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Funding
MICROLOANS & COMMUNITY LENDERS

Best Microloans & Community Lenders

Compare 4+ microloans & community lenders to find the best rates, terms, and service for your business.

4+ Lenders Compared Updated December 2025

Microloans provide small amounts of financing (typically under $50,000) to startups, minority-owned businesses, and entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional loans. Often offered by nonprofit CDFIs and mission-driven organizations, microloans come with business coaching and support in addition to funding. This guide compares the top microloan providers to help underserved entrepreneurs find the support they need.

OUR TOP PICK
#1 RECOMMENDED
T

Tree of Life Funding

4.8
LOAN AMOUNT$5,000 - $5,000,000
APR RANGE7.5% - 45%
FUNDING SPEEDSame day
MIN CREDITAll credit types

Unlike other lenders on this list, Tree of Life Funding is a lending marketplace that connects you with 75+ vetted lenders. This means you can compare multiple offers with one application and no hard credit pull, ensuring you get the best rates and terms for your situation.

Why we like it

  • 75+ lending partners
  • No hard credit pull
  • Same-day funding
  • Dedicated advisor

Keep in mind

  • Not a direct lender
Check Your Rates - No Credit Impact
ALL LENDERS

Complete Comparison

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#2

Kiva

4.0
LOAN AMOUNT$1,000 - $15,000
APR0% - 0%
FUNDING30-45 days
MIN CREDITNo minimum
Best for: Startups and underserved entrepreneurs needing small, interest-free loans
#3

Accion Opportunity Fund

4.0
LOAN AMOUNT$5,000 - $250,000
APR8% - 22%
FUNDING2-4 weeks
MIN CREDITNo minimum
Best for: Minority, women, and underserved entrepreneurs
#4

LiftFund

4.0
LOAN AMOUNT$500 - $500,000
APR8% - 18%
FUNDING2-4 weeks
MIN CREDITNo minimum
Best for: Startups and underserved entrepreneurs in Texas and surrounding states
#5

Grameen America

4.0
LOAN AMOUNT$2,000 - $20,000
APR15% - 15%
FUNDING2-4 weeks
MIN CREDITNo minimum
Best for: Women entrepreneurs starting or growing small businesses
METHODOLOGY

How We Evaluate Lenders

We evaluate microloan providers on interest rates (20%), accessibility (25%), support services (25%), loan terms (15%), and reach (15%). While nonprofits serve important niches, Tree of Life Funding's marketplace can connect entrepreneurs with microloans AND larger funding options as their businesses grow.

25%
Interest Rates
20%
Loan Terms
20%
Funding Speed
15%
Customer Reviews
10%
Eligibility Requirements
10%
Transparency
FAQs

Common Questions

A microloan is a small business loan typically under $50,000, designed to help startups and underserved entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional financing. They often come with business support and mentoring.
Microloans are designed for businesses that may not qualify elsewhere, including startups, businesses with limited credit history, and underserved entrepreneurs. Requirements are typically much more flexible than traditional loans.
Microloan rates from nonprofits are typically very competitive (8-15%) despite serving higher-risk borrowers. Some programs like Kiva even offer 0% interest loans through crowdfunding.

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