Emerging Loan: $10,000 to $50,000 for startups, emerging and existing businesses
Growth Loan: Up to $150,000 for growing businesses that have been operational for 2+ years.
The interest rate ranges from 7.25% – 9.25%.
Loan terms range from:
The business must be headquartered or have its primary office in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, or Howard County.
All applicants must work with a small business coach, provided by BCL, prior to submitting a completed application. The one-on-one coaching is free and customized to each borrower’s level of knowledge, experience, and availability.
We provide capital to entrepreneurs who may or may not have sufficient collateral or equity to qualify for traditional loan resources. Loan approval depends on many factors such as loan amount, purpose, business financials, and creditworthiness, just to name a few. All factors will be analyzed to make a determination. If your loan is not approved as submitted, you may offer collateral as a credit enhancement. BCL works closely with banks and other financial institutions when a business has financing needs beyond the scope of their conventional loan products. We will work with your bank by filling the gap between traditional banking services and an entrepreneur’s short and long-term borrowing needs. Personal Guarantees are required of all business owners with a 20% or more ownership interest in the business. Co-signers will also be considered.
Borrowers must have a reasonable credit record with consistent payments for a period of at least 1 year prior to application, no open bankruptcies or bankruptcies that have been discharged within the last 2 years, and no outstanding tax debts that are not part of a repayment plan.
Loans cannot be made to businesses in the adult industry, bars and packaged goods/liquor stores, gas stations, or establishments storing or handling hazardous materials. Additional restrictions may limit your eligibility for certain loan programs under applicable law based upon the nature of your business.
All small business loans for existing and new ventures must be used for a business purpose, for example, possible uses include, but are not limited to, working capital, expansion, purchase of fixed assets, business acquisitions, leasehold improvements, and to restructure high interest business debt.
*Does not apply to SBA Microloans.