Business Loans

Access to capital is often one of the biggest barriers to starting or growing a small business. Through the IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO), we help eligible entrepreneurs access affordable business loans designed to support long‑term financial stability.

CEO is a national, nonprofit financial institution and a U.S. Treasury‑certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that offers small‑dollar loans to individuals who may not qualify for traditional financing, including those with limited or no credit history.

About CEO Business Loans

CEO business loans are designed to help entrepreneurs start or expand small businesses while also building credit and financial confidence.

Key features include:

  • Affordable interest rates

  • Loans geared toward small business needs

  • Credit‑building opportunities

  • Support from IRC Business Counselors during the application process

Please note: The IRC assists with preparation and submission, but all loan decisions are made by CEO, not IRC staff.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Business loans are available to individuals who are actively engaged with the IRC’s Small Business Program.

To apply, clients must:

  • Be enrolled in or working with an IRC Small Business Program

  • Complete required training related to banking and credit

  • Meet CEO’s lending guidelines

Some loan products or programs may have additional eligibility requirements based on funding sources.

Being eligible to apply for a loan does not guarantee loan approval. Loan approval decisions are made by CEO based on financial readiness and lending criteria.

Types of Business Loans

Business loans are available to qualifying individuals to support startup or expansion costs such as equipment, inventory, and other approved business expenses.

For the most up‑to‑date loan information and terms, please speak with your IRC Business Counselor »

For other loan products not related to small businesses, please visit the Personal Loans page.

How to Apply for a Business Loan

Step 1: Meet with an IRC Business Counselor

Visit or make an appointment with a Small Business Counselor at the IRC in Utah office to complete a CEO loan application and review your readiness.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Exact requirements may vary, but commonly requested documents include:

  • Personal email address

  • Valid government‑issued ID

  • Social Security card (if applicable)

  • U.S. bank account information

  • Recent bank statements

  • Verifiable business income (if applicable)

  • Previous year’s tax return

  • Business license, EIN, or incorporation documents (if available)

  • Business plan and 12‑month cash flow projections

Your Business Counselor will confirm what documents are required for your specific application.

Step 3: Application Review

Your Business Counselor submits the application to CEO and follows up if additional information is needed.

Step 4: Loan Approval & Disbursement

If approved, you may be asked to sign loan documents at the IRC office. Some loans may require collateral as a condition of approval.

Important Information About Loan Decisions

  • Loan approvals are handled entirely by CEO, not IRC staff

  • Approval timelines may vary

  • Loan approval is not guaranteed

  • CEO evaluates credit history, repayment ability, and business readiness

We encourage all applicants to review CEO’s loan decision guidelines and speak with their Business Counselor to understand expectations.

Apply for a Business Loan:

If you are interested in applying for a business loan, please schedule a meeting with an IRC UT Small Business Counselor.

Make an appointment with an SB Counselor in this Scheduling Page»

For questions, please contact the Small Business team»

CA FINANCE LENDER’S LICENSE #60DBO54868
LOANS MADE OR ARRANGED PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA FINANCE LAW LICENSE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS OVERSIGHT, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
www.irc-ceo.org