LiftFund

LiftFund is a nonprofit CDFI, or Community Development Financial Institution, based in San Antonio, Texas. It provides small business loans, microloans and business support services to entrepreneurs who face barriers to accessing traditional bank financing. LiftFund is one of the largest CDFIs in the United States and serves businesses across the South and Southwest.

CDFIs are mission-driven organizations certified by the US Treasury's CDFI Fund. They exist to expand access to affordable capital in communities that are underserved by mainstream banks and financial institutions. LiftFund's focus is on entrepreneurs who may have limited credit history, lower credit scores, less time in business or other factors that make it difficult to qualify for a conventional bank loan.

LiftFund offers small business loans and microloans for a range of purposes including working capital, equipment purchases, real estate and startup costs. Loan sizes range from small microloans to larger amounts for more established businesses. The organization also provides technical assistance, business coaching and advisory services to help borrowers build stronger businesses.

LiftFund operates across multiple states including Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina and New Mexico. Its geographic focus reflects its roots as a regional CDFI serving underserved communities in the South.

LiftFund's mission-driven model means it may be willing to work with businesses that have been declined by conventional lenders, and it typically provides more individualized attention and support than a bank or online lender.

If you are a small business owner in LiftFund's service area and have had difficulty accessing conventional financing, LiftFund is worth contacting to learn more about what you may qualify for.