WE PROVIDE
LENDING SUPPORT

As a nonprofit community development corporation, our mission is to help ensure the success of new and established businesses in the Greater Watts and South Los Angeles community. By helping business owners get training and funding to grow and expand, in turn, jobs are created, contributing to a revitalized and vibrant community. When you work with us, you are partnering with an organization dedicated to investing in growing and enhancing not just your business, but in the prosperity and quality of life for all residents.

HOW WE CAN HELP

We provide business owners and entrepreneurs with access to capital through our Microloan Fund program and other partner organizations. This includes assisting with the funding process and connecting borrowers to lending institutions. As part of our mission, we may also provide Technical Assistance to help you become more digitally and financially literate. A key difference between MCDC and a traditional lender, is that as a community centered nonprofit, our team develops an individualized entrepreneurial plan, guiding you through steps that will support your long-term success. We consider your whole story, not just a credit score or financial statement.

Click the plus + for more information.

  • After submitting your application for lending assistance (details and online application below), a MCDC team member will schedule a one-on-one consultation to learn about your business goals. Here’s what you can expect:

    • A review of your business ownership and current financial situation.

    • Identification of consulting services and workshops for pre-loan support.

    • Enrollment in our Technical Assistance program, if applicable (ideal for startups and early-stage entrepreneurs).

    • Development of a business and finance plan tailored to your goals.

    • Guidance through the loan application process.

  • We will help prepare your loan package and assist with the loan application process. This may include:

    • Cash flow analysis

    • Loan document packaging

    • Connecting and interfacing with capital lenders

  • We are committed to helping you thrive by equipping you with the tools, knowledge, and resources to achieve your business goals. Based on your needs assessment, we may recommend workshops or seminars to strengthen your business foundation. Upcoming topics include:

    • Starting a business: From idea to execution, explore the entrepreneurial mindset

    • Business Plan 101: Crafting a roadmap to success using a lean business model

    • Business Operations Best Practices: Managing your money with confidence

    • Creating a Marketing Plan: Reaching and engaging your audience

    • Identifying and Assessing Your Customer: Understanding your market

    • Legal Formation and Trademarking: Learn to protect your business

    • Government Certifications and Contracts: Discover opportunities to scale

    • Navigating E-Commerce: Expand your brand beyond brick and mortar

    • Additional Topics: Covering other financial and business strategies tailored to your needs

HOW TO APPLY

  • STEP 1:

    Read how we can help, above.

  • STEP 2:

    Read our Policy FAQs, below.

  • STEP 3:

    Fill out our application, below.

 POLICY FAQs

  • An MCDC team member will schedule a one-on-one consultation to learn about your business and goals. Filling out our online application is only the first step, and is not an actual loan application.

  • After we meet and access your goals and needs, there are several steps we may recommend.  For example, if you are already established but need help applying for a loan, we may be able to offer free financial information. Financial support we may offer includes filing tax returns, establishing relationships with financial institutions and managing cash. 

    If you are a startup or an early stage business, before starting the loan process, we may enroll you in our Technical Assistance programs that provide more extensive business guidance

  • We help all types of small business entrepreneurs, whether you are a startup, or have an established business. MCDC currently makes business loans only in the community of Watts but we may be able to refer you to other business lenders without geographic boundaries. 

  • Our technical assistance programs are offered in Greater Watts and surrounding South Los Angeles area. Your business should be located within this region.  Our goal is to help support businesses that will, in turn, create jobs and a thriving economy for our community.

    Please note that MCDC currently makes business loans only in the community of Watts but we may be able to refer you to other business lenders without geographic boundaries. 

  • We have a variety of funding options. Usually we are able to help business owners with more affordable options, with better flexibility, than going through a traditional lender. This may include short and long term working capital, refinancing current business debt, purchasing and installation of machinery and equipment, or purchasing furniture, fixtures and supplies.

  • Loans need to be repaid and should not be considered as public and/or “grants.” Repayment terms will vary depending on the loan and payment schedule that the lender makes with you.

  • After you fill out our application, an MCDC team member will meet with you to discuss your goals and the stage your business is in. A free Technical Assistance program with workshops may be recommended. To ensure a greater chance for success not only in the loan process but in the success of your business, we strongly recommend that you complete these program(s) before applying for a loan.

  • We will assist you before and during the loan process, including enrolling you in our free business programs, and connecting viable applicants to lenders, but cannot guarantee a loan will be made, the amount of a loan, or any specific terms of a loan. There are a number of factors that lenders use when approving funding, which we do not control.

APPLICATION COMING SOON

For more information about applying for services please contact us.