Loan Program

Financial Assistance for Small Businesses is available through a small business loan fund if your for-profit business is located in the Winston-Salem Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) North and South (PDF). For example, the owners of Sweet Potatoes A Restaurant received a Small Business Loan from the city to help get them established.

Your business must help create or retain jobs that benefit low-to moderate-income individuals. These funds are available to businesses unable to secure financing from conventional lending sources. The program is designed as a matching program to complement investor equity and bank financing. Our average loan is $35,000. This is a loan program and grant funds are not available.

The Business Development Division and a seven-member citizen loan review committee appointed by the City Council are responsible for the administration of the loan fund. The loan committee consists of individuals representing:

  • Businesses:
    • Banking
    • General
    • Legal
    • Small
  • Development Interests:
    • Community
    • Economic