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Loans for small businesses & nonprofits to help you grow and support your community

You are one loan away from growing your impact

We are here to make it easier for you to do more good.

More than a lender, we are your growth partner. We’re passionate about reconnecting capital and community. Learn more about your options below.

Who do we fund?

The bold, the optimistic—check out the diverse and impactful businesses and nonprofits in our portfolio.

Take the first step—schedule a call with a member of the team today.

Just Fare workers prepping in the kitchen

Advance California

  • For California-based small businesses & nonprofits creating an inclusive and sustainable economy
  • Working capital, equipment purchase, project finance, etc.
  • Check size: $100,000–$1.5 million
  • 11.5% interest rate + closing fee
  • 3–30 month terms
  • $250 application fee to start underwriting
  • No prepayment penalty fee
  • No credit scores required
  • No personal guarantees required
  • Islamic financing available
  • Revenue-based financing available
Retail business owners

Advance New Mexico

  • For New Mexico-based small businesses & nonprofits creating an inclusive and sustainable economy
  • Working capital, equipment purchase, project finance, etc.
  • Check size: $100,000–$1.5 million
  • Up to 11.5% interest rate + closing fee
  • 3- to 30-month terms
  • $250 application fee to start underwriting
  • No prepayment penalty fee
  • No credit scores required
  • No personal guarantees required
  • Islamic financing available
  • Revenue-based financing available
Michelle Pusateri, Nana Joes Granola

Advance Climate (United States)

    • Early growth-stage enterprises across the U.S. committed the long-term health of the soil, water, pollinators, workers, and community
    • Working capital, equipment purchase, project finance, etc.
    • Check size: $100,000–$1.5 million
    • 11.5% interest rate + closing fee
    • 3–30 month terms
    • $250 application fee to start underwriting
    • No prepayment penalty fee
    • No credit scores required
    • No personal guarantees required
    • Islamic financing available
    • Revenue-based financing available

    Learn more about this loan program.

    A mother and child holding some vegetables

    Elevance Health Foundation

    • Health-related small businesses and nonprofits owned or led by a minimum 50% BIPOC, women, or low-to-moderate-income entrepreneurs in:
      • California
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Indiana
      • Missouri
      • Nevada
      • Texas
    • Working capital, equipment purchase, project finance, etc.
    • Check size: $100,000–$500,000
    • Fixed interest rate of Prime minus 1% interest rate (7% as of this writing)
    • 1- to 5-year terms
    • $250 application fee to start underwriting, plus up to 3% closing costs
    • No prepayment penalty fee
    • No credit scores required
    • No personal guarantees required
    • Islamic financing available
    • Revenue-based financing available
    A colorful wall mural depicting a woman with a hand cupping her face

    MDF Capital Partners

    • For emerging impact fund managers or project sponsors across the United States
    • For-profit entities and nonprofits eligible
    • Check size: $100,000–$1 million
    • Up to 11.5% interest rate + closing fee
    • 3–60 month terms
    • $250 application fee to start underwriting
    • No credit score required
    • No personal guarantees
    • No prepayment penalty
    • UCC-1 blanket lien on business assets
    • Revenue-based financing available
    • Option for Islamic financing

    What our borrowers are saying

    “This loan and another that Mission Driven Finance facilitated with Alliance Healthcare Foundation and Union Bank were integral to San Diego Health Connect moving into 2021. Thanks in large part to the bridge funding...We were profitable in 2021 and are now in a sustainable place. It felt like the Mission Driven Finance team wanted us to get through the finish line and they were partners in the process.”
    Stephanie Renick
    Director of Operations, San Diego Health Connect (portfolio company)
    Stephanie Renick, San Diego Health Connect
    “We initially approached a regular bank for our pre-development loan because of a lower interest rate, but time was running out for us to close a deal. The lending system is not designed for newer developers like us; there are too many requirements that all cost too much time and money to fulfill. We approached Mission Driven Finance and soon realized the interest rate is well worth it. Their team is very responsive, and the loan process was fast and fluid.”
    Cyrus Rapinan
    Managing Partner & Principal Broker, Tower 999 / Cyrus & Emilia Investments, LLC (portfolio company)
    Cyrus Rapinan
    "I am beyond grateful to you and the entire Mission Driven Finance team for believing in us. Without your support and willingness to work with us, we wouldn’t be here today."
    Marlayna Bollinger
    Executive Director, Skinny Gene Project (portfolio company)
    Marlayna Bollinger, Skinny Gene Project
    "Their team took the time to understand our needs and build relationships, and they were open and transparent throughout the whole loan process. I loved that they involved the Community Finance Fellows in the work, which aligns with our own focus on mentorship."
    Kerri Leslie
    Founder & CEO, Verity Packaging (portfolio company)
    Kerri Leslie, Verity Packaging
    "Your team’s commitment to community and doing good is really inspiring. You stuck with us to make this happen—thankful for your partnership."
    Karen Begin
    Director of Development, San Diego Habitat for Humanity (portfolio company)
    Karen Begin, San Diego Habitat for Humanity
    “When Mission Driven Finance backed us last year, we only made half a million the year before. If we didn’t have the financing to show that we could start a $1 million contract, we couldn’t have scaled this quickly or this high. The foundation set by Mission Driven Finance led to more lucrative opportunities.”
    Wyllie-James Family
    Founders, Vested Solutions (portfolio company)
    Vested Solutions logo
    "The loan from the LACI Cleantech Debt Fund enabled us to develop our technology and set the stage for our company to grow. With the capital, we were able to buy equipment and make payroll for the 10 people on our team—all while awaiting a reimbursement from a grant. We are thankful to the fund for being there at our greatest time of need."
    Wilson Hago, Hago Energetics
    "The process of working with Mission Driven Finance gave us a chance to look at every component of the business so we can be in the strongest position to serve our students."
    Bethany Chaffin, Friends of Willow Tree
    "Mission Driven Finance was very helpful; their team understood what was important for ChargeNet Stations as a startup. We were happy with the interest rate, and found the loan structure, payment terms, and covenants very easy."
    Michael Zimmerman
    Chief Financial Officer, ChargeNet Stations (portfolio company)
    Michael Zimmerman, ChargeNet Stations
    “Our loan from Mission Driven Finance provided bridge funding for us to continue our food distribution work and other projects during state budget cuts. Because this was our first loan as an organization, the Mission Driven Finance team was very helpful in answering questions from our board. The process was easy and straightforward.”
    Dr. Teresa Smith
    CEO & Founder, Dreams for Change (portfolio company)
    Teresa Smith, Dreams for Change
    “The Mission Driven Finance loan is a blessing. It allows me to build a financial base and pursue this huge growth opportunity. The funding can help me grow the incubator.”
    Natache Muschette, The Prep Institute
    "We started out with $1 million in revenue in 2019 and now report $5 million in revenue just two years later. We started out with eight employees and now employ 34. This tremendous growth couldn't have happened without the support of partners like Mission Driven Finance. While we are now in a better position to work with banks and other traditional lenders, we would still love to continue to work with Mission Driven Finance for our path of growth and success."
    Tri Le
    Co-founder & CEO, Microtek (portfolio company)
    Tri Le, Microtek
    “It was a dream come true to get a loan with Mission Driven Finance. Getting the funding felt like a feather in our cap because it validated our mission—the special sauce that adds meaning to what we do. It made it that much more real.”
    Kristopher Schlesser
    Founder, LuckyBolt (portfolio company)
    Kris Schlesser, LuckyBolt
    "Support from Mission Driven Finance during the pandemic gave us the stability and the platform from which to not only sustain but also to grow our operations. We were able to lead with our mission instead of worrying about how our donors and funders would react to the pandemic. With the investment from Mission Driven Finance, we built momentum that has culminated in the re-establishment of the Linda Vista Community Garden."
    Kim Heinle
    Executive Director, Bayside Community Center (portfolio company)
    Kim Heinle

