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It might be hard to believe that there isn't enough elbow-room in Alaska, but for Treeforms Amish Furniture, Inc. it was true. They are a constantly growing business, and while hardwood furniture is sturdy and beautiful, it takes up a lot of space.

The SBA 504 Loan Program finances the acquisition of owner-occupied commercial real estate, but what if the business can't immediately move in?  The program allows for this, as in the case of D'Amore Law Group, P.C. 

D'Amore Law Group was formed by Tom D'Amore in 1994. He focuses his practice on serious and catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases including medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, insurance bad faith, serious motor vehicle accidents, and job site injuries. The practice handles cases in Oregon, Washington and Northern California and represents clients nationwide in class action lawsuits. "In our practice we help injured people and their families, from grandmothers to CEOs," says D'Amore. 

It didn't take long for D'Amore Law Group to outgrow their downtown Portland office space. 

"We needed more space and wanted to buy the building we occupied," said Chris Nemlowill, co-owner of Fort George Brewery and Public House.

Fort George Brewery and Public House is a brewery & restaurant located in Astoria, Oregon. The company is owned by Chris Nemlowill and Jack Harris and has been operating since March, 2007. The brewery focuses on creating small batches of artisanal beers, many with unusual flavors. These change seasonally, are sold on tap in the restaurant and sold to pubs and restaurants throughout Western Oregon. In addition to providing food and beer, they also host live music and participate in many local festivals and community activities. The business is growing quickly.

Small, healthy, growing companies need help expanding, even in good times. Many can't afford the 20 percent down payment required by traditional loans. This was true for Jody Hall, owner of Cupcake Royale, who made the decision to grow into a fourth Seattle location in late 2008, before most realized a recession was ahead.

Cupcake Royale sells cupcakes in their own coffeehouses with seasonal limited-runs. Their local presence and independent ownership has garnered them a solid, loyal following. They were voted Seattle's Best Cupcake in the 2008 Seattle Weekly Magazine and getting national attention as well. Their catering and wholesale business was increasing and it was time for more space.

Exeltech Consulting, Inc. evolved from a purely structural engineering company into a multidisciplinary firm, providing all phases of project planning, design and construction. Its services include structural engineering for bridges, building and facilities; civil engineering for transportation and storm water; all encompassing environmental services; and construction administration, management and inspection. The company operates from offices in Lacey, its corporate headquarters, Port Angeles Seattle and Portland.