Small Business Resources
Does Opportunity Finance Network have resources to help my small business with a loan or technical assistance?
Opportunity Finance Network is a membership network of more than 180 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that provide loans and counseling to community businesses.
OFN does not work directly with or provide loans to small businesses or individuals, but our Member CDFIs that serve your state may be able to provide assistance to you.
CDFIs in your community:
Use the “Find a CDFI near you” locator at the right for a searchable database of CDFIs that serve your community.
Download the CDFI Fund Certified CDFIs, a list of CDFIs that are certified by the CDFI Fund, a program of the US Treasury Department.
Other Resources:
Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA provides counseling, training and financing to support small business opportunities. Small Business Development Centers are located in all 50 states and provide education for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. The SBA also offers a variety of small business loan programs in partnership with private-sector lenders.
Commercial banks and credit unions. Your local bank branch or credit union may offer community business financing, including loans in partnership with the SBA. Community development credit unions (CDCUs) specialize in serving low- and moderate-income borrowers.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA provides financing and business planning assistance to businesses in rural areas. Through its Business Programs, USDA Rural Development partners with private-sector lenders to help rural businesses access credit. Contact your local Rural Development State Office for more information.
SCORE provides free on-line and in-person small business counseling through its network of 13,000 volunteers. Visit www.score.org to contact a counselor.
Local governmental Offices of Economic Development (city, county and state): Each Office is set up to promote economic development within its geographic region. Most will provide referral sources for technical assistance, grants, municipal sponsored loan funds, and venture capital funds.
