About this programme
The EDA Metropolitan Loan Program, run by the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership's Business Finance team, gives low-interest financing to businesses that have faced barriers to traditional funding. It is aimed at for-profit businesses in St. Louis City and St. Louis County that have already been turned down by a bank or credit union, or that are working with one on funding.
How it works
Loans range from $30,000 to $150,000, with terms of three to seven years depending on the nature of the project.
Loan funds can be used for working capital needs and to purchase inventory, equipment, machinery, real estate and other fixed assets.
The program is one of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership's revolving loan fund (RLF) products, funded through a mix of federal agencies, including the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and local sources. RLF loans of this kind are structured as low-interest, subordinated financing and are subject to availability of funds.
Who can apply
The borrower must have been turned down for traditional funding, or currently be working with a bank or credit union on funding.
The business must be a for-profit business located in St. Louis City or St. Louis County.
How to apply
- Download the application form from the program page (Adobe Reader is required to open it).
- Open and save the downloaded file, then complete all fields.
- Digitally sign the form, or print it, sign it by hand, and scan it back in.
- Email the completed application to Zach Folk.
Frequently asked
Do I need to already have been rejected by a bank to apply?
Yes, or you need to currently be working with a bank or credit union for funding.
What can the loan money be used for?
Working capital, and purchasing inventory, equipment, machinery, real estate or other fixed assets.
Does my business have to be inside the city limits?
It must be a for-profit business located in St. Louis City or St. Louis County.
How do I submit the application?
Complete the downloadable application form, sign it (digitally or by hand and scanned), and email it to Zach Folk.
Where does the loan money come from?
It is one of the Partnership's revolving loan fund products, capitalized by a mix of federal agencies (including the U.S. Economic Development Administration) and local sources, structured as low-interest, subordinated loans, and subject to funds being available.
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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.