Health and Food Entrepreneur Microloan is sponsored by Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona (in partnership with Community Investment Corporation). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

CIC Tucson | Small Business Loans for Rural Southern Arizona Rural AZ Small Business Loans Funding Rural Entrepreneurs in Southern Arizona We empower small businesses with the resources they need to grow. At CIC, we provide unique financing options and personalized support to small business owners in rural communities in Southern Arizona, including Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma Counties.

Through partnerships with the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity , the BIPOC Loan Fund , the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona , Local First Arizona , and the USDA , we meet small business owners where they are and provide the resources they need to grow sustainably into the future.

CIC Invests in AZ’s Rural Economies, One Loan at a Time Lent to rural small business owners in Southern Arizona Working Together to Find The Best Solution for Your Business Start by filling out our quick inquiry form . We will contact you to learn more about your business, needs, and goals, and will work to find the best loan option for you. We can help you gather the essential documents you need to apply.

This loan checklist will guide you through what you need: Submit your complete application with all of your documentation to our team . We are here to support you along the way. The sooner we receive all documents, the quicker the process.

We will carefully review your application, and reach out to let you know if your loan has been approved or not. Either way, we will provide you with the next steps of your funding journey. Our Small Business Loans support entrepreneurs with the funding they need to grow.

Loans ranging from $500 to $100,000 can be used for a variety of business needs, whether you’re purchasing equipment or inventory, making property improvements, refinancing high-interest debt, or needing working capital. Up to $100,000 | 1 – 5 year term lengths | 6. 5 – 10% interest rates* 8% – 10% interest rates (*up to 1.

5% reduced interest rate for projects that provide a positive social impact or for organizations paying a living wage ) One-time fee starts at $750 (dependent on the size of the loan).

Small, third-party fees may apply is located in Southern Arizona has been registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission needs $100,000 or less in financing has a business bank account has been in operation for 6 months is current on all personal and business tax filings and payments prepares regular financial statements has assets available for collateral to guarantee the loan How much will my loan payment be?

Using our Loan Calculator, you can get a rough estimate of your potential loan payment. By entering the amount of money you plan to borrow and using the interest and repayment period listed for the loan product you are interested in, you can better understand if you are able to afford the monthly loan payments during the repayment period.

This calculator is designed to help you estimate your potential monthly loan payments; however, it is not a guaranteed quote. Please contact our lending team for more information: lending@cictucson. org JavaScript Loan Calculator Estimate your Monthly Loan Payment: Repayment period (years): Monthly Payment Estimate: We Offer Small Business Support and Financing to Southern Arizona: 1.

Cochise County (Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Huachuca City, Sierra Vista, Tombstone, Wilcox, etc.) 2. Graham County (Pima, Safford, Thatcher, etc.) 3. Greenlee County (Clifton, Duncan, etc.) 4.

Pima County (Ajo, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, Tucson, South Tucson, Why, etc.) 5. Pinal County (Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy, Florence, Hayden, Mammoth, Maricopa, Queen Creek, Superior, Winkelman, etc.) 6. Santa Cruz County (Nogales, Patagonia, Tubac, etc.) 7.

Yuma County (San Luis, Somerton, Wellton, Yuma, etc.) At CIC, We Know Your Worth We offer different types of financing for different needs, with loans ranging from $500 to $100,000. We’re a nonprofit lender, not a bank. Our focus is supporting your success, not commissions or quotas.

We offer mentorship and guidance to our clients with resources, education, and referrals every step of the way. Our team is flexible, clear, and bilingual. We care about your character, not just your credit score.

Click on the “About” section to learn more about each loan, as each has unique requirements. Please contact us with any questions. Health and Food Entrepreneur Microloans In partnership with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to support businesses creating a healthy community.

Up to $10,000 | 1 – 5 year term lengths | 3% – 5% interest rates Our Health and Food Entrepreneur Microloan Program offers loans of up to $10,000 to support food-focused and health-minded small businesses that deliver goods and services that promote community health. One-time fee of 5% of the loan amount. Small, third-party fees may apply.

is located in Southern Arizona has been legally registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission needs $10,000 or less in financing has a business bank account has been in operation for 6 months (with at least 3 months of sales history) has a tax ID and is current on all personal and business tax filings and payments prepares regular financial statements Empowering entrepreneurs with the capital they need through community-supported lending.

Up to $15,000 | 1 – 3 year term lengths | 0% interest rate Crowdfunded Microloans ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 can be used for a variety of business needs, whether you’re purchasing equipment or inventory, making property improvements, refinancing high-interest debt, or needing working capital. CIC is here to support you to get across the fundraising finish line.

In order to receive a 0%-interest, zero-fee, zero-collateral loan from Kiva, you must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria: You must be at least 18 years of age You must not currently be in foreclosure, bankruptcy, or under any liens. *If the soft credit inquiry returns information that conflicts with the applicant’s self-reported credit history, a turndown will likely result.

