Two Lucas Center Entrepreneurs holding their Lucas Bells.

Impact Loan Fund

The Impact Loan Funds provides accessible capital to entrepreneurs who are building real businesses but are not yet positioned for a traditional bank loan. This fund is designed to bridge that gap by offering flexible financing alongside the mentorship and resources from the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship.

Whether you need to purchase equipment, build out your space, hire your first employee, or invest in marketing and advertising, the Impact Loan Fund is designed for you to scale your business.

Before you Apply
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In partnership with the Golden Isles Development Authority and The Elevate Glynn Initiative, this program provides accessible, flexible capital to small businesses that may not yet qualify for traditional financing.

Learn more about The Elevate Glynn Initiative

FAQ

  • This fund is built for entrepreneurs who know their business and can demonstrate they are capable of running it well, even if their credit history doesn’t reflect that yet. We weigh your track record, your understanding of your market, and your plan for repayment more heavily than your credit score.

    Applicants should:

    • Be currently operating (not in idea phase)

    • Have successfully completed 6SEED and/or ACCELER8

    • Uses a POS or other payment processing system to verify revenue

    • Up-to-date on all tax obligations

  • After you submit your application, the Lucas Center staff will review all of your materials, contact your references, and complete a background and credit screening. This process usually takes 2 weeks depending on how quickly we receive materials from you.

    Our lending committee meets once a month to review applications.

    From here, our team will then reach out to you with the lending committee’s decision and details on how to move forward. If you have any questions at any point during the process, please contact us at lending@lucascenter.com or call 912.254.7921.

  • Impact Loan Funds are available for $5,000 - $25,000. If you will need access to loan funds at different stages as you grow your business, our process allows for you to apply for one loan, but receive funds as you reach each milestone. This means you’re only paying back what you have used.

    1. Complete a Lucas Center Program | Individual must have taken either the 6SEED or ACCELER8 program. To learn more about these programs, please click here.

    2. Meet with our team | Schedule a meeting with an entrepreneurship coach here.

    3. Apply Online | Review the application checklist here before applying, then click here to apply.

  • The Impact Loan Fund at the Lucas Center originated in partnership with the Golden Isles Development Authority. The Golden Isles Development Authority’s contribution to the Fund can only be used for businesses in Glynn County, GA. If you would like to contribute to the Fund, please click here. When we match GIDA’s initial investment, GIDA will double its contribution to the Fund.

  • Schedule a meeting with an entrepreneurship coach here to answer any other questions, or reach out to us at lending@lucascenter.com or call 912.254.7921.