Micro Loans

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

Lisa Edwards

Phone: (443) 451-7160
Website

3000 Druid Park Drive
Suite 3000B
Baltimore, MD 21215

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

Melissa Badeker

Phone: (410) 319-0732
Website

875 hollins st.
Ste. 301
Baltimore, MD 21201

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

Susan Yum

Phone: (410) 837-9305
Website

36 South Charles Street
Suite 2100
Baltimore, MD 21201

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

Fikru Abebe

Phone:
Website

3411 Bank Street
Baltimore, MD 21224

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

Jay Nwachu

Phone:
Website

1400 Greenmount Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21202

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

Molly Terry

Phone:
Website

10 East North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21201

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

Nick Rudolph

Phone: (410) 546-1900
Website

333 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

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

Stacey Harvey Reid

Phone: (410) 767-6287
Website

401 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

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

Debi Roder

Phone: (202) 828-8357
Website

1101 14th Street, NW
Suite 950
Washington, DC 20005

Will Holmes Consulting WHC

Will Holmes Consulting is an award-winning, MBE DBE SBE certified, business management and technology consulting firm serving government agencies, financial institutions, universities and thousands of growing companies across the globe.

Specializes in: Micro Loans

Will Holmes

Phone: (410) 914-7730
Website

555 President St
Baltimore, MD 21202

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.

Kimberly Taylor

Phone:
Website

102 W. Pennsylvania Ave. #101
Towson, MD 21204

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.

Stephanie Geller

Phone:
Website

1600 W 41st Street
Suite 700
Baltimore, MD 21211

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.