About this programme
BBIF is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with over 39 years of history expanding access to capital in Florida and Georgia. It works through microfinance, business financial education and strategic investment, aimed at small businesses that don't fit conventional bank lending.
BBIF runs five loan products sized for different needs: Micro Loans, Small Business Loans, Legacy Loans, Contractor Financing, and Commercial Real Estate Loans. Rather than picking a product yourself, BBIF's application process matches you to the right loan type through a consultation with a community lender.
How it works
Micro Loans go up to $50,000, for working capital, inventory, equipment purchases or debt refinancing.
Small Business Loans range from $25,000 to $1,000,000, for working capital, equipment purchases, debt refinancing or owner-occupied commercial real estate.
Legacy Loans support working capital, purchasing real estate, or investing in long-term assets, at what BBIF describes as competitive terms.
Contractor Financing lets a business secure up to 90% of a contract's value.
Commercial Real Estate Loans are aimed at building equity through property ownership.
The application moves through seven stages: document preparation, online submission, a loan consultation, underwriting review, committee evaluation, closing, and then ongoing business training support. BBIF states approval takes up to 45 business days, and closing and funding up to 60 business days, though this varies by loan type and how quickly documentation is provided.
Who can apply
For the Micro Loan: the business must have been operating for at least one year, qualify as a small business, meet BBIF's credit and financial standards, and show capacity for sustainable growth.
For the Small Business Loan: the business must be a registered small business, meet BBIF's credit and financial qualifications, and show financial stability and growth potential.
Before applying, BBIF recommends having at least 12 months of operating history, updated financial statements, personal and business credit scores, and required documents such as taxes, licenses and permits ready.
How to apply
- Ask questions first: connect with a BBIF community lender to discuss your needs and confirm BBIF can help.
- Apply for the loan online, with revenue and expenses ready; BBIF suggests using numbers straight from your tax returns to make this easier.
- Go through underwriting review and committee evaluation.
- Once approved, finalize the loan: review the terms and sign the paperwork.
- After funding, BBIF provides ongoing financial guidance and business advisory support.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Tax returns (business and personal)
- Business licenses and permits
- Updated financial statements
- Personal and business credit information
- Cash flow records
Frequently asked
What's the smallest and largest loan BBIF offers?
The Micro Loan goes up to $50,000. The Small Business Loan ranges from $25,000 to $1,000,000. Larger needs, like real estate or long-term contracts, are covered by BBIF's Legacy, Contractor Financing and Commercial Real Estate loans.
How long does it take to get funded?
BBIF states approval can take up to 45 business days, and closing and funding up to 60 business days, though the exact timeline depends on the loan type and how fast the required documents come in.
How long does my business need to have been operating?
For the Micro Loan, at least one year. BBIF also recommends having at least 12 months of financial history and documentation ready before applying.
What can I use a BBIF loan for?
Depending on the product, working capital, inventory, equipment, debt refinancing, owner-occupied commercial real estate, or up to 90% of a contract's value for contractor financing.
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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.