Ensuring the success of minority and women-owned businesses through capital and technical assistance.

  • Nearly $17 million

    in loans to businesses

  • 90% of Loans

    disbursed to minority or women-owned businesses

  • 1,669 Jobs

    created or retained

  • 464 Loans

    closed - all time

Access to Capital

At Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF), we believe every small business deserves a fair shot at success. As a community-driven lender, we provide affordable loans from $2500 to $350,000 to support local businesses, with a focus on those owned by women and people of color. Whether you're launching a new venture or expanding your operations, we're here to help you grow.

Through partnerships with the Small Business Administration (SBA), NYC Small Business Services, and other organizations, we’re able to offer even more resources to businesses in our community. Beyond funding, HEF provides personalized financial coaching and technical assistance to help small business owners build strong, sustainable enterprises. Because when local businesses thrive, our entire community benefits.

Supporting Your Business Journey

At the Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund, we understand that access to capital is crucial for business growth and success. We offer a variety of loan products designed to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs in Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood, Queens, and the Bronx. 

Whether you're looking to expand your operations, purchase equipment, manage cash flow, or refinance existing debt, HEF has a financing solution to help your business thrive. Our dedicated team provides personalized guidance throughout the application process to ensure you find the right funding option. 

Access to Technical Assistance

We believe entrepreneurship is a powerful tool that can create jobs, close the opportunity and equity gap, and transform communities, and we are committed to providing the technical support that business owners in our neighborhood and surrounding areas need to thrive.

Technical Assistance Programs

  • Opportunity for Growth (OFG)

    Opportunity for growth is a four-month business education program utilizing Interise’s Streetwise ‘MBA'™ curriculum designed to accelerate the growth of businesses owned by minorities and women.

    Learn More

  • NYC Business Solutions Center

    We operate the Upper Manhattan and Washington Heights centers on behalf of Small Business Services (SBS) to help businesses open, operate, and expand in New York City.

    Learn More

"HCC didn't just solve today's crisis. They restructured my debt, cut my monthly payments from nearly $200K down to $7K, and freed the cash flow I needed to grow. They built a stronger foundation for my business — for years to come."

Francilia Wilkins Rahim
Owner, RF Wilkins