Small Business Lending

Our loan programs offer flexibility, fixed rates, long-term amortization, and fast turnaround

Since 1986, HBDI has been providing small businesses with fast, flexible, and affordable financing to scale and grow, create jobs, and strengthen communities. Our small business financing includes a variety of loan products with flexible rates, terms, and features to fit your needs.

HBDI assists small businesses and start-up entities with access to capital who may not readily qualify for financing from banks and conventional lenders. Through a variety of HBDI loan products, eligible small businesses can access low-cost fixed rate loans for equipment purchases, furniture & fixtures, working capital, or commercial real estate acquisition.

We work closely with commercial banks, lenders, and community partners to reduce the risks that may be associated with some loan requests. HBDI offers a variety of loan types:

Small Business Loan

Fast Track Loan

Start-up Business Loan

SBA 504 Loan

Small Business Loan Process

Since 1986, HBDI has helped small businesses access the capital they need to grow and thrive. Our borrowers are startups, entrepreneurs, and established small business owners. We know time is money, so our loan process is designed to be fast, flexible, and affordable and supported by a team that is with you every step of the way in the process.

01

Apply

Submit a Contact Us form and an HBDI representative will contact you within 24 hours. Together, we’ll review your financing needs and match you with the right loan product. Alternatively, you may start immediately by submitting your application online with supporting documents (i.e., financial statements, tax returns, business plan, etc.) directly through our secure online application portal. Simply register with a user ID and password to get started today.

02

Underwriting & Decision

Our online application requests information about you and your business. It then asks you to upload official documents that support the information you provided. Once your application is complete, our underwriters move quickly to review your loan request. With your timely responses, you’ll typically receive a preliminary decision within 72 hours.

03

Approval & Commitment

If approved, you’ll receive a commitment letter outlining the loan amount, rate, terms, and next steps. Your loan officer will walk you through the details so you’re clear, confident, and informed before moving forward.

04

Closing & Funding

After you sign the commitment letter, our team will work with you to complete all closing requirements. Most loans close within 7–21 days, with funds disbursed promptly for your business needs.

Loan Process Timeline

4 Steps to Your Loan

📄

Step 1 – Apply & Upload Documents

Submit our online form (we’ll call you within 24 hrs) or start immediately via our online portal. Upload your documents (i.e., financial statements, tax returns, etc.).

🔍

Step 2 – Underwriting

Our underwriters review your business and typically deliver a decision within 72 hours.

✍️

Step 3 – Approval & Commitment

Receive a commitment letter with loan terms. Review and sign with your loan officer’s support.

💵

Step 4 – Closing & Funding

Most loans close in 7–21 days. Once signed, funds are disbursed promptly for your business needs.

Loan Process Timeline

4 Steps to Your Loan

📄

Step 1 – Apply & Upload Documents

Submit our online form (we’ll call you within 24 hrs) or start immediately via our online portal. Upload your documents (i.e., financial statements, tax returns, etc.).

🔍

Step 2 – Underwriting

Our underwriters review your business and typically deliver a decision within 72 hours.

✍️

Step 3 – Approval & Commitment

Receive a commitment letter with loan terms. Review and sign with your loan officer’s support.

💵

Step 4 – Closing & Funding

Most loans close in 7–21 days. Once signed, funds are disbursed promptly for your business needs.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our lending process.
As a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), HBDI supports small business owners with affordable loans and support services who typically may not qualify for traditional funding a bank and support.

Fees consist of an application fee between $75 to $200, a 1% origination fee and a closing fee between $350 to $650. Fees vary on a case-by-case basis.

Once the application is complete and depending on the type of loan request, a loan can typically get funded in 3 business days up to 21 business days. If you have any questions, we’re here to walk you through every step.

HBDI reviews the borrowers’ credit reports in considering loan requests. We consider the whole picture of borrowers including their credit history and credit scores. We often work with borrowers to try to find the right loan and terms that fit their needs.

Ineligible businesses include sexually oriented businesses, gambling establishments, businesses with over 51% of revenues generated from liquor sales, businesses organized for religious purposes, residential builders, and speculative real estate investments.

HBDI loan funding proceeds cannot be used for refinancing debt, investments, residential properties, or speculative real estate.

HBDI will consider most unencumbered business and personal assets including real estate, equipment, furniture, inventory, accounts receivable, investment property, and marketable securities, to name a few.

Many of HBDI’s small business loans can be prepaid without any penalty. However, some loans do have a prepayment penalty. If you have any questions, we’re here to discuss specific loan programs with you.

Generally, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) do not provide direct grants to individual borrowers or small businesses. HBDI offers flexible and affordable small business loans and support services.