Business Financing
Small Loans for Big Change
Empowering Local Business Owners in Southern Arizona
At CIC, we’re committed to expanding access to economic opportunity in our community. By offering flexible, revenue-based financing and innovative small business loans in Tucson and throughout Southern Arizona (including Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma Counties), we help our local economy grow – and thrive. Our team is here to walk beside you every step of the way, with competitive interest rates, flexible terms, and individualized support and education to help you grow sustainably and reach your goals.
CIC Small Business Loans
Our Small Business Loans support entrepreneurs with the funding they need to grow.
Loans ranging from $500 to $100,000 can be used for a variety of business needs, whether you’re purchasing equipment or inventory, making property improvements, refinancing high-interest debt, or needing working capital.
Up to $100,000 | 1 – 5 year term lengths | 6.5 – 10% interest rates*
Terms
- 1 – 5 year term lengths
- 8% – 10% interest rates (*up to 1.5% reduced interest rate for projects that provide a positive social impact or for organizations paying a living wage)
- One-time fee starts at $750 (dependent on the size of the loan). Small, third-party fees may apply
Eligibility
Your Business:
- is located in Southern Arizona
- has been registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission
- needs $100,000 or less in financing
- has a business bank account
- has been in operation for 6 months
- is current on all personal and business tax filings and payments
- prepares regular financial statements
- has assets available for collateral to guarantee the loan
Loan Calculator
How much will my loan payment be?
Using our Loan Calculator, you can get a rough estimate of your potential loan payment.
By entering the amount of money you plan to borrow and using the interest and repayment period listed for the loan product you are interested in, you can better understand if you are able to afford the monthly loan payments during the repayment period.
This calculator is designed to help you estimate your potential monthly loan payments; however, it is not a guaranteed quote.
Please contact our lending team for more information: lending@cictucson.org
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STAC Revenue-Based Financing
Flexible financing for small businesses that fluctuates with your cash flow.
Success Through Alternative Capital (STAC) funding is ideal for businesses with at least two years of sales history in a business bank account, and are interested in making payments that fluctuate with their revenues.
Up to $50,000 | 3 – 5 year term lengths | 1.24x Repayment Cap
Terms
- 3 – 5 year projected repayment period
- Payment fluctuates with revenue
- 1.24% repayment cap
- 2% fee
Eligibility
Your Business:
- is located in Southern Arizona
- has been registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission
- needs $50,000 or less in financing
- has a business bank account
- has been in operation for at least 2 years
- is current on all personal and business tax filings and payments
- prepares regular financial statements
- has assets available for collateral to guarantee the loan
Working Together to Find The Best Solution for Your Business
At CIC, We Know Your Worth
Small Loans for
Small Businesses
We offer different types of financing for different needs, with loans ranging from $500 to $100,000.
People
Over Profit
We’re a nonprofit lender, not a bank. Our focus is supporting your success, not commissions or quotas.
Personalized
Support
We offer mentorship and guidance to our clients with resources, education, and referrals every step of the way.
Accessible and
Transparent
Our team is flexible, clear, and bilingual. We care about your character, not just your credit score.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH PARTNERSHIP
We partner with organizations in Southern Arizona to offer innovative funding opportunities for entrepreneurs making a positive impact in their communities. Our goal is to expand access to financing for marginalized small business owners, help entrepreneurs invest in sustainable upgrades, and support community wellness by funding local food and health businesses.
Click on the “About” section to learn more about each loan, as each has unique requirements. Please contact us with any questions.
Kiva Crowdfunded Loans
Empowering entrepreneurs with the capital they need through community-supported lending.
Up to $15,000 | 1 – 3 year term lengths | 0% interest rate
About
Crowdfunded Microloans ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 can be used for a variety of business needs, whether you’re purchasing equipment or inventory, making property improvements, refinancing high-interest debt, or needing working capital. CIC is here to support you to get across the fundraising finish line.
Terms
- 1 – 3 year term lengths
- 0% interest rate
Eligibility
In order to receive a 0%-interest, zero-fee, zero-collateral loan from Kiva, you must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You must not currently be in foreclosure, bankruptcy, or under any liens.
*If the soft credit inquiry returns information that conflicts with the applicant’s self-reported credit history, a turndown will likely result. - You must not have had a violent or financial criminal conviction in the last 5 years.
*If the identity-verification report returns information that conflicts with the applicant’s self-reported information about prior convictions, a turndown will likely result. - You must not be a registered sex offender.
- You must reside and operate your business in the United States.
