GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS
Loan amount varies; terms described as flexible.
Rolling applications — no fixed deadline.
FUNDING TYPE
CDFI, Loan
CAN YOU GET THIS?
YOUR REAL ODDS
No public acceptance rate is listed, but CFNE has been lending since 1975 with an active portfolio across multiple states.
They operate as a CDFI with a mission focus, so fit matters more than financials alone. Their portfolio shows they fund small and early-stage cooperatives, not just established ones.
WHAT IT TAKES
Confirm your business qualifies as a cooperative or democratically owned enterprise — 1–2 days
Contact CFNE directly to discuss your loan need — 1 week
Submit a loan application with business and financial details — 1–2 weeks
WORTH KNOWING
CFNE also offers coaching and connections alongside lending, so reaching out early—even before you're ready to borrow—can help you build a relationship and strengthen your application.
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