How It Works

Small Business Loans & Coaching in Minnesota

We built this program to work the way a good bank should, but often doesn't: fast to talk to, flexible on terms, and genuinely invested in whether you succeed.

Here's exactly what to expect:

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Step 1

You Tell Us 
About Your Business

No lengthy application to start. Just fill out our contact form to tell us who you are, what your business does, and what you're trying to accomplish. Our team reviews every submission and follows up directly to talk through the details — including anything we need to know that didn't fit in a form.

We know time is of the essence and can act fast; sometimes closing on a loan in as short as a week or two.

Tell Us About Your Business
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Step 2

We Talk Through
What You Actually Need

Before we talk numbers, we want to understand your business and your goal.

This is the step most lenders skip. A lot of entrepreneurs come to us thinking they need more than they do — part of our job is helping you figure out the right amount, so you're not carrying debt (or giving up control) you didn't need to. We’ll ask for a business plan, financials, and budget to get a better idea of where your business is and what you may need.

Two women sit at a wooden table reviewing documents, with one woman holding a pen and the other looking on. Papers and a notebook are spread across the table.

Step 3

Funding — the Right-Sized Loan

Loans up to $100,000, at 4% interest, interest-only for three years with maturity at the end of three years.

Smaller amounts are common and welcome — we'd rather get you the right-sized loan than the biggest one we offer. We do not take a percentage of your company. This is a loan, plain and simple.

We Invest In You is not looking to refinance existing debt. This program is designed to fuel growth, not restructure past obligations.

LOANS UP TO

$100,000

No over-raising capital.

LOW-INTEREST LENDING

4% Interest

Interest only for first 3 years, then full repayment.

BUILDING TOGETHER

Coaching

From entrepreneurial business leaders.

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Step 4

Coaching — Not Optional, 
and Not What You'd Expect

Accepting a loan means accepting coaching. That's non-negotiable, and it's the part of this program we're proudest of.

Our coaches are volunteers — a working or retired business leader with real experience and deep entrepreneurial knowledge. Coaches typically focus entirely on you.

Coaching covers the strategies for whatever your business actually needs — financial discipline, sales strategy, marketing, operations, people. It's a working relationship, not a lecture, and it continues for the life of the loan.

Who we’re looking for

If this sounds like you, 
the next step is simple.

  • Based in the greater Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area

  • A business with revenue coming in for at least a year — this isn't seed funding for a startup idea

  • A Main Street business: service businesses, trades, retailers, marketers and other small businesses manufacturers are the sweet spot; we want to both help your business grow and create more jobs with the community

Get In Touch
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