You must not have had a violent or financial criminal conviction in the last 5 years. *If the identity-verification report returns information that conflicts with the applicant’s self-reported information about prior convictions, a turndown will likely result. You must not be a registered sex offender.

You must reside and operate your business in the United States. Your business cannot be registered – nor have primary operations in – the states of Nevada or North Dakota. You must be seeking a loan for business purposes other than refinancing debt and purchasing stock or equity.

Your business must not be of a type deemed ineligible for a Kiva loan. Some examples are: federally illegal activities (e.g., gambling, hemp-related products); businesses related to tobacco, pawn-shops, weapons, multi-level marketing, direct selling, cryptocurrencies, drones, or adult entertainment; businesses providing contract work for large corporations (e.g., AirBnB, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, etc.).

You must be able to prove revenue (i.e., donations) in the past 12 months if your business is a nonprofit organization. You must have a PayPal account (that’s how you will receive as well as repay your Kiva loan!) You must be willing to demonstrate your social capital by asking a small number of your friends, family, clients, and/or business partners to make a loan to you during the Kiva Private Fundraising Period – learn more here.

* Please note that impactful loans will be given precedence during the application review process. This is in alignment with our efforts at Kiva U.S. to rethink creditworthiness and expand access to capital to underserved communities: while we do look at your financials, we prioritize your character, the impact your loan will have on your community, and how much support you have from your community.

In partnership with the BIPOC Loan Fund Committee to create greater access to funding across Arizona. Up to $10,000 | 1 – 4 year term lengths | 3% interest rate The BIPOC Loan Fund is a unique loan for Arizona businesses seeking up to $10,000 in financing. It uses a video storytelling application, which, once submitted, is reviewed by the BIPOC Loan Fund committee for approval.

*This is a competitive fund, and you will be competing monthly with other businesses that have also applied for funding. You will need to attend a BIPOC Loan Fund Info Session for instruction on how to apply.

is located in Southern Arizona or Maricopa County needs $10,000 or less in financing has been in operation for at least 3 months is current on all personal and business tax filings and payments To be eligible for the BIPOC Loan Fund , you will need to attend a BIPOC Loan Fund Info Session, submit a BIPOC Loan Fund inquiry form, and complete a video, audio, and text storytelling application.

In partnership with Local First Arizona specifically for graduates of the Green Business Boot Camp. Up to $25,000 | 1 – 3 year term lengths | 3% interest rate CIC has partnered with Local First Arizona to support graduates of the Green Business Boot Camp who want to reduce their environmental impact. Participants can access loans of up to $25,000 to bring their sustainability projects to life.

The goal is for your loan payments to be covered by the savings you gain from lower energy and water use once your new equipment or upgrades are in place. Loan funds can be used to cut down on water and energy costs through projects like updating old buildings with better windows, pipes, or insulation, or by upgrading to energy-efficient equipment such as modern HVAC systems.

is located in Southern Arizona has been registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission needs $25,000 or less in financing has a business bank account has been in operation for 1 year and has less than 25 employees is current on all personal and business tax filings and payments To qualify for the Green Loan Fund, you will need to have completed Local First’s Green Business Boot Camp workshop series, including the following documentation: Benchmarking of facility through energy, transportation, waste, or water audit Sustainability Plan, including completion of: Sustainability Project Goals for potential projects to pursue Financial Analysis using tools to demonstrate the estimated break-even point and profit Complete the Green Teams checklist to plan for the implementation of a Green Team in the business Eligible projects will achieve a reduction in energy, water, transportation, and/or waste, as well as achieve community benefits.

Take the first step: Connect with Our Team After submitting our Loan Inquiry Form, a member of our team will contact you soon. Not ready to apply, and need a little extra support? Email Brandi or call (520) 529-1766 with any questions.

“As Rural Lending Manager, I’m proud to travel across the region to meet small business owners in-person and help them access the funding and support they deserve. I believe rural businesses are the backbone of Southern Arizona, and my mission is to make sure they have the same opportunities as those in larger cities. Even if you’ve been turned down before, don’t give up!

I’ll walk alongside you, share resources, and open doors to the capital and support you need. ” Brandi Szymanski, Rural Lending Manager, CIC “Working with CIC was the easiest application process we’ve ever been through. It was super fast and the most communicative process we’ve been through to access capital.

We have been able to expand our transportation infrastructure which just means more money for more farmers. ” “Amazing experience working with CIC members and overall process was easy and accessible. Staff was personable and willing to meet us where we are and fulfill our needs.

” Owner, Mobile Tread and Tire “CIC was willing to consider all of our assets, our previous experience, our community engagement and other non-traditional factors when approving our loan. It was a unique situation and needed a timely solution. CIC went to bat for us and we are grateful.

