Company Profile: First Western SBLC, Inc.
Background
First Western SBLC, Inc., operating as PMC Commercial Trust, is a Dallas-based direct lender specializing in Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loans. Established in 1983, the company has been dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs in accessing growth capital. As one of only 12 Small Business Lending Companies (SBLCs) licensed by the SBA to originate 7(a) loans, First Western holds the SBA’s Preferred Lender Program (PLP) designation, enabling it to expedite loan approvals and streamline the closing process.
Key Strategic Focus
First Western's strategic focus centers on providing SBA 7(a) loans ranging from $50,000 to $5 million. These loans are utilized for various purposes, including real estate acquisitions, business purchases, equipment financing, working capital, and debt refinancing. The company's specialization in SBA lending, particularly within the hospitality sector, allows it to offer efficient capital solutions for smaller transactions.
Financials and Funding
In November 2025, Peachtree Group entered into a definitive agreement to acquire First Western SBLC, Inc. for $44 million. The acquisition is subject to the receipt of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s consent and other customary closing conditions.
Pipeline Development
As an SBA Preferred Lender, First Western has a history of originating SBA 7(a) loans, facilitating access to capital for small businesses. The company's pipeline development focuses on streamlining the loan approval process to provide faster access to funds for borrowers.
Technological Platform and Innovation
First Western leverages its SBA Preferred Lender status to expedite loan approvals and streamline the closing process, reducing waiting periods for borrowers. This status allows the company to place SBA guarantees on loans without prior SBA review, facilitating faster closings and advancing business plans.
Leadership Team
The leadership team of First Western SBLC, Inc. includes:
- Barry N. Berlin: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary.
- Brandon Hill: Appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer following Barry Berlin's resignation.
- Christopher Filosa: Appointed as Secretary following Barry Berlin's resignation.
Market Insights and Competitor Profile
The SBA 7(a) loan market is highly competitive, with several SBLCs actively participating in loan origination. In 2024, Readycap Lending, LLC led the market with a 52% share, followed by Harvest Small Business Finance with 16%, and Lendistry SBLC with 12%. First Western SBLC, Inc. held a 2% market share, issuing 20 loans totaling $34.9 million, with an average loan size of $1.74 million.
Competitor Analysis
- Readycap Lending, LLC: Dominated the SBA 7(a) loan market in 2024 with a 52% share, issuing over $919 million across 3,229 transactions.
- Harvest Small Business Finance: Secured 16% of the market share in 2024, originating $278 million in SBA 7(a) loans across 299 transactions.
- Lendistry SBLC: Advanced to the third position in 2024, issuing $214.5 million in loans across 1,173 transactions, with an average loan size of $182,864.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
In November 2025, Peachtree Group announced a definitive agreement to acquire First Western SBLC, Inc., aiming to expand its credit platform and enhance its SBA lending capabilities.
Operational Insights
The acquisition by Peachtree Group is expected to strengthen First Western's market position by integrating Peachtree's resources and expertise, particularly in the hospitality sector, thereby enhancing its ability to provide efficient capital solutions for small business owners.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Post-acquisition, First Western SBLC, Inc. is poised to leverage Peachtree Group's vertically integrated platform to offer a broader spectrum of financing solutions, including SBA 7(a) loans, permanent loans, bridge loans, mezzanine financing, CPACE loans, preferred equity investments, and Triple Net Lease (NNN) financing.
