About this programme
The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides alternative financing to help build and grow local businesses. LEDC also holds SBA and USDA intermediary lender status.
The Growth Loan is LEDC's product for established small businesses that need capital to expand, aimed at businesses that have already proven themselves over at least two years of operation.
LEDC serves DC, Maryland (including Silver Spring and Baltimore), Virginia (Arlington), and Frederick County, Maryland, alongside offering free business advice as part of its lending relationship.
How it works
The Growth Loan goes up to $250,000, at a fixed APR starting from 6.5%, with terms from 6 months up to 10 years (120 months). There's a 3% closing fee, and the loan requires collateral.
The loan can be used for vehicles and equipment, working capital, inventory, renovation work, bridge financing against government grants or contracts, and business acquisition.
LEDC advertises no hidden fees and a fast, simple application process, backed by free business advice for borrowers.
Who can apply
The business must be established, with at least 2 years of operating history, and seeking capital to expand.
The business must be located in LEDC's service area: DC, Maryland (Silver Spring, Baltimore), Virginia (Arlington), or Frederick County, Maryland.
How to apply
- Complete LEDC's online application via the Airtable form linked on their website.
- Prepare and submit the last 2 years of business and personal tax returns.
- Prepare and submit the last 6 months of personal and business bank statements.
- Provide collateral documentation as applicable to your loan.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Last 2 years of business tax returns
- Last 2 years of personal tax returns
- Last 6 months of personal bank statements
- Last 6 months of business bank statements
- LEDC application form
- Collateral documentation, as applicable
Frequently asked
How much can I borrow with a Growth Loan?
Up to $250,000, at a fixed APR starting from 6.5%.
How long is the loan term?
Terms run from 6 months up to 10 years (120 months).
Are there fees beyond the interest rate?
There's a 3% closing fee; LEDC states there are no hidden fees beyond what's disclosed.
Does my business need to be a certain age to qualify?
Yes, the Growth Loan targets established small businesses with at least 2 years of operating history.
Where does LEDC lend?
DC, Maryland (including Silver Spring and Baltimore), Virginia (Arlington), and Frederick County, Maryland.
What can the loan actually pay for?
Vehicles and equipment, working capital, inventory, renovation work, bridge financing against government grants or contracts, and business acquisition.
More funding in District of Columbia
Commercial Property Acquisition Fund (CPAF)
DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) · District of Columbia
DC businesses buying their own commercial space can get a grant covering up to 25 percent of the price, capped at $500,000.
LEDC SEED Loan
Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) · District of Columbia
Very early DC founders, including pre-launch ones, can get a small loan of up to $5,000 to get started.
LEDC Startup Loan
Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) · District of Columbia
DC-area startups under two years old can borrow up to $20,000 at a fixed rate as low as 6.5 percent.
Great Streets Retail Grant Program
DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) · District of Columbia
Small retail and service businesses on one of DC's designated Great Streets corridors can apply each year for a storefront renovation grant.
All 5 programmes in District of Columbia →
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.