A Coleman Conversation: Chris Allen
May 6, 2026
Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher
A Coleman Conversation: Chris Allen
In this week’s episode of A Coleman Conversation, Bob Coleman sits down with Chris Allen, Senior Vice President and SBA 504 Sales Manager at LiftFund, to discuss SBA 504 lending, CDFIs, microloans, Community Advantage, and the critical role mission-driven lenders play in supporting Main Street businesses. Chris shares LiftFund’s evolution from Accion Texas into one of the nation’s leading CDFIs, explains why the SBA 504 program remains one of the best-kept secrets in small business finance, and highlights how LiftFund strategically uses 504 lending revenue to sustain and expand access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs. He also discusses complex deal structuring, borrower development, and how current market conditions are shaping SBA lending activity.
Topics Covered:
✓ The evolution of LiftFund and how its structure enables both large-scale 504 lending and small-dollar community lending
✓ A detailed breakdown of SBA 7(a) vs. 504 loans, and why 504 is a powerful long-term financing tool for real estate and equipment
✓ How LiftFund utilizes Community Advantage loans and microloans, helping early-stage borrowers become bankable over time
✓ Examples of complex and creative deals, including a multi-million dollar equipment-only 504 project
✓ The economics of small-dollar lending, CDFI funding challenges, and LiftFund’s shift toward greater self-sufficiency through 504 program growth
✓ Current trends in SBA lending, including higher rates, more complex deal flow, and the broader impact on small business growth and access to capital