New Low-Interest Loans for St. Louis Small Businesses & Non-Profits

SLDC understands that Small Businesses and Non-Profits need access to capital to grow and expand. To meet immediate capacity building and cash flow needs, SLDC has invested $2.5 million to create a new loan to support growing small businesses and non-profits: ScaleUpSTL. We have partnered with St. Louis Community Credit Union (SLCCU), in collaboration with the Small Business Empowerment Center (SBEC), to fund qualified entities operating within the City of St. Louis. In alignment with SLDC’s Economic Justice Action Plan, special emphasis will be placed on financing for qualified entities located in and/or serving the Southeast and Northern half of the City. When ScaleUpSTL launches, Women- and minority-owned businesses are encouraged to apply.

About ScaleUpSTL Business Growth Loans

 Traditional and SBA 7a & 504 commercial loan products available to qualified borrowers for $10,000 to $5 million include:

  • Working Capital Lines of Credit – 12-month term, interest-only payments and principal due upon maturity. 

  • Construction Lines of Credit – 60-month term with interest only payments due monthly the first 12 months. Payments for months 13 to 60 include both principal and interest. At the conclusion of the term, the balance is converted into a real estate term loan.

  • Term Loans (i.e. equipment) – Typically made for 5 to 10-year term with principal and interest paid monthly.

  • Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate Loans – Typically 5-year term loans with principal and interest paid monthly, but based on 15 to 25-year amortizations.

  • Investment Real Estate Loans – Typically 5-year term loans with principal and interest paid monthly, but based on 15 to 25-year amortizations.

 Requirements

  • Two (2) years in business (with corresponding tax returns)

  • Individuals owning 20% or more of the business must be US Citizens or legal permanent residents

  • Borrowing business must not have defaulted on any government-backed loans 

  • Business owner has not filed bankruptcy or had a foreclosure in the past three (3) years and no current, significant credit challenges

  • Ability to calculate cash flows using tax returns, YTD Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet, Business Debt Schedule and most recent six (6) months of business bank statements

  • Personal financial statement

Below Market Interest Rates

As a general rule, SLCCU prices commercial loan products for qualified borrowers as low as 1.5% APR below prime to .5% APR above prime. 

Complete the ScaleUpSTL Questionnaire

Get Started! Completing the questionnaire is a proactive step in preparing to apply for funding. It helps us assess your readiness and connect you with the right resources and support.

  • Remember: This questionnaire is a vital tool in your lending preparation, but does not guarantee loan approval or program acceptance.

Completing the questionnaire does not provide a credit decision, secure a spot on a “waiting list” for a ScaleUpSTL Business Growth Loan or offer a guarantee of funding. It simply alerts SLDC of your interest in ScaleUpSTL. A completed questionnaire begins the process of verifying eligibility and will trigger a response from SLDC within 10 days with an estimated timeline of the ScaleUpSTL launch and follow-up communication.

The ScaleUpSTL Business Growth Loans are wholly funded with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) passed through the City of St. Louis Community Development Administration (CDA).

SLDC does not determine creditworthiness or make lending decisions. Meeting program eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.