MicroCity Loan Program

The MicroCity Loan Program, administered through GCMI*, provides loans of up to $50,000 to small businesses in Cincinnati. The program is geared toward early stage and startup businesses, and the funds can be used for working capital, machinery and equipment, tenant improvements, construction and renovations, and property acquisition.

Goal​

At the Department of Community and Economic Development ("DCED"), we know that small businesses serve as anchors for communities and developing neighborhoods, so the more the City of Cincinnati can do to facilitate their support and development, the better. The goal of the MicroCity Loan Fund is to provide financial assistance to small businesses in the form of debt financing that might not otherwise be able to obtain funding from traditional lenders. This can help them retain stability, grow, create jobs, and catalyze more vibrant, engaged, and equitable communities.

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Who Can Apply?

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• Small Business Owners

• Minority-Owned Businesses

• Women-Owned Businesses

Eligible businesses include for-profit businesses with five or fewer employees (not including the owner) that have adequate historical or projected cash flow.

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Overview of Process

Interested businesses should reach out to the program manager listed below. Then, once connected, DCED and GCMI staff meet with the business to understand the loan request and explain the loan review process. The business submits a loan request to GCMI, who evaluates and underwrites the loan with feedback from DCED. Upon final approval, GCMI works with the business to conduct a loan closing. GCMI services the loan.