Greenwood Archer Capital, Inc.

Loans up to $500,000; average loan is $70,000. Amount varies by business need.

Rolling — applications accepted year-round.

AMOUNT

Loans up to $500,000; average loan is $70,000. Amount varies by business need.

AMOUNT

Loans up to $500,000; average loan is $70,000. Amount varies by business need.

DEADLINE

Rolling — applications accepted year-round.

DEADLINE

Rolling — applications accepted year-round.

FUNDING TYPE

CDFI, Loan

CAN YOU GET THIS?

You qualify if you're a small business or startup in Chicago's historically underinvested communities who can't access conventional financing.

GAC underwrites based on character, commitment, and community impact rather than credit scores alone, and many loans do not require collateral. They focus on entrepreneurs on Chicago's South and West Sides.

YOUR REAL ODDS

GAC approved 32 new clients and $2.8M in new loans in FY2025, with an average loan size of $70,000.

90% of loans go to minority-owned businesses. The CDFI model prioritizes underserved borrowers who lack conventional options, so if you fit that profile and are Chicago-based, the bar is more accessible than a traditional bank.

WHAT IT TAKES

Review loan requirements on their website and prepare your business and financial information — 1-2 days
Submit a loan application via their online portal — 1-2 hours
Work with GAC through their underwriting process, which focuses on character and community impact — Varies

WORTH KNOWING

GAC pairs loans with free monthly workshops on operations and financial planning, open to applicants and borrowers alike — attending before you apply could strengthen your relationship with their team and signal commitment.

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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