Apply For a Loan

The Circle of Aunts & Uncles offers qualified, local entrepreneurs with a demonstrated need the opportunity to access low interest loans, as well as advice, business and connections. We forgo a traditional loan review processes in order to serve entrepreneurs who are unable to access capital through traditional sources of funding. Our focus is on strong character, work ethic, product quality and usefulness, and community relationships.

The Circle focuses on supporting businesses that build local self-reliance. Priority is given, but not limited to, entrepreneurs who:

• Come from populations traditionally excluded from business ownership and financing, such as women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

• Embrace sustainable and environmentally-friendly business practices, or are on the path toward these practices, that restore and enhance our ecosystem.

• Work cooperatively with other entrepreneurs to develop local supply chains, and share resources in order to co-create a viable, fair, and sustainable local economy

information for Prospective Borrowers

Business Eligibility Checklist

• Located in, or serving the Greater Philadelphia Area

• Independently owned and operated

• Has been in operation for a minimum of 6 months

• Has the required federal, state, and local licenses/permits to operate legally, and is in compliance with all federal, state, and local taxes (or on an approved payment plan)

• Must be able to demonstrate financial readiness for a loan

Loans are generally made for strategic uses that will help a business grow, and not for regular operating costs. This might include equipment, marketing, new materials, software, signage, or consultants. Things that would not be funded include rent, utilities, payroll, supplies, or other ongoing costs of running your business.

Application Process:

1. To get started, read our Organizational Overview. If you meet our eligibility requirements, please fill out an Intake Form.

2. We will review your intake form and get back to you within one week. Qualifying applicants will be asked to submit a complete Loan Application. 

3. Please ask a business advisor* or a member of the Circle of Aunts & Uncles to submit this Advisor Recommendation Form. 
   *We prefer that applicants have an advisor recommendation from our membership or a partner organizations who has worked with you and can speak about your business. If you haven’t worked with someone like this who can serve as a reference, please contact us before applying.

4. You will be contacted to set up a virtual interview with our loan review committee. Selected applicants will be invited to present their loan request to our membership. The members will then vote whether to approve the loan. If you are invited to present at a full gathering of the Circle, please review these guidelines for making the presentation.