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The Small Business Loan Fund
Small businesses and nonprofits are the backbone of a thriving community.
SLDC, the city’s economic development team, is paving the way for qualified entities within the City of St. Louis to secure low-interest loans.
As part of SLDC’s commitment to economic justice, there’s a special emphasis on financing for entities located in and/or serving the Southeast and Northern half of the city. This fits into the broader vision of fostering growth and economic empowerment in underserved communities.
Women- and minority-owned businesses are especially encouraged to apply, reflecting the program’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity.
This forward-thinking approach aims to reduce interest rates and de-risk investments, offering an alternative for entities that may face challenges obtaining traditional loans from banks or financial institutions.
To learn more, visit SLDC’s website.
Frequently asked questions
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a $1.9 trillion federal aid package passed by Congress in March, 2021 to provide financial aid to families, governments, businesses, schools, nonprofits and others impacted by the pandemic.
The City of Saint Louis was awarded $498 million in recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds represent a lifeline for thousands of families in our city who have been deeply impacted by the pandemic and resulting economic crisis. You can see how ARPA dollars are being distributed on the ARPA Funding Tracker.
Visit our American Rescue Plan Resource Guide. This is a one-stop shop where you’ll find all the programs currently available to you and your family. It includes instructions on how to apply.
Learn how to receive ARPA funding to power up your business or non-profit on our For My Business page.
Tens of thousands of families have benefitted from programs including direct cash payments, job training, health resources and free transportation. Explore available programs for you and your family.
All funds must be obligated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.
Here is a list of our current and past RFPs.