Downtown Farm Stand buys building with SBA 504 loan from Prime Trust Federal Credit Union and Indiana Statewide CDC

David and Sara Ring, owners of the Downtown Farm Stand in Muncie, have purchased the building in which they’ve operated their Farm Stand since 2007. The two-story building at Main and Mulberry streets houses the Rings’ market on the first floor and an event/banquet space and lawyers’ offices on the second floor. The Rings bought the building with a small business loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loan program through Prime Trust Federal Credit Union and the Indiana Statewide Certified Development Corporation. Indiana Statewide CDC works with local Indiana lenders to issue SBA 504 loans to help owners of expanding small businesses buy real estate, buildings and equipment. SBA 504 loans help small companies gain favorable financing terms similar to those available to large companies in conventional loans. David Ring says, “We bought the building to solidify our place in downtown Muncie. We’ve been here for 11 years, and we want to provide an identifiable location for a long time to come where farmers sell their products and consumers can find organic local food. The SBA 504 loan helps us reach our goal.” Lori Alexander of Prime Trust Credit Union says, “The SBA 504 loan’s long-term, fixed interest rate and low down payment requirement significantly helps the borrower, and the program also provides the lender with a 50 percent loan-to-value.” Muncie’s Downtown Farm Stand is open every day. Ring says, annually, more than 40 local and area producers provide the Farm Stand’s customers with organic produce, meats, cheeses and all types of food products. The Farm Stand also offers beer and wine, catering and home delivery. The Rings also have a farm in Delaware County. The Downtown Farm Stand’s website notes that David Ring’s great-grandparents once owned the Crescent Grocery on Willard Avenue. Background: Indiana Statewide CDC (www.cambridgecapitalmgmt.com) has provided more than $515 million to 1,240 Indiana companies since 1983, creating or saving more than 15,000 jobs, and is the most prolific CDC in Indiana. Prime Trust Federal Credit Union (www.primetrustcu.com) is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned and governed by more than 16,500 members. Prime Trust offers commercial, consumer and financial products including checking, savings, credit and debit cards, home mortgage and equity, checking, insurance, investment and commercial and personal loans. Downtown Farm Stand (www.munciefarmstand.com) is located in the heart of downtown Muncie at 125 E. Main Street. Every day is “buy local” day at the Downtown Farm Stand. A typical week sees deliveries from10 - 20 local organic farmers and producers. Products include cheese, milk, meat, vegetables and fruit.