Can an SBA loan for winery expansion include acquisition, renovations, and working capital?

Yes. SBA 7(a) financing can be structured to combine acquisition, eligible improvements, and working capital under one facility, subject to lender underwriting and program requirements.

How does 100% SBA 7(a) financing work for owner-occupied expansion projects?

Certain SBA 7(a) structures can support high-leverage or effectively 100% financing when eligible costs, guaranty, and lender credit standards align. Final structure depends on the transaction and underwriting.

Does Cornovus Capital act as a direct lender?

No. Cornovus Capital operates as an advisory firm and arranges financing through third-party lenders, coordinating underwriting, diligence, and closing execution.

100% Financing for Winery & Event Venue Expansion | SBA 7(a)

Growth Capital • Facility Expansion • Liquidity Preservation

SBA loan for winery expansion overview

Cornovus Capital structured a 100% SBA 7(a) financing solution to support the expansion of a fast-growing winery and hospitality venue in the Midwest. The business had outgrown its existing footprint for production, barrel storage, tasting operations, and private events—requiring a larger facility and a scalable operating plan without disrupting liquidity.

The financing supported acquisition, improvements, and working capital under a single coordinated structure. For general SBA 7(a) program context, see the SBA’s overview here: SBA 7(a) Loans.

This SBA loan for winery expansion supported acquisition, improvements, and working capital under a single coordinated structure. For general SBA 7(a) program context, see the SBA’s overview here: SBA 7(a) Loans.

Challenge

Financing facility expansion under specialized-use SBA considerations. A rapidly growing winery and event-driven hospitality business faced production bottlenecks, limited event capacity, and operational constraints across parking, retail, and tasting areas. The financing needed to satisfy SBA eligibility and occupancy standards while preserving capital for marketing and growth.

Securing financing for a winery property under specialized-use SBA requirements
Maintaining liquidity while funding acquisition, improvements, and working capital
Coordinating SBA compliance for seasonal, event-driven revenue patterns
Meeting timeline, appraisal, and eligibility requirements under the SBA 7(a) program

Solution

Structuring 100% SBA 7(a) financing that preserved cash and enabled scale. Cornovus Capital structured a 100% SBA 7(a) financing solution inclusive of acquisition, closing costs, and working capital—supporting expansion without a new equity injection.

100% financing covering purchase, closing costs, and qualifying improvements
No money down execution to preserve operating liquidity
Working capital allocation for renovations and event space build-out
25-year amortization supporting stable long-term cash flow planning
Execution coordinated to meet SBA eligibility and occupancy timelines

Results

Expanded production capacity and event revenue growth. The expanded facility supported increased production, improved tasting operations, and a scalable event venue offering for weddings, private events, and corporate gatherings.

Acquisition of a larger facility supporting higher production and expanded tasting capacity
New event venue launched to support weddings, private events, and corporate bookings
Improved operating efficiency through centralized production and expanded retail footprint
Projected revenue growth supported by expanded capacity and venue utilization

Related capital programs

Explore additional owner-occupied and growth financing options: SBA 7(a) program, SBA 7(a) 100% program, SBA 504 program, Bridge program, CMBS program, and LifeCo program.

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About Cornovus Capital

With over 70 years of combined experience, Cornovus Capital is a trusted financial partner specializing in business financing, commercial real estate lending, and hospitality funding solutions. We design customized capital strategies that help businesses acquire, expand, and optimize operations, ensuring long-term growth and financial stability across multiple market cycles.

Our expertise spans CMBS and LifeCo financing, private capital solutions, structured debt strategies, SBA 7(a) and 504 loans. By focusing on certainty of execution, disciplined underwriting, and closing assurance, we guide businesses and investors through complex capital markets environments, securing financing aligned with long-term ownership and investment objectives.

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Exploring financing options for commercial real estate or business finance? Cornovus Capital delivers institutional execution — combining underwriting precision, credit modeling, and lender coordination to ensure transparency, speed, and certainty from term sheet to closing. Cornovus Capital delivers structured solutions, execution precision, and efficiency from application to closing.

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