Lakewood Community Loan Fund
The partnership between CEF and Lakewood began in 2024 to provide loans to small businesses within the city limits of Lakewood. This fund has two programs. One addresses business exterior/interior improvements only in a specific corridor in Lakewood. The other is a general small business program to provide an affordable, flexible loan solution for those unable to obtain traditional loan financing to start or grow their business.
Business Exterior/Interior Improvements - Limited eligibility
What Can Funds Be Used For?
- Exterior & Interior physical improvement
- Facade improvements
- Utilities or Infrastruccture
- Fixed-asset investments to building
- Landscaping
- Sign replacement
- Health or sanitation improvements
- Activities related to removal of blight
Loans are made at the discretion of the Loan Approval Committee and subject to loan pool availability
How Does it Work?
- Loans from $10K - $100K
- Terms from 3 to 7 years
- Fixed interest rate not to exceed Prime at time of closing.
Once project is complete, you will receive a one-time payment to reduce your loan balance.
See payment example below:
Why Participate?
- Improve curb appeal to attract customers and increase sales
- Save money with below-market loan rates
- CEF works with business owners who don’t qualify at traditional banks
Who Can Apply?
- You must be a small business located within a specific corridor on Alameda in Lakewood - see map below.
General Community Loan Fund for Small Businesses in Lakewood
Who Can Apply?
- New or existing business whose primary office is located in the City of Lakewood
- Small businesses not eligible for financing through a traditional bank
- Generally, businesses with revenues less than $2M/year
- Generally, small businesses with less than 20 full-time employees
Loan Amount & Terms:
- Microloans: Up to $50k (If you need a larger loan amount, CEF has other loan products to supplement this lending source.)
- Terms vary based on use and amount, but can be up to 60 months
- Fixed Rate
Loan Uses:
- Working capital
- Equipment
- Inventory
- Lease payments or commercial loan obligations
- Refinance or debt consolidation
- Tenant finish or property improvements
- Purchase of a business