Many food businesses, especially producers, have been unable to take advantage of traditional financing because there are too many barriers, the structure is too narrow, and other programs are not informed by those who apply for funding. Recognizing this regional need, SBCFAN and the Economic Development Collaborative proudly announce the Food System Resilience Loan Program, providing food businesses an equitable opportunity to access financing, address gaps in our food system, and ensure that their businesses thrive.
A UNIQUE FINANCING OPTION FOR LOCAL FOOD BUSINESSES:
- This program was designed with input from local farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk and food artisans, ensuring that funding available meets the specific needs of the community
- Funding can be used to address a variety of needs including working capital, inventory, staffing and equipment
- Terms may be tailored to the food business’ needs and ability to make repayments
- The interest rate for this program is lower than standard rates at just 5%
TERMS AND ELIGIBILITY*
- Loans may range from $10,000 to $25,000, with a maximum loan term of 60 months
- 2 years of business tax returns, current year to date financials and projections
- 2 years of personal tax returns, personal financial statement and debt schedule
- Food focused enterprise located within Santa Barbara County in operation on or before January 2020
- Collateral for loans such as available business assets including machinery, equipment, accounts receivable, inventory and real property and/or personal real estate of guarantor
- Minimum credit score of 625
- SBCFAN has raised funds to cover the cost of loan processing fees for all applicants, including the IBANK guarantee and document fees, credit report and UCC-1 fees. SBCFAN membership is a prerequisite for loan consideration, but does not require immediate payment. An application can be withdrawn at any time during the review process
- Applicant will meet with a Small Business Development Center business advisor, provided at no-cost by the EDC, before and after funding on a continuous basis
*Exceptions may apply
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Completed application and supporting documents should be emailed to loans@edcollaborative.com or mailed to:
Economic Development Collaborative – Ventura County
4001 Mission Oaks Blvd Suite A-1
Camarillo, CA 93012
Need assistance with your application? Contact info@sbcfoodaction.org.
To download our loan fund flyer, Click Here.
The role of SBCFAN
- Gather input from food businesses to identify barriers to financing – and use this input to inform the terms of the loan
- Connect SBCFAN members and countywide food businesses to this financing opportunity
- Provide support with applications as needed
- Serve as a liaison between SBCFAN members and EDC
SBCFAN does not benefit financially in any way from this program. Our objective is to address Food Action Plan goals by meeting the varied resource needs of our food system. Further, SBCFAN is actively fundraising to cover the cost of loan processing fees for all applicants.
THE ROLE of edc
- Receive and vet loan applications
- Loan and administer funds
ABOUT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE
Since 1996, the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) has been providing a pathway to business growth, economic prosperity and high quality of life for all. Today, the EDC is a regional asset for economic vitality in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, giving businesses, community partners and civic leaders the resources they need to succeed at NO-COST.
Proudly serving as the region’s Small Business Development Center, our program provides free direct business consulting with a team of over 50 business advisors. As a community-based lender with 67% of our loans awarded to women and minority-owned businesses, our loan program focuses on aligning local entrepreneurs with the capital and financial expertise needed to reach their business needs.
Signing up as a client takes just a few minutes and provides you with lifetime access to all of our no-cost services. Resources and advising are available in English and Spanish. The Economic Development Collaborative is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
For more information on the EDC visit www.edcollaborative.com. For a complimentary referral, contact info@sbcfoodaction.org and we will connect you with the appropriate EDC staff.
