WEV’s Loan Program was established in 1995 with a Grant of $75,000 from the City of Santa Barbara and $225,000 in matching funds from seven local banks (Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Montecito Bank & Trust, Northern Trust, Mid-State Bank, Community West Bank, City Commerce Bank, and California Thrift & Loan). The goal of the Loan Program is to diversify and expand the local economy and create new jobs by providing start-up and expansion capital to small businesses that do not qualify for conventional bank financing. WEV’s loans are targeted to low- and moderate-income men and women, minorities and others who have been traditionally underserved by lenders.
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How much can I borrow?
- For Business Start-up Loans: Between $250 and $25,000 can be borrowed subject to Loan Committee approval.
- For Business Expansion Loans: Up to $50,000 for businesses that have been in operation for more than 1.5 years. All loans are subject to Loan Committee approval.
What can the money be used for?
- Borrowed funds may be used for purchases of fixed assets, physical improvements to your place of business and operating expenses.
- Loan funds cannot be used to refinance existing debts unrelated to the business, for the purchase of real estate, payment of back taxes, or consolidation of loans.
Fees, interest, and terms
- Either a $35.00 or $50.00 application fee is due when the application is submitted, depending on the amount requested.
- A 2% Loan Fee will be payable at the loan closing. Fees due at loan signing.
- Interest on the loan will be fixed at a rate of 10-15%.
- The average loan term is 3.5 years depending upon the size of the loan, the use of the funds, and other factors, i.e. the useful life of an asset.
- No pre-payment penalties.
Application Requirements
Applying for loans under $5,000 does not require a business plan or presentation to the Loan Committee and can be approved 3-4 weeks after submitting the application. A complete loan package for loans under $5,000 consists of the following:
- Online Loan Application
- Application for Business Credit/Authorization to request a credit report
- Personal Financial Statement
- Cash Flow Projection
- Income Taxes
- Additional documents may be requested by WEV’s Loan Program staff
Applications for loans over $5,000 require a business plan and approval from the Loan Committee and can be approved 6-8 weeks after submitting the application. A complete loan package for loans over $5,000 consists of the following:
- Completed business plan
- Online Loan Application
- Application for Business Credit/Authorization to request a credit report
- Personal Financial Statement
- Cash flow projection and appropriate repayment plan
- Income Taxes
- Additional documents may be requested by WEV’s Loan Program staff
WEV is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and an Equal Opportunity Provider.