BIPOC
Community Managed Loan Fund
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
INTERESTED IN THE BIPOC LOAN FUND?


ABOUT THIS UNIQUE LOAN
We are shifting decision-making to the black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) community about where (geographically), to whom (communities of color underserved by financial institutions and systems), and under what circumstances (measures of risk) capital flows.
This loan fund rose out of a desire of Community Investment Corporation’s (CIC) staff wanting to take concrete and tangible action in the wake of 2020 and ongoing national tragedies and calls for racial equity and justice.
In partnership with BLAX Friday and Startup Tucson.
Once you’ve read through the program details and application process below if you have further questions don’t hesitate to reach out at lending@cictucson.org.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Loan amounts: $500 to $10,000
- Term: up to 5 years
- Interest Rates: 0%
- Loan Fees: $0
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
- At least 50% of business ownership must identify as BIPOC
- Business must be located in Southern Arizona
- Business can be in any stage including startups
- Completion of application online via video, audio or text application submitted
PROGRAM DETAILS
This program is designed to build community and connection. Different than other CIC loan products that offer rolling applications, there is a clearly defined timeline of deadlines and events that must be followed to receive funding.
Decisions are made by a community-managed committee of BIPOC business owners and leaders. They meet monthly to approve 3-4 applications. Applicants will be notified promptly after decisions are made.
Applications are available in a digital form focused on storytelling. Text, audio or video submissions are welcome. This fund is revolving and does not close, as long as funding is available.
Storytelling is THE center of the application and approval process. While basic business information, demographics, and declarations will be included, business owners’ personal and professional stories will be what the committee will use to make funding decisions.
Benefits of this approach include:
- Reimagined capital access qualifications
- Eliminates review of credit, collateral and other traditional means for loan decisions that are based on wealth and disproportionally impact BIPOC Communities negatively
- Limiting arduous, time-consuming, and sometimes expensive requirements including opening a business bank account and registering business, unless approved for funding
Program Guidelines:
- Loan amounts: $500 to $10,000
- Term: up to 5 years
- Interest Rates: 0%
- Loan Fees: $0
Requirements:
- At least 50% of business ownership must identify as BIPOC
- Business must be located in Southern Arizona
- Business can be in any stage including startups
- Completion of application online via video, audio or text can be submitted
*Also note: Loan funds must be used for business purposes. Business cannot be engaged in any of the following activities: multilevel marketing/direct sales, financial services, illegal activities
Once an applicant is approved for funding then the following will be required:
- Provide Information on, or Open a Business Bank Account
- Register Business with the Arizona Corporation Commission
- Either provide the following up-to-date business documents:
- Profit & Loss Statement
- Balance Sheet
- and/or complete the following CIC provided classes:
- The Profit and Loss Statement
- The Balance Sheet
All classes are offered virtually
Depending on the lifecycle of the business, it is understood that some of these elements may already be in place.
Once all required program elements are complete, loan recipients will sit down with the CIC Loan Team and a BIPOC CMLF Committee Member to review the following:
- Discuss business and aspirations as well as any insights they gained through the application process
- Review loan amount and terms and make sure it is in the best interest of the business
- Finalize loan and terms based on all available information
- Discuss interest in being an “alumni” mentor for future loan applicants
HOW DOES MY APPLICATION GET SCORED?
Here are important factors the BIPOC Loan Committee
will consider when reviewing your application:
- How and why did you start your business?
- Is your business successful? Profitable?
- What have you done to be successful?
- Will your business have a positive impact? For whom?
- How are you different (and better) from others in your industry?
- What problem does your business solve?
- Who is your typical customer?
- Who would be your perfect customer?
- What steps have you taken to discover typical and/or perfect clients?
- Why are people excited about/supportive of your product/service/business?
- What community do you serve?
- How is your business part of the community?
- How does your business support or give back to the community or local economy? What need is being met by your business?
- How do you plan to use the loan funds?
- How will the loan enhance/transform/ grow your business?
- How will this loan help increase revenue?
- Why the requested loan amount? How did you determine this amount?
- What do we need to know about you/your business that REALLY makes you stand out?
- Is there something we didn’t ask you that we should know about you/your business?
- What will stay with us after we review your application?
Building a Solution
BIPOC LOAN FUND Committee
Since January of 2021, the BIPOC CMLF Committee has been meeting monthly to reimagine lending, discuss barriers to capital access for BIPOC communities, and design a transparent process that meets entrepreneurs/business owners where they are with the goal of helping them take the next big step in their business growth. In partnership with BLAX Friday and Startup Tucson.
Thank you to our Inaugural Committee Members, Samuel Brown (Pima County Attorney’s Office) and Marisol Aguirre (REA Consulting).

This project is made possible with the generous support of