- Your business cannot be registered – nor have primary operations in – the states of Nevada or North Dakota.
- You must be seeking a loan for business purposes other than refinancing debt and purchasing stock or equity.
- Your business must not be of a type deemed ineligible for a Kiva loan.
Some examples are: federally illegal activities (e.g., gambling, hemp-related products); businesses related to tobacco, pawn-shops, weapons, multi-level marketing, direct selling, cryptocurrencies, drones, or adult entertainment; businesses providing contract work for large corporations (e.g., AirBnB, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, etc.). - You must be able to prove revenue (i.e., donations) in the past 12 months if your business is a nonprofit organization.
- You must have a PayPal account (that’s how you will receive as well as repay your Kiva loan!)
- You must be willing to demonstrate your social capital by asking a small number of your friends, family, clients, and/or business partners to make a loan to you during the Kiva Private Fundraising Period – learn more here.
* Please note that impactful loans will be given precedence during the application review process. This is in alignment with our efforts at Kiva U.S. to rethink creditworthiness and expand access to capital to underserved communities: while we do look at your financials, we prioritize your character, the impact your loan will have on your community, and how much support you have from your community.
The BIPOC Loan Fund
In partnership with the BIPOC Loan Fund Committee to create greater access to funding across Arizona.
Up to $10,000 | 1 – 4 year term lengths | 3% interest rate
About
The BIPOC Loan Fund is a unique loan for Arizona businesses seeking up to $10,000 in financing. It uses a video storytelling application, which, once submitted, is reviewed by the BIPOC Loan Fund committee for approval.
*This is a competitive fund, and you will be competing monthly with other businesses that have also applied for funding. You will need to attend a BIPOC Loan Fund Info Session for instruction on how to apply.
Terms
- 1 – 4 year term lengths
- 3% interest rate
- $9 UCC Filing Fee
Eligibility
Your Business:
- is located in Southern Arizona or Maricopa County
- needs $10,000 or less in financing
- has been in operation for at least 3 months
- is current on all personal and business tax filings and payments
To be eligible for the BIPOC Loan Fund, you will need to attend a BIPOC Loan Fund Info Session, submit a BIPOC Loan Fund inquiry form, and complete a video, audio, and text storytelling application.
The Green Loan Fund
In partnership with Local First Arizona specifically for graduates of the Green Business Boot Camp.
Up to $25,000 | 1 – 3 year term lengths | 3% interest rate
About
CIC has partnered with Local First Arizona to support graduates of the Green Business Boot Camp who want to reduce their environmental impact.
Participants can access loans of up to $25,000 to bring their sustainability projects to life. The goal is for your loan payments to be covered by the savings you gain from lower energy and water use once your new equipment or upgrades are in place. Loan funds can be used to cut down on water and energy costs through projects like updating old buildings with better windows, pipes, or insulation, or by upgrading to energy-efficient equipment such as modern HVAC systems.
Terms
- 1 – 3 year term lengths
- 3% interest rate
Eligibility
Your Business:
- is located in Southern Arizona
- has been registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission
- needs $25,000 or less in financing
- has a business bank account
- has been in operation for 1 year and has less than 25 employees
- is current on all personal and business tax filings and payments
To qualify for the Green Loan Fund, you will need to have completed Local First’s Green Business Boot Camp workshop series, including the following documentation:
- Benchmarking of facility through energy, transportation, waste, or water audit
- Sustainability Plan, including completion of:
- Workshop Checklists
- Sustainability Project Goals for potential projects to pursue
- Financial Analysis using tools to demonstrate the estimated break-even point and profit
- Complete the Green Teams checklist to plan for the implementation of a Green Team in the business
Eligible projects will achieve a reduction in energy, water, transportation, and/or waste, as well as achieve community benefits.
Not ready to apply, and need a little extra support?
Contact us directly at lending@cictucson.org or call (520) 529-1766 with any questions.
Our team offers bilingual support, personalized one-on-one guidance, and relationship-centered assistance to help you understand your business finances, strengthen your loan readiness, and navigate capital options with confidence. We regularly visit our clients throughout Southern Arizona, provide free classes and technical assistance, and can connect you with a wide network of community partners and resource referrals. No one should have to build their business alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Arizona counties do you serve?
We Offer Small Business Support and Financing to Southern Arizona:
1. Cochise County (Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Huachuca City, Sierra Vista, Tombstone, Wilcox, etc.)
2. Graham County (Pima, Safford, Thatcher, etc.)
3. Greenlee County (Clifton, Duncan, etc.)
4. Pima County (Ajo, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, Tucson, South Tucson, Why, etc.)
5. Pinal County (Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy, Florence, Hayden, Mammoth, Maricopa, Queen Creek, Superior, Winkelman, etc.)
