In 2022, Sarah Thornton, founder of Connected Communications, purchased a 2,000-square-foot office in Las Vegas, making a strategic move to support the growth of her PR firm. Thorton financed the purchase through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 504 Loan Program, a powerful tool that helped her transition from leasing to ownership and set the stage for long-term success.
“We’ve nearly doubled in size since buying our building,” Thornton reflects. “The decision to own, rather than lease, has absolutely helped fuel our growth.”
From Cramped Leasing to Long-Term Control
Sarah was paying $2,500 per month to lease two small executive suites totaling just 220 square feet. Adding a third suite would have raised her monthly rent to over $4,000, a significant expense for a space that still wouldn’t meet the company’s long-term needs.
Now, she pays $4,500 a month for 2,000 square feet of space her company owns.
“A friend of mine currently rents a similar space to our property for $7,500 a month,” Sarah explains. “The disparity in terms of value, flexibility, and occupancy costs are clear. Owning has completely changed our trajectory.”
The SBA 504 loan program is designed to help small business owners acquire, renovate, or refinance commercial real estate with below-market, long-term fixed interest rates. The loan requires as little as 10% down and is fully amortized over 25 years with no balloon payment.
From Freelance Roots to a Regional Presence
Connected Communications began in 2007 as a one-woman freelance PR firm. Today, the agency offers a full suite of services including public relations, marketing, social media management, and website development, all designed to help clients strengthen their voice and connect with audiences in an evolving digital world.
The firm has since grown into a regional powerhouse with six full-time employees, student interns, and a national client base spanning Nevada, California, Oklahoma, Utah, Arizona, and Florida.
Their Las Vegas office is now a fully customized, inspirational environment complete with a video room, stocked kitchen, and collaborative workspaces designed for innovation and content development.
“We’ve created a home base where our team can brainstorm, connect, and build something meaningful together. In our previous location we didn’t have enough space to reach our full creative potential.” says Thornton.
The Power of a CDC Partnership
Navigating commercial financing can feel overwhelming for many entrepreneurs—especially those new to real estate or long-term lending. That’s where partnering with a Certified Development Company (CDC) like TMC Financing makes a meaningful difference. CDCs are SBA-authorized nonprofits that guide business owners through the entire SBA 504 loan process, offering expert support every step of the way.
For Sarah Thornton, that guidance came from Chris Hunter, Senior Vice President of Business Development at TMC Financing, who helped facilitate the transaction.
“Chris walked me through everything—from timelines to requirements, without ever making me feel overwhelmed,” Sarah states, “That support made all the difference.”
Chris’ shared a similar sentiment:
“Sarah is exactly the kind of entrepreneur the SBA 504 loan is designed to support. She’s used it to build something that will last—and she’s only getting started.”
Thinking Bigger: The Option for Multiple 504 Loans
Future expansion is on the table for Sarah and her team, and the SBA 504 loan program is built to support that momentum.
“Many business owners don’t realize you can take out more than one SBA 504 loan,” explains Hunter. “If your business is growing and you need another property or new equipment, this program can support that next step.”
Most businesses can access up to $5 million in SBA 504 financing, and even more if they qualify under the Green Energy or Manufacturing categories. That means the door remains open for entrepreneurs to expand or relocate.
A Foundation for the Future
The SBA 504 loan wasn’t just about saving money, it was a launchpad for Connected Communications’ next chapter.
Rooted in Las Vegas and growing nationwide, Connected Communications is a powerful example of what small businesses can achieve with vision, strategy, and the right support.
This building gave us more than a place to work,” Sarah concludes. “It gave us the freedom to build something bigger on our own terms. I encourage all of my fellow entrepreneurs to consider the SBA 504 program—it’s one of the best financial decisions I’ve ever made.”
Congratulations to Sarah and her team for growing their business with intention and laying the groundwork for continued success.
Learn more:
🔗 Connected Communications
🔗 TMC Financing – SBA 504 Loan Experts:
