Direct Business Lending: Credit & Loan Tools for Growing Businesses

Get the Financial Support Your Business Needs

At Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), we believe that every business deserves a chance to grow. Whether you’re ready to expand your team, purchase new equipment, or manage cash flow, we’re here to help. This page will guide you through understanding loans, preparing to apply, and finding the best financing option for your business.

Understanding Business Loans

Explore the types of loans available and what they mean for you.

• Term Loans: Borrow a set amount, repay with interest over time.
• Working Capital Loans: Cover short-term costs like payroll, supplies, or rent.
• Equipment Loans: Finance the purchase of vehicles, machinery, or technology.
• Microloans: Smaller amounts, often easier to qualify for, to manage immediate needs.

How to Qualify for a Loan

AOF offers loans with clear terms and flexible requirements. To get started:

• Check Your Credit Score: AOF does not rely solely on credit scores when evaluating loan applications, and instead assesses loan readiness based on factors like character, annual revenue, payment history, and other criteria. This creates a more holistic approach to lending decisions.
• Know Your Revenue: Minimum annual revenue of $50,000 and at least 12 months in business.
• Prepare Your Documents: Tax returns, bank statements, and business plans help show readiness
  

Compare Loan Options

It’s important to know the differences between banks, fintech lenders, and AOF.

Feature	Banks	Fintech Lenders	Lending with AOF
Approval Speed	Slow	Fast	Moderate
Interest Rates	Varies	Often High	Competitive, Transparent
Support	Limited	Minimal	Human Advisors Available
Accessibility	Strict	Flexible	Designed for Real Businesses

Real Success Story

When Marcus, a food truck owner, needed to upgrade his fleet, he couldn’t secure funding from big banks. AOF stepped in with flexible business loan options and free business coaching. Now, Marcus has three trucks, higher revenue, and a thriving business.

Pro Tips from AOF Business Advisors

AOF Advisor Tip: Always project cash flow at least 3 months past your loan repayment schedule to avoid surprises.

AOF Advisor Tip: Gather all your financial documents before applying to speed up approval and show lenders you’re prepared.

AOF Advisor Tip: Borrow only what you need—smaller, manageable loans keep your business healthy and credit strong.

Top Loan Application Mistakes to Avoid

Not Knowing Your Numbers
And here’s the other landing page: Be ready to show your revenue, expenses, and cash flow. Knowing your numbers makes you a stronger loan candidate.

Incomplete Applications
Missing documents delay approval. Gather tax returns, bank statements, and licenses upfront to keep things moving.

Overborrowing
Don’t take more than you can handle. Borrow what you need and can comfortably repay to keep your business stable.

Ignoring Your Credit
Check your credit score and fix any issues before applying. AOF works with credit scores as low as 600.

No Clear Loan Plan
Have a plan for how you’ll use the loan. Show how it will help grow your business.

Your Business Loan Questions Answered 

What’s the minimum credit score for a business loan?
AOF requires a score of at least 600.

How soon will I get approved?
You can get pre-approval in as little as 15 minutes, with funds available in about 4 business days.

Are there prepayment penalties?
No, you can pay off your loan early without extra fees.

What types of businesses qualify?
AOF supports businesses with at least 12 months of operation and $50,000 annual revenue.

Can I use the loan to start a business?
No, these loans are for established businesses only.

Explore More Resources to Boost Your Business Growth

• [How to Write a Business Plan]
  
• [Understanding Your Cash Flow]
  
• [Unlocking Capital: Innovative Funding Strategies for Entrepreneurs]

The AOF Difference: Flexible, Accessible Direct Business Lending

Nonprofit Mission – Built to Support Your Success

As a mission-driven organization, we reinvest in communities and provide direct business lending to help companies like yours grow. Our focus is on your success, not our profit.

Free Business Resources – Tools and Guidance at No Cost

From financial checklists to interactive tools, we offer a wide range of free resources to help you make confident financial decisions.

Human Support – Real People Who Understand Your Journey

Unlike automated online lenders, we offer personal guidance from expert advisors. Our team works directly with you to ensure you’re ready and supported throughout the loan process.More Accessible – Designed for Real Businesses, Not Just Big Corporations

AOF’s direct lending approach is more flexible and affordable than traditional banks or high-cost fintech options. We lower the barriers, so you can get the financing you need to grow your business with confidence.

The AOF Difference: Flexible, Accessible Direct Business Lending

Nonprofit Mission – Built to Support Your Success

As a mission-driven organization, we reinvest in communities and provide direct business lending to help companies like yours grow. Our focus is on your success, not our profit.

Free Business Resources – Tools and Guidance at No Cost

From financial checklists to interactive tools, we offer a wide range of free resources to help you make confident financial decisions.

Human Support – Real People Who Understand Your Journey

Unlike automated online lenders, we offer personal guidance from expert advisors. Our team works directly with you to ensure you’re ready and supported throughout the loan process.More Accessible – Designed for Real Businesses, Not Just Big Corporations

AOF’s direct lending approach is more flexible and affordable than traditional banks or high-cost fintech options. We lower the barriers, so you can get the financing you need to grow your business with confidence.

Decades of Transparent, Trusted Lending – Helping Business Owners Succeed with Integrity

For over 30 years, AOF has supported small businesses with trusted loans and resources.

• $1 billion+ deployed in nearly 35,000 loans
  
• In FY24 alone: $97 million disbursed to 1,699 businesses
  
• 4.5M small business owners have accessed our free Business Resource Library
  
• 35,000+ used our coaching, events, and technical assistance
  
• 107,000+ jobs supported through business lending and the New Market Tax Credit Program (NMTC)
  
• 67% of business owners with lower credit scores improve their credit to a decent or good level by the time they finish paying off their loan