By Amy Calandrino, Beyond Commercial

As we wrap up April, Orlando’s momentum continues to build across multiple fronts. This week’s update explores important national changes to small business lending, regional accolades for our business climate, and a major hyperlocal event that adds fresh energy to the market:

  • 🏛️ SBA strengthens its 7(a) lending program to combat fraud and protect entrepreneurs
  • 🏙️ Orlando ranked the #1 best city to start a business in the United States
  • 🎓 UCF prepares to graduate a record-breaking class for Spring 2025

Here’s how each story impacts our business community and commercial real estate landscape.

🏛️ National Update: SBA Tightens 7(a) Loan Program to Ensure Long-Term Strength

According to the SBA, the Small Business Administration has initiated critical actions to correct mismanagement issues that arose during the pandemic era and restore the integrity of its core 7(a) lending program.

🔍 Key Changes:

  • New Eligibility Guardrails: Age and operational history requirements have been reinstated to prevent misuse.
  • Stronger Fraud Prevention: Enhanced lender oversight and stricter borrower vetting are being implemented.
  • Program Sustainability: By addressing past vulnerabilities, the SBA aims to ensure long-term viability for future entrepreneurs.

🏢 CRE Implications:

  • Higher-Quality Borrowers: Stronger lending practices will stabilize small business tenancy and reduce turnover risk.
  • Short-Term Lending Adjustments: More scrutiny could slow approvals temporarily but improve loan quality long-term.
  • Healthier Ecosystem for Growth: A more secure lending environment strengthens confidence in leasing retail, office, and industrial spaces.

While these reforms might slow certain transactions in the short term, they position the small business lending system for healthier, more sustainable growth in markets like Orlando.

🏙️ Regional Focus: Orlando Ranked #1 Best City to Start a Business

WFTV reports that Orlando has been named the #1 best city in the nation to start a business based on key metrics like affordability, funding access, and workforce strength.

📊 What Makes Orlando #1:

  • Low Cost of Entry: Affordable real estate and operational costs
  • Funding Access: Strong support from banks, investors, and SBA lenders
  • Educated, Diverse Workforce: Fueled by institutions like UCF and Rollins College
  • Entrepreneurial Culture: A thriving ecosystem of incubators, accelerators, and mentorship programs

🏢 CRE Implications:

  • Flexible Office Demand Grows: Entrepreneurs seek short-term, adaptable office solutions.
  • Retail Innovation Expands: Expect more boutique, experiential retail concepts throughout emerging neighborhoods.
  • Increased Investment Attention: Orlando’s momentum attracts out-of-market investors eager to tap into business growth corridors.

Orlando’s top ranking is a clear signal: our market is primed for both entrepreneurship and strategic commercial real estate investment.

🎓 Hyperlocal Spotlight: UCF to Graduate Largest Spring Class in History

The University of Central Florida will celebrate its largest-ever Spring Commencement on May 2-3, 2025, awarding degrees to over 9,000 graduates.

📚 Event Highlights:

  • Record-breaking Spring Class: The most graduates UCF has ever celebrated in a single spring season.
  • Expanded Ceremonies: Held at Addition Financial Arena, with families traveling in from around the world.

🏢 Economic and CRE Impact:

  • Hospitality Boom: Strong hotel occupancy around UCF, Downtown Orlando, and International Drive.
  • Retail and Dining Lift: Restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues benefit from visitor spending.
  • Workforce Pipeline Growth: Thousands of new graduates entering the local workforce support demand for office space and urban housing.

These events don’t just provide an economic surge for the weekend — they solidify Orlando’s position as a rising national powerhouse for business, innovation, and real estate development.

📈 Final Thoughts from Amy Calandrino

This week’s updates reinforce that Orlando’s growth story is far from over. With SBA reforms setting the stage for stronger small businesses, a national top ranking for entrepreneurship, and the largest wave of UCF graduates ever joining the market, Central Florida’s future looks dynamic and bright.

Whether you’re an investor, developer, business owner, or entrepreneur, now is the time to stay informed and lean into these trends shaping Orlando’s next chapter.

Until next week,

Amy Calandrino, CCIM, SIOR
Founder & CEO, Beyond Commercial