Small Businesses Get a Billion-Dollar Boost: Blackstone and Harvest Join Forces in a Game-Changing Partnership
But here's where it gets interesting: This isn't your average lending deal. Blackstone Credit & Insurance (BXCI), a global credit powerhouse, has just announced a massive $1 billion forward flow origination partnership with Harvest Commercial Capital, a leading name in small business lending. This partnership, announced on December 11, 2025, aims to inject much-needed capital into the lifeblood of the American economy – small businesses.
A Win-Win for Small Businesses and Investors
Under this long-term agreement, BXCI will acquire a diverse portfolio of small business loans from Harvest, including both SBA 504 and conventional loans. These loans are secured by first lien mortgages on owner-occupied commercial real estate, providing a solid foundation for both parties. This means small businesses gain access to crucial financing, while BXCI expands its asset-based credit platform with a robust and diversified loan portfolio.
And this is the part most people miss: This partnership isn't just about the money. It's about expertise and reach. Harvest brings its specialized knowledge in SBA 504 and small balance commercial loans, while BXCI contributes its vast resources, global reach, and scaled insurance capital base. This combination creates a powerful engine for fueling small business growth across the United States.
A Shared Vision for Growth
Aneek Mamik and Nick Menzies, Senior Managing Directors at BXCI, expressed their enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to partner with Harvest to deliver tailored financing solutions to small businesses, leveraging their real estate assets. Their meticulous underwriting and comprehensive collateral approach make this a truly compelling lending program.”
Jason Raefski, CFO of Harvest, echoed this sentiment: “Blackstone’s scale and expertise make them the perfect partner. Their commitment validates our position as a key player in supporting America’s small businesses. This partnership allows us to significantly expand our lending capabilities while maintaining our rigorous underwriting standards.”
Harvest Remains Independent, Stronger Than Ever
Importantly, Harvest will continue to operate independently, preserving its specialized expertise in SBA 504 and conventional small balance commercial loans. This independence ensures that Harvest can maintain its focus on serving the unique needs of small businesses, while benefiting from Blackstone’s extensive platform and resources.
BXCI: A Global Leader in Credit Solutions
BXCI’s Infrastructure and Asset Based Credit group manages a staggering $100 billion and boasts over 80 investment professionals as of September 30, 2025. Their focus extends across the real economy, encompassing sectors like physical assets, infrastructure, commercial finance, fund finance, consumer finance, and residential loans. This partnership with Harvest further solidifies BXCI’s position as a leading provider of innovative credit solutions.
About the Players
Blackstone Credit & Insurance (BXCI): A global leader in credit investment, BXCI spans the credit spectrum, offering private investment grade, asset-based lending, public investment grade and high yield, sustainable resources, infrastructure debt, collateralized loan obligations, direct lending, and opportunistic credit. They aim to generate attractive returns for investors while providing essential capital to businesses.
Harvest Commercial Capital, LLC: Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Laguna Hills, CA, Harvest specializes in originating, owning, selling, and servicing first-lien small balance commercial loans backed by multi-purpose commercial real estate. They are majority-owned by an affiliate of Medalist Partners, LP, a registered investment manager with approximately $2.3 billion in assets under management.
A Controversial Question: Is This Enough?
While this partnership is undoubtedly a significant step forward, it raises a crucial question: Is $1 billion enough to address the vast financing needs of small businesses across the United States? With millions of small businesses struggling to access capital, is this partnership a drop in the ocean or a catalyst for broader change? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Contacts:
- Blackstone: David Vitek, email protected (212) 583-5291
- Harvest Commercial Capital: Adam Seery, email protected
