Port 51 Lending LLC

Port 51 Lending LLC is a nationwide, non-bank direct lender focused exclusively on SBA 7(a) financing for small businesses. Operating as an SBA Preferred Lender (PLP), it can approve loans in-house without waiting for SBA sign-off, which can meaningfully compress timelines. Financing reaches up to $5 million on a standalone SBA 7(a) basis, and companion loan structures can extend total project funding to $6.5 million. A credit score of 650 or above is listed as the minimum threshold, and there is no stated minimum time in business, making it worth a look for newer companies. Port 51 appears particularly well suited for industry-specific acquisitions — gas stations, convenience stores, assisted living facilities, car washes, childcare centers, medical offices, and franchises are all cited as specialty segments. Use cases span business acquisition, owner-occupied commercial real estate, working capital, equipment financing, and refinancing.