Alternatives Federal Credit Union

Varies by loan type; no specific amounts listed publicly.

Rolling — apply any time, no set deadline.

AMOUNT

Varies by loan type; no specific amounts listed publicly.

AMOUNT

Varies by loan type; no specific amounts listed publicly.

DEADLINE

Rolling — apply any time, no set deadline.

DEADLINE

Rolling — apply any time, no set deadline.

FUNDING TYPE

CDFI, Loan

CAN YOU GET THIS?

This is a CDFI lender, not a grant — it offers loans to businesses that mainstream lenders have overlooked.

Alternatives FCU focuses on low-to-moderate income and marginalized communities in the Tompkins County/Ithaca, NY area. They look beyond credit scores but still expect a solid application.

YOUR REAL ODDS

Rolling applications mean no competition deadline, but approval depends on your loan readiness and community fit.

As a CDFI, they are explicitly designed to work with borrowers mainstream lenders turn away. They offer free 1:1 coaching to help you get loan-ready before applying.

WHAT IT TAKES

Check eligibility and loan types (Working Capital, Line of Credit, Equipment, Commercial Mortgage) — 1–2 hours
Use their free Get Loan-Ready resources or book a 1:1 financial coaching session — 1–2 weeks
Apply for a business loan directly through their website — 1–3 hours

WORTH KNOWING

Alternatives FCU offers free, confidential 1:1 financial coaching specifically to help applicants strengthen their loan applications before submitting — worth using if your credit or financials are a concern.

Apply on the funder’s site →

Community 1st Credit Union

Varies; loan terms depend on business type and credit profile.

Iowa-based small businesses and startups can apply for business loans through this CDFI credit union on a rolling basis.

Afena Federal Credit Union

Varies; personal and business loans from $200 up to undisclosed amounts depending on product.

Small businesses and startups in Indiana can access loans through this CDFI credit union, with no stated identity restrictions.

The Bridgeway Federal Credit Union

Varies; specific loan amounts not published.

Small businesses and startups in Alabama can apply for loans on a rolling basis through this CDFI credit union.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

$50B+ in available capital across grants, VC funds, CDFIs, and accelerators. Filter by your industry, stage, and region, and see everything you qualify for.

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$19/month · cancel anytime