
NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund
We’re excited to be an originating lender for the NYC Opportunity Fund, which provides affordable capital and free business support services to small businesses particularly those hardest hit by the pandemic.
If you’re a NYC-based business – a startup, growth-stage, or needing a boost after the pandemic – the NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund is a trusted, affordable way to invest in your business.
All interested businesses and nonprofits apply through a centralized online portal that collects standard information and determines eligibility. Applicants are matched with a lender like Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund based on their location The lender will then support the applicant as necessary to complete the application process.
About the NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund
-
The NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund provides access to flexible, affordable capital and free business support services to small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs in New York City.
-
All loans and services are available through a network of local, mission-based lenders.
-
The easy application process helps you determine eligibility quickly and guides you through the requirements.
Eligibility
-
The Fund serves all NYC-based small businesses in New York City’s five boroughs including: Businesses located in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities
-
Woman-owned businesses
-
BIPOC-owned businesses
-
Immigrant business owners
-
Early-stage businesses with less than two years of revenue
-
Early-stage start-ups
-
Rebuilding and recovering businesses
-
Interest and Terms
-
This small business loan program is intentionally designed to have flexible terms and low interest rates without a minimum credit score requirement.
-
Loan amounts from the NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund range from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $250,000, depending on the size and scope of your needs.
-
NYC Small Business Opportunity Loans feature:
-
A low fixed interest rate of 4% with no prepayment penalty.
-
Maturity: 6 years or 72 months
-
Full amortization over 60 months for loans less than $100,000
-
-
Small businesses can use their loan proceeds for a variety of purposes, including:
-
Working capital
-
Debt refinancing
-
Equipment or real estate investments
-
Inventory
-
Employee recruiting, hiring, and retention
-
Additional terms can be found here.
How to Apply
Disclaimer
Due to a limited amount of funding availability and the high volume of applications expected, it is anticipated that not all applicants will be able to receive a loan. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be managed to support the program’s goals. The time it takes to process an application will depend on the volume of applications received by the matched community lender. Please note that submitting an application is not an indication of eligibility and does not mean that a loan will be approved or funded. Additional information will be requested in your application that will determine your eligibility for a loan. We recommend applying as soon as possible. All rates and loan terms may be subject to change.
The NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund is made possible through public-private partnerships with the following:
Partner Organizations




Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)







