I'm Lisa, Business Banker at SouthState Bank.
Prime Rate increased by a quarter percent making Prime Rate 8%; one year ago Prime was 3.25%. Every time Prime increases, SBA loan payments increase. Rates have increased 9 times in a year, a potential problem for businesses.
I give my business clients two options for their financing.
Chris financed his dream of starting a marketing consulting business with the Small Business Administration 5 years ago and this year, his interest rate has increased from 4.25% to 9% taking his payment from $3,096 to $4,499 on his $500,000 loan. I offered him an option removing the variable Wall Street Journal Prime Rate to a fixed rate option. In return, now Chris can focus on expansion and not quarterly payment changes.
A marketing consultant who just hired their 3rd employee wants to talk to me.
His goal is to create a thriving business that can be passed to the next generation.
Next time you're talking to a business owner, ask them how's business going?