loan resources

Latin American Association

The LAA’s Economic Empowerment programs provide micro-loans and other resources such as career development and education programs to Latino entrepreneurs.

Learn more at: https://thelaa.org/what-we-do/economic-empowerment-main/

Contact: Mónica Cucalón, Managing Director of Economic Empowerment, MCucalon@thelaa.org or call the Atlanta Office at 404-638-1800

LISC Atlanta

Offers Accelerated Business Loans, Permanent Working Capital Loans, and Leasehold Improvement/FF&E Loans to businesses within the LISC Atlanta community. Loan amounts range from $25,000 to $500,000. For more information on ARP, loan term, repayment plans, and more, go to this website: https://www.lisc.org/our-model/lending/loan-products/loans-business/

Contact: Steve Hall, Senior Director for Economic Development: shall@lisc.org, Jessica Hanmer, Economic Development Lending Manager: jhanmer@lisc.org

US Small Business Administration

The USBA backs different types of loans such as micro-loans and 504 Loans from various lenders to small businesses with competitive terms, counseling and educational opportunities, and unique benefits such as low down payments and flexible overhead requirements. See the Local Banks section for more information on local SBA loan offerings.

ACE Loans

local banks

Local banks are a great way to access affordable and flexible SBA loans from institutions connected to the community. Below is a list of a few local banks that provide SBA loans, the languages they speak, their website, and a link to their locations and contact information.

East West Bank

Languages Spoken: English, Chinese, and Spanish

Website: https://www.eastwestbank.com/en

Locations and Contact Info: https://www.eastwestbank.com/en/branch-locator

Metro city bank

Languages: English, Korean

Website: https://www.metrocitybank.bank/

Locations and Contact Info: https://www.metrocitybank.bank/about-us/locations-and-atms

First IC Bank

Languages Spoken: English, Korean, Chinese

Website: https://www.firsticbank.com/

Locations and Contact Info: https://www.firsticbank.com/index.php?id=en&info=Aboutus.2

grant resources

Latino Community Fund

The LCF provides micro-grants to Latino entrepreneurs working with community organizations like The Latin American Association, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, or the Georgia Hispanic Construction Association. Grants can range from $500-$1,000

Learn more at: https://lcfgeorgia.org/what-we-do/protect-build-community/entrepreneurship/

National Association for the Self-Employed

Those who are members of the NASE have the ability to apply for Growth Grants, which can be up to $4,000. Qualifications include being a NASE member. Evaluation criteria for the grant are listed on the website as follows:

1. Review of identifiable business need

2. Detailed use of the proceeds of the grant

3. The potential of the grant to satisfy the identified business need

4. The potential impact of the grant on overall business growth and success

Learn more at: https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/expert-advice/grants-scholarships-experts

Fast Break for Small Businesses

LegalZoom alongside the NBA, WNBA, and the NBA G League is providing a $10,000 grant and $500 worth of LegalZoom products to selected small businesses.

Learn more at: https://www.legalzoom.com/fastbreakforsmallbusiness

Hello Alice

Hello Alice is a free online platform that provides various resources to small businesses, including loans and grants. Various grants of differing amounts are listed on Hello Alice’s website that small business owners can apply to.

Learn more at: https://helloalice.com/funding/grants/

Venmo Small Business Grant

Venmo provides a $10,000 grant to select small business owners who have a Business Profile with Venmo and have less than $50,000 in annual sales and 10 employees or fewer.

Learn more at: https://venmo.com/business/small-business-grant/

Lenovo/Goodie Nation Small Business Grant

Lenovo and Goodie Nation have teamed up to provide selected owners of small businesses with a $10,000, a Lenovo laptop, and support services for their business.

Learn more at: https://goodienation.org/evolve-small/

Discover Verizon Small Business Digital Ready

This program by Verizon provides various services such as peer-to-peer connections, 1:1 coaching, and online courses as well as the opportunity to apply for grants for your small business.

Learn more at: https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/small-business-training

WomensNet

WomensNet provides grants to women entrepreneurs. There is a $10,000 grant given to one recipient once a month and a $25,000 grant given once a year.

Learn more at: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/about-us/

Grant Writing Sample

Dear [Grantor's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of [Your Business Name], a small immigrant-owned business located on Buford Highway, we are excited to submit this grant proposal to seek financial assistance and resources to support our business and the local community.

Executive Summary: Provide a concise overview of your business, including its mission, vision, and objectives. Highlight the impact your business has on the Buford Highway community and the specific needs or challenges you are facing.

Introduction: Introduce your business and its significance within the Buford Highway community. Emphasize the unique contributions and cultural diversity your business brings to the area.

Problem Statement: Clearly outline the challenges or needs your business is currently facing. Discuss the specific gaps in funding or resources that hinder your business's growth, sustainability, or community impact.

Project Description: Detail the project or initiatives you plan to implement with the grant funds. Provide a clear and measurable description of the activities, objectives, and expected outcomes. Explain how these efforts will address the identified challenges and contribute to the growth and development of your business and the community.

Budget: Present a comprehensive budget that outlines the anticipated expenses and resource allocation for the proposed project. Include a breakdown of costs, such as operational expenses, marketing, equipment, staff training, and any other relevant expenditures.

Sustainability Plan: Demonstrate the long-term sustainability of your business and the proposed project. Outline strategies for generating revenue, securing additional funding, and building partnerships to ensure the continuity and growth of your business beyond the grant period.

Community Impact: Describe how the proposed project will positively impact the Buford Highway community. Discuss the potential benefits in terms of job creation, economic development, cultural enrichment, and social empowerment. Include testimonials or case studies from community members to reinforce the significance of your business and its impact.

Evaluation Plan: Outline your plan to evaluate the progress and success of the project. Define measurable indicators and metrics to assess the achievement of project goals and objectives. Describe the tools, methods, or benchmarks you will use to track and evaluate the outcomes.

Thank you for considering our grant proposal. We are eager to discuss our project further and provide any additional information or documentation as required. We believe that with your support, we can continue to grow, create opportunities, and contribute to the vibrancy of the Buford Highway community.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Title/Position]

[Your Business Name]

Enclosures: [List any additional attachments or supporting documents]