Flexible Term Loan Financing to Established or Qualified Emerging Small Businesses within the City of Cincinnati Purpose: To facilitate growth and retention of small businesses, promote job creation and retention and enhance access to capital. Loans are underwritten, administered, and serviced by Grow America Fund, Inc. (GAF) licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guidelines, with the input and direction from the City’s Department of Community Development & Planning. 

 

How Much Can Be Borrowed Typical loan amounts range from $50,000 to $250,000.
Eligible Businesses

For profit businesses that have collateral sufficient to secure the loan and have adequate historic or projected cash flow to repay the debt.

 
Ineligible Businesses

Loans cannot be made to social service agencies, to care for or rehabilitate people; religious institutions; non-profit service providers; or private clubs with membership restrictions. Loans cannot be used for venture capital investments or for any use prohibited by City, State, or Federal Regulation of Law.
How Funds Can Be Used

Loan proceeds may be used for any legitimate business purpose including: permanent working capital terms up to seven years, machinery and equipment terms up to ten years, tenant improvements term of the lease up to twenty years, construction/renovations terms up to twenty-five years, and acquisition of real estate terms up to twenty-five years. Combined uses will determine other terms.

 
General Requirements

Loans are for eligible Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Program activities that meet National Objectives for job creation and retention, low-moderate income area benefit or prevention and elimination of slum and blight. Borrowers must comply with city environmental requirements, maintain business within city limits for the entire loan term and demonstrate ability to repay loan within a reasonable time period.