DreamSpring

$1,000 to $2,000,000 depending on loan type; one-time loan disbursement

Rolling applications — apply any time.

AMOUNT

$1,000 to $2,000,000 depending on loan type; one-time loan disbursement

AMOUNT

$1,000 to $2,000,000 depending on loan type; one-time loan disbursement

DEADLINE

Rolling applications — apply any time.

DEADLINE

Rolling applications — apply any time.

FUNDING TYPE

CDFI, Loan

CAN YOU GET THIS?

Any small business or startup with a credit score of at least 600 can apply, regardless of industry.

DreamSpring is a CDFI lender serving entrepreneurs across all industries. Minimum credit score requirements range from 600 to 650 depending on the loan product, and there is no application fee or credit score impact to check eligibility.

YOUR REAL ODDS

DreamSpring has funded over 50,000 loans totaling $585M+ across 30 years, suggesting consistent, high-volume lending activity.

As a nonprofit CDFI ranked among the top five microlenders in the U.S., DreamSpring is explicitly mission-driven to increase access to capital, which means approval criteria tend to be more flexible than traditional banks — but this is still a loan, not a grant, so repayment ability matters.

WHAT IT TAKES

Enter identity and business details in the online portal — 30–60 minutes
Share financial details, collateral, and references — 1–2 hours
Receive pre-approval or approval notice — Varies

WORTH KNOWING

DreamSpring offers five distinct loan products — including a 'Ready, Set, Grow!' loan up to $15,000 specifically for side hustles becoming full businesses — so matching your stage to the right product before applying improves your fit.

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.

Explore the funding database →

$19/month · cancel anytime