdown, announce a new WBD Hall of Famer, and more!

 

WBD announces Phil Whitehead as the eighth inductee into its prestigious Hall of Fame Lender Team, celebrating his achievement of 20+ SBA 504 projects.

 

WBD's FY 2025 Annual Report

 

Posted: 11/20/25

 

Your partnership with our team during the 2025 fiscal year helped WBD stand out as the Number One CDC in the Midwest and #9 in the USA.

 

Federal Government Shutdown Update

 

Posted: 11/10/25

 

WBD is optimistic that the current federal government shutdown will soon be reaching an end. WBD’s team remains hard at work processing new and existing SBA 504 loan applications.

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, November 2025

 

Posted: 11/10/25

 

November's newsletter provides updates and information on the current federal government shutdown, celebrates a new elite lender, welcomes our new marketing manager, and more!

 

WBD Welcomes New Marketing Manager

 

Posted: 11/06/25

 

WBD welcomes Sean Fitzgerald as the new communications and marketing manager, succeeding Lance Walter following his retirement after 10+ years with WBD.  

 

WBD congratulates Jared Leis, who is the 70th distinguished lender to achieve WBD Elite Lender Status.

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, October 2025

 

Posted: 10/20/25

 

October's newsletter covers the government shutdown's impact on the SBA and 504 loan program, and features the WBD-sponsored ConversActions podcast hosted by WBD board member Bill Mitchell.

 

October 2025 Government Shutdown

 

Posted: 10/16/25

 

Following the October 1 government shutdown and suspension of most SBA operations, WBD is monitoring the situation and available to answer questions.  

 

Our September Lender Services newsletter dives into the MARC Loan for Manufacturers, a new case study, answers to your questions, and our new team member Tiffany Burnett!

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, September 2025

 

Posted: 09/25/25

 

In September's newsletter, we share updates on SBA 504 fees for manufacturers, honor a new Hall of Fame Lender, and share photos of our Elite Lender Golf Outing.

 

To support the Made in America initiative, the SBA has introduced fee waivers for manufacturers for the first time! Effective October 1, 2025, for 504 loans to manufacturers.

 

New series: Real SBA 7(a) case studies showcasing deal structures, loan terms, valuations, and funding sources.  

 

Honoring Hall of Famer Matt Wilcox

 

Posted: 09/11/25

 

WBD recognizes Matt Wilcox as the newest inductee into the Hall of Fame Lender Team, celebrating his remarkable achievement of 20 SBA 504 projects.

 

Get to Know Tiffany Burnett

 

Posted: 09/11/25

 

WBD welcomes Tiffany Burnett to its 7(a) Lender Services team. She brings 16+ years of commercial lending, loan documentation, credit analysis, and SBA experience.  

 

Borrower Newsletter, September 2025

 

Posted: 09/11/25

 

September's borrower newsletter discusses tarrifs, WBD borrower River Bend Winery & Distillery, and advice from a business owner.

 

The SBA's new MARC program provides flexible revolving credit for small manufacturers, with applications opening October 1, 2025.  

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, August 2025

 

Posted: 08/20/25

 

This month, we provide an update on loan benefits for veterans, announce a new Elite Lender, take a closer look at our borrower's profiles, and remind readers of Bill Mitchell's podcast series.

 

WBD is proud to unveil an initiative designed to support veterans: legal fee coverage by WBD up to $3,500 to Veteran-Owned Businesses applying for new SBA 504 loans.

 

WBD spotlights Board Member Bill Mitchell and his podcast, ConversActions, a growing resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders.  

 

Credit Profile of WBD Borrowers

 

Posted: 08/12/25

 

WBD analyzed credit scoring data from its nearly $1.1 billion portfolio of 1,700+ loans to identify the profile of a typical SBA 504 borrower.  

 

Jeff Liddicoat joins nearly 70 distinguished lenders with WBD Elite Lender Status.

 

Borrower Newsletter, August 2025

 

Posted: 08/06/25

 

This month's borrower newsletter dives into economic development organizations, WBD borrower Allied Emergency Vet Services, and important shopping choices for Americans.

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, July 2025

 

Posted: 07/25/25

 

In July's newsletter we wrap up another successful Seminar Series, recognize a new Elite Lender, offer marketing assistance and touch on our volunteer efforts.

 

Borrower Newsletter, July 2025

 

Posted: 07/16/25

 

In July's borrower newsletter, we share information on Family-Friendly Workplace Certification, Miron Construction success, and family dynamics in a family business.

 

WBD's marketing team extends appreciation to everyone who joined us for our WBD's Seminar Series in June. Your energy and enthusiasm helped make these gatherings a true success!

 

Our June newsletter offers a recap of the Spring NAGGL Conference and Wisconsin Lenders Conference, our Q&A section, and an closer look at our Executive Vice President, Jason Monnett.

 

Borrower Newsletter, June 2025 #2

 

Posted: 06/26/25

 

  In June’s second borrower newsletter, we discuss AI, business growth advice from a LinkedIn expert, and practical tips for using ChatGPT.  

