Lending + Advising
Access the business support you deserve
Our customized approach
Where others see risk, we see opportunity. At EFund, we provide access to lending and advising services that will support the success and growth of your business.
By pairing flexible small business loans with no-cost advising, our team works with you to create a custom plan to help you reach your goals, open doors, and move your business forward.
As a nonprofit lender, we're invested in your success.
Lending
Small business loans that work
for you
We know that access to financing is essential for small business growth. That's why we work with you to find the best loan option to meet your needs and goals. As a nonprofit lender, that's what we do best.
We offer multiple types of loans including SBA Microloans, SBA 7(a), and small business loans ranging from $1,000 to $750,000. Every loan is paired with strategic one-on-one business advising at no additional cost.
Unsure about your loan needs?
That's okay! We'll help you identify how a loan may benefit you and your business. In the meantime, download our free loan readiness checklist to assist you in preparing to apply for a small business loan.
Simplifying your loan journey.
We know loans can be a confusing maze to navigate. That's why our team is invested in guiding you through the loan process and ensuring you understand each step along the way.
Lending Opportunities
SBA Microloan
Flexible capital to meet your unique business needs.
What does it do?
SBA Microloans provide access to capital for businesses to start and grow. Loans of up to $50,000.
What can it be used for?
Microloans can be used for working capital, inventory or equipment purchases.
Why is it different?
Microloans are the best option for businesses without a financial history. The funding options are more flexible.
Working Capital Loans
A working capital loan is one of the most powerful tools available to business owners.
What does it do?
Working capital loans provide access to cash that can be used for a variety of projects and investments that would otherwise be out of reach due to limited funds.
What can it be used for?
Working capital loans can be used to invest in marketing campaigns, purchase inventory, upgrade equipment, or expand your business operations. This infusion of capital enables you to seize growth opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.
Why is it different?
Working capital loans can help you manage your cash flow, seize growth opportunities, work through seasonal fluctuations, address unexpected expenses and help build your credit history.
Healthy Food Fund
A specialized loan fund for local food retailers and producers.
What does it do?
The Healthy Food Fund is a specialized loan fund with low interest rates, as low as 3%, and flexible terms for local grocery stores, convenience stores, and food producers looking to upgrade equipment, access working capital or purchase commercial real estate.
What can it be used for?
The Healthy Food Fund can be used for replacing dated equipment, investing in technology for inventory and payment efficiencies, expanding your business to a larger space, purchasing inventory, hiring staff, updating the interior of your business, purchasing a new or exisiting store, and more.
Why is it different?
At EFund, we have the lending tools and advising experience to partner with food producers and retailers across our region, allowing our communities to access healthy food for their families.
Gap Financing
EFund can complement financial contributions to fill an existing funding gap of up to $750,000.
What does it do?
Gap financing referes to a loan that covers the “gap” between various sources of funding and the total cost of the project.
What can it be used for?
Gap loans are commonly used for commercial real estate projects, such as a mortgage or major renovation.
Why is it different?
EFund has more flexibility than traditional lenders to support projects that require multiple sources of capital.
Wisconsin Down Payment Assistance Grant
Eligible Wisconsin businesses can get up to $10,000 in grant funding when paired with a small business loan.
What does it do?
Let's say you're looking to purchase equipment for $15,000 to boost your production. Our Down Payment Assistance Grant offers a $1,500 grant towards this cost, and pairs it with a $13,500 low-interest loan, ensuring you have the $15,000 needed for this vital investment in your business's growth.
What can it be used for?
Funds can be utilized for a variety of business purposes including down payment assistance on any loan project, leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, inventory or supplies, marketing, working capital, and technology.
Why is it different?
The grant program aims to boost financial equity by helping diverse businesses in northern Wisconsin access necessary capital. It's especially for small businesses historically underbanked or denied funding. This program is supported by Wisconsin's Department of Administration and funded by the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.
Wisconsin Rural Equity Grant
Up to $10,000 available to established, underserved businesses for a range of expenses. Round 2 applications open Oct. 21 - Nov. 4, 2024.
What does it do?
The Wisconsin Rural Equity Grant program will award a total of 30-40 grants of up to $10,000 each through 2024 to established, diverse-owned businesses in 12 counties and seven Native nations that share geography with northern Wisconsin.
What can it be used for?
Rural Equity Grant funds can be utilized for a variety of business purposes including leasehold improvements, equipment purchase, inventory and supplies, marketing efforts, working capital, technology upgrades, and down payment assistance on capital projects.
Why is it different?
The funding is aimed at assisting small business owners in rural, northern Wisconsin who’ve experienced barriers to capital and who’ve been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative is part of the Diverse Business Assistance Grant Program from the Wisconsin DOA and is powered by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
City of Cook Economic Recovery Fund
The City of Cook Economic Recovery Fund supports local businesses in recovering from the summer 2024 flood.
What does it do?
The City of Cook Economic Recovery Fund supports local businesses in recovering from the June 2024 flood. This program offers low-interest loans of up to $250,000, with consideration for higher requests. After 60 months in good standing, half of the original loan principal will be forgiven, while the remaining balance will continue to amortize over the loan term.
What can it be used for?
Funds can be used for various business needs, including working capital, facility repairs, inventory, operational costs or other approved purposes.
Why is it different?
Available to small businesses within Cook city limits as of June 19, 2024, the fund—created in partnership by the Entrepreneur Fund, City of Cook, and the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation—can be used for working capital, repairs, inventory, and other approved needs to assist in the economic recovery efforts following the devastating flood in June 2024.
Advising
Your partner for personalized growth
We know there is a lot more to business success than money. That’s why we pair our loans with strategic advising at no cost to you.
We don’t just give you the money, and we don’t just give you the advice – it’s the two together that make the magic happen.
Our team of expert advisors will work with you to build a personalized roadmap based on your business’s unique challenges and opportunities, including specific strategies to help you achieve your next goal.
Kickstart your entrepreneurial dream.
Our advisors and small business resource partners throughout the region are here to move you from idea to action.
You don’t have to do it alone.
We know entrepreneurship can be lonely. That’s why our advisors take the time to get to know you and your business. We strive to be a trusted partner you can bounce ideas off, gain insight from and consult when challenges arise.
Business topics and areas your advisor can support you with include:
- Strategic business planning
- Cash flow management
- Budgeting
- Financial projections
- Marketing
- Management
- Operations
- Branding
- Website
- And More
Success Stories
Interested in our impact?
Now that you know what we do and how we do it, learn more about why we do it.