Community Futures Southwest is a developmental lender offering loans and financial guarantees to entrepreneurs operating within our service region. Our mandate is to support economic development and help entrepreneurs achieve their goals.

As a developmental lender, programs delivered by the corporation are intended to assist new and growing, viable businesses. Funds are not provided for:

• Debt consolidation/refinancing.


• Continued operating shortfalls.
• Existing businesses that are challenged due to credit over-extension.

• Grants and forgivable or interest rate-reduced loans are not available.

There is no application fee. It is required the borrower(s) be 18 years of age, or in the case of minors, a co-signor may be required. Potential borrower(s) must declare if they are related to any employee or Board Member. Loan funding is considered under several programs.

Following the review of a comprehensive business plan and cash flow information, applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Business outlet is located within our service area illustrated below.


• Anticipated financial viability.


• Responsible management.
• Personal financial or equity investment.


• Available security.
• Applicant’s credit history.

Our Small Business Loans

ReadyCash– Quick turnaround short-term loans of up to $10,000 - so you can react to a great opportunity.

FlexLine– Flexible line of credit loans from $10,000 to $50,000 - money that's there when you need it.

TrailBlazer– Loans for value-adding, innovation, enhancing productivity and developing new products and markets.

BizBuyout– Loans to assist with the purchase of an existing and successful rural business.

NewBiz– Financing to start a business in a community served by Community Futures. NextGen– Loans for young entrepreneurs ages 18 to 29 with a great business idea.

This program includes:

BusinessAble– Loans for persons with a disability seeking to start or expand a business.

• Funds are reserved for applicants having one or more physical or mental impairments.
• $150,000.00 maximum to any one entity.


• Interest rate established at time of application.


• Amortization based on durability of security.


• No prepayment penalties.


• The borrower pays professional and legal fees.

Community Futures Southwest

This program includes:

• $15,000.00 maximum to any one entity.


• Interest rate established at time of application to a maximum of 10% per year.


• Amortization based on durability of security to a maximum of five years.


• No prepayment penalties.


• The borrower pays professional and legal fees.


• Funds are reserved for applicants acquiring capital assets or inventory. This program does not accommodate agricultural, direct selling, or multi-level marketing ventures.


• An SBLA fee of $30.00 is required.