It kept our business alive and our staff employed. ” Owner, Sonoran Stitch Factory “CIC has been amazing to work with and we're entirely grateful for the work they do for the community. ” President/CEO, Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce “Working with CIC was very easy and we could not be more happy with the results.

” Founder, Suarez Stockyards "CIC has gone beyond expectations for us and the community. ” Founder, Cleaning Technique “I went to the bank for the car, I went for the house, I worked for just small personal loans and it seems like you feel like nobody’s ever telling you the truth. Brandi though, she walked with me, held my hand and said look, this is what we can do, lets go get it, I know we can do it!

Brandi was just there for everything we needed” Stream “Let’s Talks Small Biz Finance” on: Frequently Asked Questions Is my business eligible for a CIC loan? Am I eligible for a CIC Loan? Take the quiz.

Question 1: Is the business located in Pima, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pinal, Santa Cruz, or Yuma County? Yes/Unsure: Please continue to Question 2. No: Unfortunately, we cannot assist with financing, but one of our community partners may be able to.

Question 2: Does the business need $100,000 or less in financing? Yes/Unsure: Continue to Question 3. No: We suggest contacting your bank or credit union for larger loan needs.

Question 3: Does the business have at least three months of sales history? Yes/Unsure: Continue to #4. No: We cannot provide a loan, but we can discuss future eligibility.

Question 4: Are the business and owners current on all tax filings and payments? Yes/Unsure: Continue to #5. No: Please come back once your tax filings and payments are current.

Question 5: If the loan request is greater than $50,000, does the business have assets available for collateral to guarantee the loan? Yes/Unsure: Continue to #6. No: If you are open to a smaller amount, continue to #6.

Question 6: Does the business prepare regular financial statements (profit & loss and balance sheet)? Yes/Unsure: Continue to #7. No: Financial history is required.

If willing to prepare financial documents, continue to #7. Question 7: Is the business profitable? Yes: It sounds like you would be a great fit for a CIC loan!

Unsure: We are happy to discuss this further with you. While we may not be able to provide a loan but can discuss future eligibility. If you are ready for a loan, or would like support to help you get ready to apply.

please complete our inquiry form and someone from our loan team will contact you. Types of businesses we fund: We support all types of small businesses across a variety of industries. This includes but is not limited to agricultural operations, retailers, service-based businesses, farmers, mobile vendors, ranchers, and even side hustles growing into full-time businesses.

Your business must be legally established and registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission, have a Tax Identification Number, have a business bank account, and be current on all business and personal taxes. If you’re working to build or grow a business in Southern Arizona, we’re here to help.

Types of businesses we are unable to fund: We are unable to provide funding to financial companies; multi-level marketing (like Amway, Herbalife, or Mary Kay); bars or other businesses where sale of alcohol is the primary source of revenue (alcohol production for sale in the case of a brewery or winery are excluded); smoke shops; drug paraphernalia & dispensaries; adult entertainment/materials; guns & ammunition sales or manufacturing; fireworks; political campaigns; and businesses whose products are not legal, either federally or in other states in the U.S. Do I need to visit Tucson to apply or to manage my loan?

No, you don’t need to travel to Tucson to work with us. Our application process can be completed online or by phone, and we also offer virtual meetings to make things easier for you. In addition, CIC has a dedicated Rural Lending Manager who can meet with you in person in your community, and we regularly host outreach events in rural towns across Southern Arizona.

If approved, how long does the process take from application to funding? The process typically takes 1 – 2 months on average. Processing time can vary based on how quickly you are able to provide the application documents.

Each of our loan products have a minimum time in business, with the shortest being three months. How much funding do I need for my small business? This question should be answered by determining how much funding you need to complete the intended project.

We recommend building a budget and researching what it will cost to complete the project. What can financing be used for? Funding from CIC must be used for business purposes.

For example, common funding requests are used for purchasing equipment, machinery, inventory, project improvements, growth , refinancing predatory business debts, working capital for business expenses, or a combination of these uses. Occasionally, we see a request for purchasing property. What type of collateral may be needed for a business loan?

Collateral is assets that can be sold and used to repay the loan if the business is not able to. Common types of collateral consist of business assets (machinery, inventory, furniture), vehicles, and business or personal real estate. Do I need good credit to get a loan?

We do not require a specific credit score to be eligible for a loan. However, w e want to make sure you can afford to take on a new loan, so we do take into account any outstanding loans and any current delinquencies you may have. Is it ok if I was denied elsewhere?

Absolutely! We specialize in helping businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank loans. Think of us as a stepping stone – our goal is to help your business grow and thrive so that, when you’re ready, you’ll be in a stronger position to qualify for traditional financing in the future.

Tips for Starting Your Small Business Understanding Your Business Finances Understanding How CIC Loans Work