At LISC, we focus on bolstering entrepreneurs whose lack of access to capital and services reflects deep, longstanding structural inequities—businesses owned and operated by people of color, women, immigrants, and veterans, and those located in low-wealth, underserved places.
We do this by providing loans to business owners, and also by supporting “high-touch,” culturally competent local business development organizations that can help entrepreneurs access capital, upgrade marketing and accounting systems, troubleshoot problems, or find affordable commercial space.
LISC works with you to understand your business and your project vision first. From there, we collaborate with you to identify a loan product that sets your project up for success.
Working Capital Loans
Financing to fill credit gaps for our strongest borrowers by providing flexible working capital lines of credit to meet organizational cash flow needs or pay project-based expenses.
Loan Amount: $100,000-$3,000,000
Interest Rate: Starting at 7.85%
Term: Working capital LOC: up to 2 years; project-based LOC: up to 3 years.
Repayment: Interest-only, payable monthly
Loan Fees: Up to 1.5% of loan amount plus legal fees
Collateral: Flexible; generally secured
All interest rates are subject to change based on underwriting and approval. Lower rates may be available based on available funding sources, size, and term of the loan apply.
Commercial Property Loans
Long-term financing or refinancing of acquisition, construction, and renovation projects in low-income areas or that serve low-income populations for several project types, including rental housing, charter schools, health centers, and commercial and nonprofit asset classes.
Loan Amount: $500,000-$10,000,000
Interest Rate: Starting at 8.20%
Term: Typically up to 15 years, longer on an exception basis
Repayment: Amortizing payments, payable monthly
Loan Fees: Up to 1.5% of loan amount plus legal fees
Collateral: 1st lien on real estate collateral with LTV of up to 85%; additional collateral required for any amount in excess of 85% LTV
Business Criteria
Time in business: at least 2 years
Business revenue: at least $100,000 annually
Global DSCR: 1.20
Equity Required: 10%
Credit Score: Greater than 600 for Working Capital; Greater than 650 for Commercial Property
Background Check: 3rd party report
Legal Organization: Borrower must be a business entity + Principal owners must be US citizens or legal permanent residents
Document Checklist
Personal Tax Returns (3 years)
Business Tax Returns (3 years)
Interim Financial Statements (profit and loss & balance sheet)
Personal Financial Statement
Business Debt Schedule
Lease Agreement
Contracts/Quotes for Leasehold Improvements/FFE
Get Started
Are you a small business seeking financing? Once you have reviewed the LISC Lending Process page to determine whether you fit the criteria, please complete this interest form or contact gpiazza2@lisc.org to discuss your options and decide whether LISC is a good fit for your needs.
