As a small business owner, you’re more than just a business–you’re a vital part of your community. Whether you run a neighborhood restaurant, a local retail shop, or a growing service company, your success creates a ripple effect that brings opportunity to others. At Grow America, we see this powerful connection every day, and it’s why we do things differently than traditional lenders.
As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we’re here to be a true partner in your success, not just a lender. When you’re looking for business financing, you need more than just money–you need a financial partner who understands your goals and is committed to helping you achieve them.
Think about your business journey. Maybe you’re ready to expand to a second location, need to purchase new equipment, or want to strengthen your working capital. Whatever your goals, having the right financial partner can make all the difference. That’s why our approach looks at your business’s complete picture and offers support that starts with your very first conversation with us and continues through the life of your loan and beyond.
Support at every stage
Pre-loan preparation
Before applying for funding, you can access valuable support to ensure you’re loan-ready. Before you even apply with us, we’ll review your credit history, financial statements, and business goals to ensure you’re loan ready, and point you in the direction of helpful resources if you need to make improvements before qualifying. We’ll also provide tailored loan guidance to identify your best financing option, whether it’s for working capital, equipment purchases, or expansion plans. And, through our Entrepreneur Academy, you can conveniently access training, technical assistance, and resources designed to support your growth journey.
Application assistance
Getting a business loan shouldn’t be a headache. That’s why at Grow America, you’ll work with a dedicated loan officer who guides you through every step of your application. We’ll explain what you need, help you gather the right documents, and make sure your application is strong. Need help in Spanish or another language? No problem–we have multilingual team members ready to assist. And if your application needs work, we won’t just say “no”–we’ll show you exactly how to make it stronger so you can apply again with confidence.
During the loan term
It’s important to know exactly how your business loan will impact your business and finances. We explain all the details including rates, payments, and fees in clear and simple terms. We’ll also design your loan payments to work with your business’s cash flow, not against it. And if you hit a rough patch? Simply contact us and we’ll work with you to find solutions.
A true partnership for growth
Your relationship with Grow America doesn’t end once your loan is funded. We’ll check in regularly to make sure your business stays on track and offer help when you need it. As your business grows stronger, we’re ready to discuss refinancing options or additional funding to support your next stage of growth.
Looking ahead
When choosing a small business lender, it’s important to think about the long term relationship. Consider who you want in your corner for the next 10 to 25 years as your business grows and evolves. True financial partners offer more than just funding–they provide comprehensive support that evolves with your business needs.
Ready to work with a lender who’s truly invested in your success? Submit a loan inquiry with Grow America to learn more about how our mission-driven approach can support your business goals. Whether you’re just starting your funding journey or looking to expand an established business, our team is ready to help you take the next step forward.