    Take the first step in getting a loan

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    Frequently asked questions

    General questions

    How are Mission Driven Finance different from banks or other lenders?

    Mission Driven Finance (MDF) is an impact lender that focuses on supporting small businesses and nonprofits making positive change in their communities. We don’t require personal credit scores or guarantees. Your personal finances shouldn’t affect your business loan.

    How can an organization prepare for a loan?

    Make sure your business plan and financials are organized. Have your balance sheet and income statement ready for review.

    How will the loan money be used?

    Be prepared to explain how you will use the loan and your repayment plan. Funds can be for working capital, cash flow, or operational improvements. It’s important to show how the loan will help your organization grow and positively impact your community.

    How does impact investing make a difference?

    Impact investing can help “unbanked” organizations access funding. It focuses on reducing risk and supporting groups that create positive social changes, like job creation and opportunities in marginalized or underinvested communities.

    What challenges do organizations face in getting financing?

    Many small businesses and nonprofits struggle with banking history and credit score requirements. While some banks might say “no,” we look for ways to say “yes” to those with strong impact and growth plans.

    What types of organizations do you work with? Does impact have to be a core value to my organization?

    You don’t need a formal impact mission, but we want to see your commitment to your community. We work with various organizations that aim to create positive local impacts and help them be more intentional about their efforts.

    How does the loan process work?

    We have a simple process to ensure we’re aligned:

    • Initial call to understand your needs.
    • If it’s a match, we’ll guide you through our lending platform.
    • You submit necessary documents, followed by a meeting to discuss your application.
    • We’ll assist you through the closing process and stay in touch to monitor your progress.

    What documents do I need for the loan process?

    To get started, we need your organization’s key documents (like business model, bylaws, and filing status), financial statements, and impact documents.

    For nonprofits

    Am I eligible for financing as a nonprofit organization?

    At Mission Driven Finance, we appreciate the important work nonprofits do and want to support you. We take the time to understand your organization and ensure our financing meets your needs.

    Will cash flow challenges from grants and funding be an issue?

    We’re eager to help solve complex cash flow issues. We understand that timing can be tricky, so we offer financing solutions that work with your revenue model.

    Will we qualify for a loan if we focus on grants and donations rather than earned revenue?

    We’ll review your current contracts and find the best loan structure for your needs. However, not every nonprofit is a suitable candidate for a loan, and we won’t provide one if it would burden your organization with debt.

    For small businesses

    Can you help me with capital requirements for my first big contract as a small business owner?

    We’ll review your contract and impact plans to provide the financing you need to achieve your business goals.

    I’m a startup founder, and banks have denied me financing. Can you help?

    We’ll learn about your business to find the best financing option for you. Since debt may not be suitable for pre-revenue companies, we can help if you have a letter of intent, purchase order, or contract.

    I see growth opportunities for my successful business, but banks won’t lend me capital. Can you?

    When others say no, we ask, “Why not?” We’re interested in businesses looking to grow and would love to discuss your needs.

    My business relies on accounts receivables, causing cash flow challenges. Can you help?

    We understand the importance of cash flow for growth. We specialize in complex accounts receivable situations. However, our process isn’t ideal for emergency loans or those under six months.

    What does a loan look like month-to-month?

    Check out our blog post on amortization and loan terms for more details.