Micro loans are smaller loans, made to eligible borrowers in amounts that range from $5,000 to a maximum of $30,000. They were created because traditional lending institutions have typically not made such small loans. Additionally, the lending criteria for a micro loan may not be as stringent as those established by commercial lending sources. This has made it possible for funds to be available to women, low-income and minority entrepreneurs, small business owners, and other individuals possessing the capability to operate successful businesses but lacking in areas such as perfect credit or personal assets. Loan proceeds can be used for working capital, equipment, furniture and fixtures, inventory, and leasehold improvements. The proceeds cannot be used to refinance existing debts.
Contact the Small Business Resource Center in Baltimore for assistance in determining if a micro loan is right for you at 443-451-7160 or at www.sbrcbaltimore.com. Or, contact the Baltimore Development Corporation at [email protected] or call 410-837-9305.
Below are links to some local resource organizations that provide micro lending resources for Baltimore area entrepreneurs:
Baltimore City Small Business Resource Center
Baltimore Small Business Resource Center is the City of Baltimore’s One-Stop-Shop for persons seeking to start and grow a business. We provide training, counseling and resources to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Specializes in: Micro Loans
Baltimore Community Lending
Baltimore Community Lending makes loans to small real estate developers, startups, and small business owners who have no relationship with or are unable to get a loan from a bank.
Specializes in: Micro Loans
Baltimore Corps
Baltimore Corps and Kiva have partnered to offer the Greater Baltimore Region with access to 0% interest loans up to $10,000 through Kiva Baltimore. Kiva’s community is passionate about helping entrepreneurs in our city–with over a million lenders, corporate sponsors, and our network, we will help you find the resources you need to grow your business.
Specializes in: Micro Loans
Kaetlyn Bernal
Phone: (520) 784-3946
Website
2401 Liberty Heights Ave
Suite 2730
Baltimore, MD 21215
City of Baltimore Development Corporation
The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is a non-profit organization, which serves as the economic development agency for the City of Baltimore.
Specializes in: Micro Loans
Enterprise Development Group
Micro Lender that supports and works hand in hand with small business owners in order that they may succeed and prosper. Business loans from $500 to $50,000 and credit builder loans of $500. Counseling for Start-ups and those in need of credit repair.
Specializes in: Micro Loans
Innovation Works
The mission of Innovation Works (IW) is to reduce Baltimore’s neighborhood and racial wealth divide by teaching and accompanying members of disinvested communities to build and own successful social enterprises that create sustainable neighborhood economies and result in better family living, more resilient communities, and a safer, more vibrant city.
Specializes in: Micro Loans
Latino Economic Development Center
LEDC is a nonprofit organization that equips entrepreneurs and small business owners with capital and technical assistance / LEDC es una organización sin ánimo de lucro que apoya emprendedores y empresarios con asistencia técnica y microcrédito.
Specializes in: Micro Loans
Lendistry
Our story began in 2014 with a mission to make small business accessible to everyone. We saw promising small business owners in undeserved communities struggle to get approved for the funding. They needed to grow, and decided to become the solution. We discovered it was possible to offer the latest fintech with a quick, online application process and also connect with our applicants in a real way, learn their stories, and make their dreams a reality. Our TEAM leaders have prior experience at banking and corporate institutions including Bank of America, Chase, CIT, Comerica, Disney, Intuit, Morgan Stanley, Securities & Exchange Commission and Wells Fargo, providing our company with a solid foundation of responsible credit culture. Lendistry offers small business term loans and lines of credit with responsible rates, transparent terms and fast delivery. Some of our clients have used our small business loans for equipment, opening an additional location, meeting inventory needs for large orders, marketing to reach a broader base of customers, adding online sales to their brick-and-mortar stores, implementing technology to stay ahead of the competition, and covering the day-to-day costs of business.
Specializes in: Micro Loans
Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc.
Maryland Capital Enterprises Inc. provides small business loans, business counseling & education, and helps to develop business plans to assist entrepreneurs who start, expand, or purchase businesses.
Specializes in: Micro Loans
Maryland Department of Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment, creates jobs, attracts new businesses, encourages expansion and retains existing companies. It also provides financial assistance to Maryland companies.
Specializes in: Micro Loans
Venturize
Venturize is an online resource that puts the power in your hands to feel good about your loan options, access responsible capital, and discover possibilities you didn’t know existed. It’s not a lender – but a program from Small Business Majority, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide entrepreneurs with the education and resources they need to thrive.
Use our clear, trustworthy information and mobile-friendly tools – no strings attached. We’re here for one simple reason – to help you borrow confidently.
Specializes in: Micro Loans
Baltimore County Small Business Resource Center
The SBRC is a free service to help you establish, grow and improve your business through one-on-one sessions.
Community Wealth Builders
The MD Neighborhood Exchange is a new crowdfunding platform designed to connect great local businesses seeking capital with residents hoping to earn returns while strengthening our local economy.
Still have questions?
Of course, if you have questions on financing options and would like to visit with someone, call us at 410-984-3337. We can answer your questions and connect you to the resources you need.
