Websites for Small Business Loans for Women

Many lenders and business associations offer loans or other types of business financing specifically to women-owned businesses. Others don't have a specific loan geared towards women business owners, but instead focus on lending to small business owners in general. Both provide options for women entrepreneurs.

Websites Offering Loans Specifically to Women

The following list of sites offering loans and funding information. It takes time and research to find one that matches your needs.

Womanowned.com

This organization's website contains a "Loans and Leases for Funding" option under its "Biz Tools" category. The option asks users to specify:

The type and amount of funding they are looking for
What they anticipate using funds for
Amount of current business capital, if any

Once provided, the information is sent to lenders who then contact the business owner.

Women's Funding Network

This non-profit organization connects women business owners with lenders. Lenders are usually private companies interested in investing in programs dedicated to enhancing the lives of women and girls throughout the world. Grants are also available.

Accion USA

This company is defined as a "micro-lender" because it provides loans only up to a maximum of $25,000. It focuses on providing loans to minorities, which it defines as including women.

National Minority Business Council

This organization offers loans to members ranging from $1,500 to $25,000. It also offers funding through the Emerging Enterprise Investment Committee, which offers equity investments ranging from $250,000 to five million to women-owned businesses.

New York Business Development Corporation

This company focuses on providing loans to women-owned and minority businesses in the New York area. In addition to providing loans, it also links entrepreneurs with other lenders.

Bank of America

This national bank offers the SBA Express Loan, a government-managed program. Women and minorities are preferred for the loans. The maximum loan amount is $250,000 and the interest rate cannot exceed prime plus 2.75 percent.

Wells Fargo

This bank provides loans specifically aimed at minority or women-owned businesses. The terms and other information about these loans, however, are not provided online. Interested borrowers must contact the company through their main phone number or at their local branch.

Websites Offering Loans to All Business Owners

Venture Worthy: Sometimes referred to as "Angel Investors," this company's website asks users to complete a survey describing:

Whether the business is in the planning stages or in operation
The city and state in which it operates
Type and amount of capital sought
General information about their company's operation

When submitted, users are provided with a review of how their company compares to competitors in their area, as well as potential local lenders.

Strategies for Small Businesses: This company is a provider of the U.S. Small Business Association's "Community Express Loan Program." Loans offered under this program are unsecured, but are overseen by the federal government. Typical loan amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000.

BeneTrends Inc.: This lender provides traditional loans. It does not offer a specific product solely to females, but women business owners are encouraged to apply. Users are encouraged to contact them directly for more information.

Prosper.com: This website provides what it refers to as "peer-to-peer" lending. Members of the site can search for lenders or borrowers. Loan amounts range from $2,000 to $25,000, but rates depend on the parameters set by the lender and borrower.

The Small Business Association

The United States Small Business Association (SBA) is a government agency that focuses on providing guidance and support to small business owners. It offers the "Loan and Grants" search tool to owners interested in acquiring a loan. The tool requires users to answer 13 questions. Once complete, it generates a list of potential lenders matching the criteria established through the answers. The SBA is not a direct lender.

Prior to searching for a loan, the SBA encourages business owners to consider the type and amount of funding they need. This, the agency states, will make the search for a loan less complicated.

The Office of Women's Business Ownership at the SBA provides information pertinent to women business owners. This office's website frequently spotlights a grant or other funding opportunity. Checking this site often may lead to an additional funding opportunity.

Finding Your Loan

Be sure to do a thorough investigation of any company or organization you find online before turning over any personal data to them. Although almost all companies, including banks and other lending institutions operate websites, there is no guarantee a site is legitimate. Always investigate a potential lender, their practices and any reviews of their work prior to providing them with your personal information.