BIPOC LOAN FUND
Innovative and Disruptive Character- Based Lending
The BIPOC Loan Fund was created to shift decision-making to the BIPOC community members and to empower equitable and accessible capital access to disenfranchised communities.
The Design
This program is designed to build community and connection. As a revolving loan fund, it reinvests repayments from loan recipients back into the community, enabling new applicants to be funded each month. Unlike traditional loans, the BIPOC Loan Fund employs character-based underwriting as applicants share their individual stories with a Committee of BIPOC business owners and leaders. The Committee meets monthly to review and approve up to 4 applications.
The loan application process consists of three steps, beginning with attending a virtual Info Session to learn about this competitive fund’s application requirements. After this session, participants receive an online Inquiry Form. Once the form is submitted, applicants move to the final step: telling their Business Story. Storytelling is THE center of the application and approval process and in this final step, applicants will utilize a video/audio platform to share their story. This unique and engaging application allows applicants to share their vision and goals, providing the Committee with a deeper understanding of their business and its potential.
Application Process
Our loan application process is designed to be transparent, supportive, and empowering.
Applications are accepted monthly. The Committee reviews applications in the second week of each month, considering those submitted the previous month. Applicants are notified of decisions promptly after the review.
Applying to the fund is a three step process:
- Step One: Attend an Info session to gain valuable insights into what the Committee is looking for in a competitive application, ensuring that each applicant can submit their strongest possible submission.
- Step Two: Complete an online Inquiry Form.
- Step Three: Share Your Business Story!
Story Telling
Storytelling is THE center of the application and approval process. While basic business information, demographics, and declarations will be included, business owners’ personal and professional stories will be what the committee will use to make funding decisions.
Benefits of this approach include:
- Reimagined capital access qualifications
- Eliminates review of credit, collateral and other traditional means for loan decisions that are based on wealth and disproportionally impact BIPOC Communities negatively
- Limiting arduous, time-consuming, and sometimes expensive requirements including opening a business bank account and registering business, unless approved for funding
Program Guidelines + Requirements
Program Guidelines:
- Loan amounts: $500 to $10,000
- Term: up to 4 years
- Interest Rate: 3%
- Loan Fees: $9
Requirements:
- Business must be located in Southern Arizona or Maricopa County
- Business must be in operation for at least 3 months
- Completion of Info Session, online Inquiry Form, and Your Business Story submitted via video/audio and text
*Also note: Loan funds must be used for business purposes. Business cannot be engaged in any of the following activities: multilevel marketing/direct sales, financial services, illegal activities. Business and business Owners cannot have any open tax liens
Post Approval Requirements For Funding
Once an applicant is approved for funding, loan is contingent upon verification of application information and submission of all required documentation within 60 days.
- Provide a recent Business Bank Account Statement
- Register Business with the Arizona Corporation Commission
- Provide Identification for all business owners
- Provide a name and number of a Reference
About The BIPOC Loan Fund
We are shifting decision-making to the black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) community about where (geographically), to whom (communities underserved by financial institutions and systems), and under what circumstances (measures of risk) capital flows.
This loan fund rose out of a desire of Community Investment Corporation’s (CIC) staff wanting to take concrete and tangible action in the wake of 2020 and ongoing national tragedies and calls for racial equity and justice.
In partnership with BLAX Friday, Startup Tucson, and Growth
Our Mission
The BIPOC Loan Fund was created to shift decision-making to the BIPOC community members, to empower equitable capital access to ( disenfranchised) BIPOC communities.
Our Vision
To create a loan Fund that connects and serves BIPOC businesses across Southern Arizona. While educating institutional banks and investors on how they may expand their lending programs.
We Make It Happen
Visit Us
2033. E Grant Rd. Tucson, Arizona
Call Us
(520) 529-1766
Message Us
lending@cictucson.org