About this programme
Commercial Loan Insurance is a Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) program that insures a portion of loans made by participating financial institutions to eligible Maine businesses. It does not lend money directly; instead it reduces the lender's risk so a bank is more willing to approve a loan it might otherwise turn down.
FAME publishes Commercial Loan Insurance Guidelines that explain how it assesses whether a business or project is eligible.
How it works
Lenders can apply in two ways. The Online Answer (OLA) platform is a secure web application that lets a financial institution apply for up to $1,500,000 of loan insurance and get an immediate decision.
The Traditional (Paper) Application lets FAME insure up to 90% of a loan to an eligible business (marked with an asterisk on FAME's site, meaning conditions apply).
The business does not apply to FAME directly; its lender applies for the insurance on the loan already being underwritten.
Who can apply
Eligibility for loan insurance is assessed by FAME against its published Commercial Loan Insurance Guidelines, applied to the business or project a lender is financing.
How to apply
- Work with a participating Maine lender on your business loan request.
- The lender applies for loan insurance through FAME, either via the Online Answer (OLA) platform for coverage up to $1,500,000 with an immediate decision, or via the Traditional (Paper) Application.
Frequently asked
Do I apply to FAME myself?
No. Your lender applies for the loan insurance on your behalf, either through FAME's Online Answer platform or the traditional paper application.
How much of my loan can be insured?
Up to $1,500,000 through the Online Answer platform with an immediate decision, or up to 90% of the loan through the traditional paper application, subject to conditions.
How is eligibility decided?
FAME assesses eligibility against its published Commercial Loan Insurance Guidelines.
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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.