About this programme
Elevate Small Business is a program run by LEAF (Local Enterprise Assistance Fund), a Massachusetts nonprofit community development financial institution founded in 1982. The team provides solutions-oriented advisory services to small business owners across Massachusetts, at no cost to participants. The program started in Boston in 2016 and later expanded statewide.
Elevate Small Business focuses on underserved businesses that have faced barriers accessing capital, in particular entrepreneurs of color, citing Federal Reserve research on wealth disparities. Support for the program comes from the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, the Wagner Foundation, the SBA, MDAR, google.org and other funders.
Beyond advisory services, LEAF also runs UpliftProcure, an online platform connecting small businesses in underserved communities with anchor institutional buyers seeking diverse local suppliers.
How it works
The program offers one-on-one meetings with business owners, free financial analysis, evaluation of business growth opportunities, help improving personal credit, financial projections and planning, and working capital solutions.
For LEAF's underlying loan products (separate from advisory services), an initial inquiry is reviewed to see if LEAF's lending fits the business's needs, then a full loan application goes through underwriting. LEAF's lending team and board assess each loan on fit with LEAF's mission, the number of low-income individuals served relative to the size of the investment, financial viability, and available collateral. Once approved, a LEAF loan officer provides the steps needed to close and fund the loan, and borrowers then submit quarterly financial and social-impact reports.
Who can apply
Aimed at Massachusetts small business owners, with particular focus on underserved businesses and entrepreneurs of color who have faced barriers accessing capital.
For LEAF's loan products generally, applicants must be a cooperative (USA) or an underserved small business (Massachusetts), or a Massachusetts-based healthy food enterprise.
How to apply
- Apply for Advisory Services through the intake form at leaffund.org/ta-intake/.
- For a loan specifically, submit an initial inquiry so LEAF can review whether its lending services fit your needs, before moving to a full loan application and underwriting.
Frequently asked
Does Elevate Small Business cost anything?
No, the advisory services are provided at no cost to participants.
Who is the program aimed at?
Underserved Massachusetts small business owners who have faced barriers accessing capital, with a particular focus on entrepreneurs of color.
What kind of help does LEAF provide beyond funding?
One-on-one meetings, free financial analysis, help improving personal credit, financial projections, and access to working capital solutions.
How do I start the process?
Apply for advisory services through LEAF's intake form at leaffund.org/ta-intake/, or submit a loan inquiry if you are seeking financing directly.
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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.