6. Santa Cruz County (Nogales, Patagonia, Tubac, etc.)
7. Yuma County (San Luis, Somerton, Wellton, Yuma, etc.)
Is my business eligible for a CIC loan?
Am I eligible for a CIC Loan? Take the quiz.
Question 1: Is the business located in Pima, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pinal, Santa Cruz, or Yuma County?
- Yes/Unsure: Please continue to Question 2.
- No: Unfortunately, we cannot assist with financing, but one of our community partners may be able to.
Question 2: Does the business need $100,000 or less in financing?
- Yes/Unsure: Continue to Question 3.
- No: We suggest contacting your bank or credit union for larger loan needs.
Question 3: Does the business have at least three months of sales history?
- Yes/Unsure: Continue to #4.
- No: We cannot provide a loan, but we can discuss future eligibility.
Question 4: Are the business and owners current on all tax filings and payments?
- Yes/Unsure: Continue to #5.
- No: Please come back once your tax filings and payments are current.
Question 5: If the loan request is greater than $50,000, does the business have assets available for collateral to guarantee the loan?
- Yes/Unsure: Continue to #6.
- No: If you are open to a smaller amount, continue to #6.
Question 6: Does the business prepare regular financial statements (profit & loss and balance sheet)?
- Yes/Unsure: Continue to #7.
- No: Financial history is required. If willing to prepare financial documents, continue to #7.
Question 7: Is the business profitable?
- Yes: It sounds like you would be a great fit for a CIC loan!
- Unsure: We are happy to discuss this further with you. While we may not be able to provide a loan but can discuss future eligibility.
If you are ready for a loan, or would like support to help you get ready to apply. please complete our inquiry form and someone from our loan team will contact you.
Types of businesses we fund:
We support all types of small businesses across a variety of industries. This includes but is not limited to agricultural operations, retailers, service-based businesses, farmers, mobile vendors, ranchers, and even side hustles growing into full-time businesses.
Your business must be legally established and registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission, have a Tax Identification Number, have a business bank account, and be current on all business and personal taxes. If you’re working to build or grow a business in Southern Arizona, we’re here to help.
Types of businesses we are unable to fund:
We are unable to provide funding to financial companies; multi-level marketing (like Amway, Herbalife, or Mary Kay); bars or other businesses where sale of alcohol is the primary source of revenue (alcohol production for sale in the case of a brewery or winery are excluded); smoke shops; drug paraphernalia & dispensaries; adult entertainment/materials; guns & ammunition sales or manufacturing; fireworks; political campaigns; and businesses whose products are not legal, either federally or in other states in the U.S.
What can financing be used for?
Funding from CIC must be used for business purposes. For example, common funding requests are used for purchasing equipment, inventory, vehicles, or working capital for business expenses. Occasionally, we see a request for purchasing property.
Do I need good credit to get a loan?
We do not require a specific credit score to be eligible for a loan. However, we want to make sure you can afford to take on a new loan, so we do take into account any outstanding loans and any current delinquencies you may have.
What documents do I need to gather before I apply?
We can support you in getting your documents ready before your apply.
Typical documents required for the loan application are tax returns, business financial statements, bank statements, driver’s license, operating agreement or bylaws, and a business plan. We also ask for financial projections if you’ve been in business for less than two years.
How much funding do I need for my small business?
This question should be answered by determining how much funding you need to complete the intended project. We recommend building a budget and researching what it will cost to complete the project.
Do you finance startups?
Each of our loan products have a minimum time in business, with the shortest being three months.
If approved, how long does the process take from application to funding?
The process typically takes 1 – 2 months on average. Processing time can vary based on how quickly you are able to provide the application documents.
What type of collateral may be needed for a small business loan?
Collateral is assets that can be sold and used to repay the loan if the business is not able to. Common types of collateral consist of business assets (machinery, inventory, furniture), vehicles, and business or personal real estate.
Want to learn more about small business finance? Subscribe to our podcast!
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We Believe in Your Dreams.
When you choose a loan from CIC, you pay it back to pay it forward. Those funds continue financing the dreams of small business owners in our Southern Arizona community.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Proud Partner of the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity's Microbusiness Loan Program
We are grateful to participate in the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity’s Microbusiness Loan Program, fueling our impact in supporting Arizona’s smallest businesses with the funding they need to grow – and thrive.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Arizona’s economy.” – Governor Katie Hobbs