Access to capital is vital for small businesses to grow and thrive. The IRC’s Small Business Program can help small business owners to be better able to access capital through the following services:
- Work on establishing or increasing your FICO score through credit-building loans and other safe credit products.
- Be ready to apply for capital by working with a business counselor to develop required documents like business plans and Profit and Loss (P&L) statements.
- Receive assistance in accessing local loan opportunities through partner lenders.
- Business counselors can help you understand loan applications and requirements.
- Apply for capital through IRC’s in-house lending partner, IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity
Contact us to learn more about screening and referrals to community lenders for business loans, as well as referrals to IRC financial coaches and foundational credit-building loan products.
Available Capital & Grant Opportunities
Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
The Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant provides $2,500 in non-dilutive funding to small businesses for essential expenses like rent, inventory, or marketing. Open to U.S.-based, for-profit companies with at least two years of operation, eligible applicants must generate $50,000+ annually and have no more than two employees, including the owner. Winners will also receive a Digital Business Growth Planner and Prep My Loan Planner to support their development. Grants are awarded quarterly, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Quarter 4 Applications Open Now.
Backstage Capital
Backstage Capital supports less represented founders by investing in startups. They focus primarily on U.S.-based, scalable businesses with the potential for high growth. Investments typically range from $100,000 and up, predominantly targeting early-stage companies. Applications are reviewed regularly and feedback is provided to those not selected with encouragement to reapply in the future.
IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO)
The International Rescue Committee’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) is a non-profit lender specializing in making small-dollar loans. CEO is a certified by the U.S. Treasury as a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). CEO does not charge any late fees and is flexible with modifying loans or deferring payments to help clients protect their credit and overcome financial turbulence. Some products and rates that are available CEO include:
- Credit Building loans of up to $1,000 with 0% APR
- Business loans of up to $50,000
- Digital Buddy Loans up to $2,500 with 0% interest
Learn more about CEO by visiting www.irc-ceo.org.
