620 Treeline RD., Kalispell, MT 59901

Commercial Lending

Commercial Loans in Montana

Flexible financing solutions for business owners, investors, and developers across Montana.

Financing Built Around Your Goals — Not a One-Size-Fits-All Product

Commercial lending is fundamentally different from residential lending. Every deal is unique — the property type, the borrower’s financial structure, the intended use, and the timeline all shape what the right financing looks like. There’s no single product that fits every situation.

At Grizzly Mortgage, our team works with a broad network of commercial lending partners to find the right financing structure for your specific project — whether you’re purchasing a commercial property, expanding into a new location, investing in Montana real estate, or developing something new.

Commercial lending conversations start with understanding your goals. Give our team a call at 406-890-8464 and we’ll ask the right questions to figure out what you need.

What We Finance

Commercial Financing Options

We work with lending partners across these commercial categories to find the right structure for your project.

Commercial Real Estate

Financing for the purchase, refinance, or renovation of commercial properties — office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, industrial facilities, and mixed-use properties across Montana.

Investment Properties

Loan solutions for residential and commercial investment properties. Whether you’re building a rental portfolio or acquiring a single income property, our team can help you find competitive financing for Montana’s growing investment real estate market.

Multi-Family Properties

Financing for apartment buildings, duplexes, triplexes, and larger multi-family properties. Multi-family loans bridge the gap between residential and commercial lending — our team understands both sides and can identify the right structure for your property size and goals.

SBA Loans

Small Business Administration loans offer favorable terms for qualifying small business owners — including lower down payments and longer repayment terms than conventional commercial loans. SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 programs can be powerful tools for business owners purchasing real estate or financing major equipment.

Construction & Development

Financing for ground-up commercial construction and development projects. From site acquisition through vertical construction to permanent financing, our team works with lenders who understand the complexity of commercial development in Montana’s growing markets.

Bridge Loans

Short-term financing that bridges the gap between an immediate need and longer-term solution — for example, purchasing a new property before selling an existing one, or financing a project while permanent financing is arranged. Bridge loans provide speed and flexibility when timing matters.

Equipment Financing

Financing for business-critical equipment purchases — from commercial vehicles and machinery to technology and specialized tools. Equipment financing preserves your working capital while giving your business access to the assets it needs to operate and grow.

Who Commercial Lending Is For

Commercial lending supports a wide range of borrowers and project types.

Business Owners

Whether you’re purchasing the building your business operates from, expanding to a new location, or financing equipment to grow your operation — commercial lending can support your business goals at every stage of growth.

Owning your business property builds equity while eliminating rent exposure and providing stability for your operation.

Real Estate Investors

Montana’s real estate market has attracted investors from across the country. Whether you’re building a single-family rental portfolio, acquiring multi-family properties, or developing commercial real estate, our team can connect you with the right financing structure for your investment strategy.

Investment property financing requires a different approach than owner-occupied lending — our team understands the difference.

Developers

Ground-up development and major renovation projects require specialized financing that accounts for construction timelines, draw schedules, and the transition to permanent financing. Our team works with lenders who have deep experience in commercial construction and development lending across Montana.

Early conversations with our team — before you finalize project budgets and timelines — lead to better outcomes.

Commercial Deals Are Complex. Having the Right Partner Matters.

As an independent mortgage brokerage, our team works with a broad network of commercial lending partners — not just one bank. That means more options, more flexibility, and a financing structure built around your project rather than a bank’s product menu. Every commercial deal starts with a conversation.

Commercial Lending FAQs — Montana Business Owners and Investors

Common questions about commercial financing in Montana.
What is a commercial loan and how is it different from a residential mortgage?

A commercial loan is used to finance income-producing properties or business-related real estate — as opposed to residential mortgages which finance owner-occupied homes. Commercial loans are underwritten differently: lenders evaluate the property’s income potential, the borrower’s business financials, and the overall deal structure in addition to personal creditworthiness. Terms are typically shorter than residential loans (5–25 years versus 30 years), rates may be higher, and down payment requirements are generally larger. Every commercial deal is evaluated individually — there’s no standard product that fits every situation.

How much do I need to put down on a commercial loan in Montana?

Down payment requirements for commercial loans vary significantly based on the loan type, property, and lender. Conventional commercial loans typically require 20–35% down. SBA loans may allow lower down payments — as little as 10% for SBA 504 loans in some cases. Investment property loans may require 25–30%. The specific requirement depends on your financial profile, the property’s income potential, and the lender’s guidelines. Our team will walk you through realistic down payment expectations for your specific situation during our initial conversation.

What is an SBA loan and is it right for my business?

SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, which allows lenders to offer more favorable terms than conventional commercial loans — including lower down payments, longer repayment terms, and competitive rates. The SBA 7(a) program is the most flexible and can be used for real estate, equipment, working capital, and business acquisition. The SBA 504 program is specifically designed for major fixed assets like commercial real estate and heavy equipment. SBA loans have specific eligibility requirements and longer processing times than conventional loans. Our team can help you determine whether an SBA program fits your situation.

What is a bridge loan and when does it make sense?

A bridge loan is short-term financing — typically 6–24 months — that provides capital when timing is critical and permanent financing isn’t immediately available. Common uses include purchasing a new property before selling an existing one, funding a construction or renovation project while permanent financing is arranged, or acquiring a property quickly in a competitive situation. Bridge loans carry higher rates than permanent financing and are designed to be replaced by longer-term financing once the situation stabilizes. Our team works with lenders who specialize in bridge lending for Montana commercial transactions.

Can I use a commercial loan to buy a rental property in Montana?

Yes — investment property financing for single-family rentals, small multi-family properties, and larger apartment buildings falls within our commercial lending capabilities. The specific loan product depends on the property size: 1–4 unit investment properties may qualify for residential investment loan programs, while 5+ unit properties typically require commercial financing. Montana’s rental market has been strong — our team can help you structure financing that supports your investment strategy whether you’re acquiring your first rental or expanding a portfolio.

What do lenders look at when underwriting a commercial loan?

Commercial underwriting examines several factors that differ from residential lending. Lenders evaluate the property’s Net Operating Income (NOI) and Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) — essentially whether the property generates enough income to cover its debt payments. They also review the borrower’s personal and business financials, credit history, industry experience, and liquidity. For construction and development loans, the project budget, timeline, and builder qualifications are also scrutinized. Our team will help you understand what lenders are looking for and how to present your situation in the strongest possible light.

How long does it take to close a commercial loan in Montana?

Commercial loan timelines vary significantly by product and complexity. SBA loans typically take 60–90 days. Conventional commercial real estate loans generally close in 45–60 days. Bridge loans can sometimes close in 2–3 weeks. Construction loans vary based on project complexity. The key factors are how quickly documentation is gathered and whether the property and deal structure meet lender requirements. Our team will give you a realistic timeline expectation upfront — and work to keep the process moving efficiently.

Why should I use a mortgage broker for commercial financing instead of going directly to my bank?

Your bank can only offer you their own commercial loan products — and commercial banks often have limited appetite for certain deal types, property categories, or borrower profiles. As an independent brokerage, our team works with a broad network of commercial lending partners including banks, credit unions, private lenders, and SBA preferred lenders. That means more options, more flexibility, and a better chance of finding a financing structure that fits your specific deal. For complex commercial transactions, having a broker who understands the full lending landscape — and can advocate for your deal across multiple institutions — can make a meaningful difference in both outcome and terms.