Freedom CU

This is a community-focused bank offering SBA loan programs, business banking services, and financial guidance to small businesses. You can access various funding options, including SBA 7(a) loans, and receive personalized support to help your business grow.

Ask Freedom CU directly — some branches take walk-ins, others book SBA conversations by appointment.

Hours vary by branch and change. Check Freedom CU's website or call before you visit.

Browsing this directory is free. Any loan fees are set by Freedom CU and the SBA program — ask the lender for its current schedule.

This bank primarily serves residents and small business owners within the Springfield area and surrounding regions, though some services may be available to non-residents with qualifying criteria.

Many SBA lenders look for a personal score around 640 or higher, but each bank sets its own bar and it changes. Ask Freedom CU what it looks for today.

The underwriting process typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the completeness of your application and the complexity of your loan request.

Most bank SBA teams work weekdays; confirm with Freedom CU before planning a weekend visit.

Freedom CU is located in Massachusetts — see the contact card for the full address. Most credit union locations offer free on-site or nearby street parking for visitors. For exact directions, the entrance, and accessible parking, use the listed address or call ahead and staff can point you to visitor spaces.

This page is an independent directory listing for Freedom CU, an SBA-participating credit union. It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by Freedom CU itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at Freedom CU, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.

The core details for Freedom CU — name, location, contact, and lender type — are compiled from public records and reviewed periodically. Rates, programs, credit policies, and hours change often and are not guaranteed here, so always confirm the latest terms directly with Freedom CU before applying. If you represent Freedom CU, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.

You can reach Freedom CU by phone at (413) 739-6961 or online at www.freedom.coop — the same details are in the contact card on this page.

Based on its approved SBA loans, Freedom CU most often finances businesses in restaurants & food service. This reflects Freedom CU's real SBA 7(a) and 504 lending history rather than a stated policy — it can still consider other industries and sets its own current preferences, so confirm with Freedom CU which sectors it actively lends to before you apply.

SBA Express offers lines of credit and term loans up to $500,000 with a faster turnaround than standard 7(a) loans. Whether Freedom CU participates in SBA Express depends on its specific SBA lending authority. Contact Freedom CU and ask if it offers SBA Express and what the current limits and terms look like for your situation.

Whether Freedom CU has SBA Preferred Lender (PLP) status is set by the SBA. Ask the bank directly; PLP lenders can approve in-house and often move faster.

The SBA does fund start-ups, but many traditional lenders prefer at least two years of operating history and may ask newer ventures for a larger equity injection or stronger collateral. Freedom CU's appetite for start-ups is set by its own credit policy. If you are early-stage or pre-revenue, ask Freedom CU directly whether it considers start-up loans.

For SBA 7(a) and 504 commercial real estate loans, borrowers typically contribute around 10% to 20% as a down payment or equity injection, depending on the property and the deal. Exact requirements vary with your credit, the business, and the lender's policy. Ask Freedom CU what down payment it expects for your specific commercial real estate purchase.

SBA 7(a) loans with terms under 15 years generally carry no prepayment penalty, while longer real estate loans can have one in the early years. Short-term working capital lines often have no penalty, but terms vary by lender. Review your loan agreement and ask Freedom CU to spell out any prepayment penalties before you sign.

SBA loans can be used for a partner or owner buyout, including buying out an existing equity partner, when the deal is structured to meet SBA rules — for example, the remaining owner generally must stay actively involved. Approval depends on the specifics, so discuss your buyout plan with Freedom CU to confirm it qualifies and how to document it.

A past personal bankruptcy does not automatically disqualify you from an SBA loan. Lenders look at how long ago it was discharged, the circumstances, and how your credit has recovered since. Freedom CU weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask Freedom CU how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.