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LIGHTING
THE WAY 

FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN NORTH CAROLINA.

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ABOUT US

Carolina Small Business Development Fund is a statewide, 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution that provides capital, technical assistance, and policy research to light the way for small businesses in North Carolina. 

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We dream of a North Carolina where there is economic opportunity for all.

Financial Capital

CSBDF provides financing solutions and guidance to help entrepreneurs achieve their business goals. We provide financing to both start-ups and existing businesses in North Carolina and we are dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs throughout the life of their loan. Our loan process begins with a business consultation so we can assess an entrepreneur's specific needs and recommend the best suite of options to ensure success.

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Business Solutions

Because we believe that those who go into businesses for themselves should never be left by themselves, we offer a suite of business solutions and technical assistance programs to support entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Contact our Business Solutions team and/or learn more about our technical assistance programs. 

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Policy, Research, and Impact

We believe that enriching the economic landscape for entrepreneurs and communities requires thorough investigation into the challenges they face and proposing solutions that are backed by good data and paradigm-challenging research. We are proud to work with practitioners from economic development agencies, governments, and leading universities across the U.S. to produce nonpartisan analyses, practical insights, and peer-reviewed scholarship that's light on jargon and heavy on impact.  

Programa Empresarial Latino

Programa Empresarial Latino is a CSBDF program that provides bilingual business assistance, including access to capital, technical assistance, and other business management tools that empower Latino entrepreneurs in North Carolina. Programa Empresarial Latino supports our state's Latino community in overcoming barriers to accessing business growth and development resources.

Special Programs

CSBDF is proud to be a dedicated partner of local municipalities and state government agencies. Through our public partnerships, we are able to offer special programs that offer capital and technical assistance to small business owners. 

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Western Women's Business Center

Through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, CSBDF operates the Western Women's Business Center. The WWBC serves 22 counties in Western North Carolina and connects women and minority entrepreneurs to capital, one-on-one business counseling, technical assistance, and other business resources.

Vivid Digital Classroom

Vivid Digital Classroom lights the way for entrepreneurs by providing technical assistance through free online courses designed to help small business owners start, support, and grow their businesses. Vivid offers digital classes on a variety of small business topics in both English and Spanish, delivered by industry experts to help entrepreneurs achieve small business success.

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Are You a Rural Entrepreneur?

We're happy to offer qualifying rural businesses with an Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program loan. These loans will be available while supplies last for eligible small business owners in USDA Rural areas. RMAP loans are available up to $50,000 with a 7% interest rate. Check your eligibility here, and then visit our Loans page to get connected to a CSBDF Business Solutions Officer to assist you with your lending needs!

LATEST NEWS.

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