About this programme
The Southeast Alaska Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is run by the Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC), a private, non-profit financial institution supporting entrepreneurship and small business in Juneau and across Southeast Alaska. JEDC launched the fund in 1997 to bridge the gap between what banks will finance and what the business community actually needs, especially for new businesses and businesses in depressed industries.
The goal is to finance viable projects that create and retain quality jobs and help diversify local economies in Southeast Alaska. JEDC operates several community-based loan funds plus one region-wide loan program covering smaller Southeast Alaska communities; total loan capital across these is about $4 million, with roughly half earmarked for projects in Juneau.
Beyond the loan itself, JEDC provides ongoing technical assistance in financial planning, marketing, and operations, aiming to give start-ups the best possible chance to survive, grow, and succeed.
How it works
JEDC offers direct loans at a fixed rate, with terms structured to fit a new business's cash flow. It lends cooperatively alongside commercial banks and other public loan programs to stretch its funds and arrange the best overall terms for borrowers.
JEDC can take a junior lien position in collateral, provided there is sufficient collateral overall to secure the loan and the business's projected cash flow can support repayment over 3 to 5 years.
Applications go through a review and approval process: JEDC reviews the completed application within 10 business days, the applicant must respond to any follow-up questions within 5 business days, and JEDC informs the applicant of approval, denial, or pending status within 7 business days. "Pending" can result from fund availability, a less competitive application relative to others, or a plan that needs changes to be sustainable.
Who can apply
JEDC looks for businesses in Southeast Alaska with dedicated and experienced management, a track record of past performance, and market strengths such as offering a new service or import substitution for the region.
The business should show current economic viability, high potential for profitability and growth, and sufficient collateral and cash flow to service and secure the loan.
Applicants must be unable to obtain conventional financing at rates and terms that make the project viable; this fund is meant to fill that gap, not compete with a bank loan a business could otherwise get.
How to apply
- Complete the loan application form (a PDF available on the JEDC website) and submit it to JEDC.
- JEDC reviews the application within 10 business days of submission.
- Respond to any JEDC questions or requests for additional information within 5 business days.
- JEDC informs you of approval, denial, or pending status within 7 business days.
- Submit completed applications by email to finance@jedc.org, or by mail to JEDC, Attn: Brian Holst, 612 W. Willoughby Ave., Juneau, AK 99801-1732.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Completed Southeast Alaska RLF loan application form
Frequently asked
How long does it take to get a decision?
JEDC reviews applications within 10 business days, and after you respond to any follow-up questions (within 5 business days), JEDC informs you of approval, denial, or pending status within 7 business days.
Can I get this loan if a bank would also approve me?
The fund targets businesses unable to obtain conventional financing at rates and terms that make the project viable; it is meant to fill the gap banks leave, not to compete with a standard bank loan.
What repayment period should I expect?
JEDC structures loans so the business's projected cash flow can support repayment over 3 to 5 years, and can take a junior lien position in collateral if overall collateral is sufficient.
Does JEDC only provide money, or is there other support?
JEDC also provides ongoing technical assistance in financial planning, marketing, and operations to help start-ups survive and grow after they get financing.
More funding in Alaska
Alaska State SSBCI Program
Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) · Alaska
State-backed loan guarantee, participation, and equity program helping Alaska lenders finance small businesses.
Alaska Tribal SSBCI Consortium
Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC), Tribal SSBCI Consortium · Alaska
Tribal consortium loan guarantee, participation, and venture capital program financing Alaska small businesses.
Business Impact NW Loans
Business Impact NW · Alaska
CDFI lender offering $5,000 to $750,000 business loans across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Spruce Root Loan Services
Spruce Root · Alaska
Southeast Alaska CDFI pairing business loans with coaching for entrepreneurs across the region.
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.