 

Get to Know Jason Monnett

 

Posted: 06/17/25

 

Jason Monnett, WBD Executive Vice President, has nearly 30 years of SBA lending experience and oversees WBD's $1 billion 504 portfolio, lending team, and SBA training programs.  

 

The WBD team attended the Wisconsin Lenders Conference, connecting with lenders, attending sessions, and networking throughout the day.  

 

2025 NAGGL Spring Conference Recap

 

Posted: 06/17/25

 

At the 2025 Spring NAGGL Conference, leaders stressed the importance of strengthening the SBA 7(a) program's finances.  

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, June 2025

 

Posted: 06/17/25

 

June's 504 lender newsletter is short and sweet! We update you on this month's 504 interest rates and thank you for attending our seminar series!

 

Borrower Newsletter, June 2025 #1

 

Posted: 06/05/25

 

  In this newsletter, we cover navigating tariffs, spotlight WBD borrower Jessica Blaska‑Grady, and share key insights for small business owners.  

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, May 2025

 

Posted: 05/16/25

 

Read all about our award winning 504 borrowers, another reminder about the Seminar Series, a new Elite Lender, and an amazing trip to the nation's capitol!

 

Borrower Newsletter, May 2025

 

Posted: 05/14/25

 

May’s borrower newsletter features Forbes tips on local marketing, a conversation on managing rapid growth, and a question about preparing for sudden change.  

 

Mark and Shawn Bula of Signature Farms were named Wisconsin SBA Small Business Persons of the Year and National First Runner-Up during National Small Business Week.  

 

WBD attended the NADCO Spring Summit to receive updates, advocate for the SBA 504 Program, and support the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act on Capitol Hill.  

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, April 2025

 

Posted: 04/30/25

 

This month we invite our readers to our upcoming Seminar Series and SBA workshop, Kyle's insightful Inside Scoop, and introduce our friend Bill Mitchell's new podcast!

 

Borrower Newsletter, April 2025 #2

 

Posted: 04/24/25

 

In this edition, we explore a marketing tool, feature a conversation with the founder of a children’s learning center, and ask a question to help us better serve you.  

 

Borrower Newsletter, April 2025 #1

 

Posted: 04/02/25

 

  This edition features an energy and cost‑savings tool, a conversation with a pretzel maker, and a question about taking your business from good to great.  

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, March 2025

 

Posted: 03/20/25

 

March's newsletter offers an informative Inside Scoop, an update on the strength of the 504 program, an Elite Lender announcement and much more.

 

WBD Seminar Series 2025

 

Posted: 03/20/25

 

WBD's Summer Seminar Series is coming soon, featuring 504 program updates from our loan officers and a post-session Happy Hour. Register today!  

 

Borrower Newsletter, March 2025

 

Posted: 03/12/25

 

In March's borrower newsletter, we explore a business intelligence tool, feature a cutting‑edge metal fabricator, and ask a question about standing out from the competition.  

 

March's newsletter is packed with information that matters to you, including: tips for franchise lending, 1502 report requirements, Q&A, and get to know Wenda Roycraft.

 

Borrower Newsletter, February 2025

 

Posted: 02/19/25

 

February's borrower newsletter connects you with a business mentor resource, shares wisdom from a frozen pizza powerhouse, and asks for your thoughts on boosting your business this year.  

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, February 2025

 

Posted: 02/14/25

 

February's newsletter includes a look at one of the benefits of a 504 loan by our Loan Officer, April Nelson. Also included is a feature on our top 504 lender partner, Luke Hagel.

 

SBA 504 loans can support multiple operating companies within a single project. The 504 loan provides flexibility for businesses looking to expand, consolidate. or make improvements.

 

Preparing for SBA 1502 reporting changes? WBD Service Company can help guide your transition with available SBA resources and support.  

 

Hall of Famer Luke Hagel

 

Posted: 02/11/25

 

WBD recognizes Luke Hagel as an Elite Lender and Hall of Famer for partnering on more than 20 SBA 504 loans!  

 

Borrower Newsletter, January 2025

 

Posted: 01/31/25

 

Have a look at our brand new WBD borrower newsletter! Here you'll find business resources, stories, and a new podcast featuring a WBD business borrower, hosted by WBD Board Member, Bill Mitchell.

 

Lender 504 Newsletter, January 2025

 

Posted: 01/20/25

 

See this month's newsletter for insights from our CEO, Dan Schneider, as well as news featuring an Elite Lender, and of course our Inside Scoop this month written by Jason Monnett.

 

WBD's FY 2024 Annual Report

 

Posted: 01/10/25

 

WBD's FY 2024 Annual Report highlights financial results, job creation, mission impact, business videos, and lender services updates.  

 

Our new Lender Scoop is filled with information on the NAGGL Conference takeaways, Q&As, and a spotlight on our awesome Lender Services Manager, Jill Faber.

 

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