Financial Assistance Resources

• Georgia has launched an effort that will encourage lenders to make loans to small businesses offering three programs within a performance-driven approach that include a loan loss reserve fund, a 50% loan guarantee and gap financing. To learn more, visit the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) website.

• The Georgia Loan Participation Program provides loans to businesses since the lender is able to diversify its risk by sharing exposure with the State. 

• The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization.
• The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) is another program that expands funding tech industry opportunities in the federal innovation research and development (R&D) arena.

• Micro Lenders or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), have lending portfolios that offer many different small business loans. They target firms to which traditional sources of capital may be inaccessible. SBA Microlenders/CDFI Coverage Map ▶ 
• The Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN) is a non-profit industry association providing funds for micro-businesses through its network of business development training and lending organizations. GMEN serves as a resource to support and fund viable micro-businesses in an effort to create new jobs and business opportunities at the local level.

• Small businesses can start, or expand, an eco-friendly product/service or business by applying for "green" loans through the state or Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE). 
• Another notable program is the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP), which provides funding for the conservation of parks, trails, wildlife, and outdoor recreation projects across the state of Georgia. 
• Other relevant efforts include programs by the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation, which focuses on waste reduction, recycling, and beautification.

• Rural agriculture small business loans can be obtained through various avenues, including the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the USDA's Rural Development programs
• Organizations like AgGeorgia Farm Credit offer specific programs for financing farm purchases, equipment, and operating expenses, including direct loans, guaranteed loans, and microloans. 
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development offers loan and grant programs to small and emerging businesses to create and retain jobs. They also provide technical assistance to communities.

• The Qualified Investor Tax Credit (formerly the Angel Investor Tax Credit program) through the Georgia Tax Center (GTC) is designed to encourage investment in specific Georgia startups. Click here for more information.

• NOWaccount Network Corporation allows you to improve cash management, eliminate risk of customer non-payment, and offload accounts receivables processing and collections.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of loan programs for very specific purposes. To help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create jobs by increasing access to capital, the SBA created a $1 billion Early Stage Innovation Fund which will provide matching capital to Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs). 
• Georgia's Regional Commissions offer small business loan assistance, gap financing that may include SBA 504, and 7(a) loans, Revolving Loan Funds, Rural Loan Funds and USDA Business & Industry Loans. 
• Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. 
• Export-Import Bank of the United States and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides export loan guarantee programs for agriculture export. 

• There are federally funded research and development grants through the U.S. Small Business Administration SBA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

   

Click here for links to various foundations and non-profit opportunities.