5 things to know about impact-based loans

Updated September 3, 2024

Why a loan?

When your business is ready to grow and expand, but you find yourself in an awkward, in-between space—you’ve outgrown microfinance and often SBA loans, but don’t quite fit bank loan criteria.

That’s where we come in.

You might need something that other investors and highly regulated conventional banks can’t offer.

At Mission Driven Finance, we use flexible capital to support community leaders like you—changemakers with bold visions and innovative enterprises.

1. What types of loans can I get with Mission Driven Finance?

Here is a quick overview of our loan options*:

• Southern California and across the U.S.
• Small businesses and nonprofits doing good in your communities
• Amounts in the $100,000–$1.5 million range
• Terms of 3–30 months
• No prepayment penalty fee
• No credit scores required
• No personal guarantees required
• Islamic financing available
• Revenue-based financing available

See our loans page for your options:

2. Do I qualify?

What we look for:

• Impact—businesses and nonprofits that are tied into their community and want to do more
• Management—leaders that are smart, driven, honest, and coachable
• Finance—proven revenue to repay a loan, but not a fit for other investors due to one of the financial challenges below.

Sample ways to use the loan:

• Bridge funding while awaiting payments or reimbursements from contracts and grants
• Purchase equipment, furniture, and fixtures; facility upgrades
• Supply chain investments for inventory and supplies
• Hire new employees and manage payroll
• Working capital to cover rent, utilities, and other operating costs
• Refinance high-interest business debt
• Accounts receivables financing/”friendly factoring”

What we don't require:

• Personal credit scores
• Owning a house or using personal assets as security
• Simple business structures

We think these are roadblocks preventing good businesses from growing. Where some people see risk, we see opportunity. Our job as responsible stewards of our investors’ capital is to customize each transaction to the specific borrower and make the investment as safe as we can.

3. What do you mean by “impact?”

If you’re committed to doing good in your community and for our planet—either by the jobs you provide or the products and services you offer, you can make an impact.

Check out some of our portfolio companies for examples.

“We started out with $1 million in revenue in 2019 and now report $5 million in revenue just two years later. We started out with eight employees and now employ 34. This tremendous growth couldn't have happened without the support of partners like Mission Driven Finance. While we are now in a better position to work with banks and other traditional lenders, we would still love to continue to work with Mission Driven Finance for our path of growth and success.”
— Tri Le, Co-founder & CEO, Microtek (portfolio company)

Not sure if your business qualifies? Reach out and we’ll chat through what you’re doing now and what you could be doing to increase your impact.

4. We’re not just a lender—we’re your partner

5. What other lending options are out there?

We work closely with many other lenders and investors to help get great organizations connected to the capital best suited to your needs.

A loan or credit line from your bank is always a great choice for an affordable loan for those who qualify.

If your business is just starting to grow, our good friends at Accessity have fantastic products for smaller amounts. CDC Small Business Finance also has a wide array of SBA and other options, including commercial real estate loans.

For more nuanced situations, feel free to contact us to learn what other options might work for you.