About this programme
The IgniteMO Small Business Loan Participation Program is run by Justine PETERSEN, a nonprofit community lender based in St. Louis, in partnership with the Missouri Technology Corporation. It is funded through Missouri's State Small Business Credit Initiative allocation and focuses on socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.
Justine PETERSEN runs IgniteMO alongside several other small-business loan products, including an SBA Micro-Enterprise Loan, a USDA Micro-Enterprise Loan for rural Missouri businesses, a Community Advantage Loan, an Able Biz loan for people with disabilities, and short-term Contractor Loans, plus the CDFI Micro-Loan. IgniteMO's loan sizes and rates sit in between these: larger loan amounts than JP's other micro-loan products, but with lower interest and a smaller closing fee than its standard CDFI Micro-Loan.
How it works
Loans range from $25,000 to $500,000.
The interest rate runs 10% to 14%, plus a 3% closing fee.
Who can apply
The business must be registered and in good standing with the State of Missouri.
The program focuses on socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.
How to apply
- Submit Justine PETERSEN's online Loan Service Request form to start the process.
- Alternatively, contact Justine PETERSEN directly at 314.533.2411 (1023 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63106).
Frequently asked
How much can I borrow through IgniteMO?
Between $25,000 and $500,000.
What does the loan cost?
An interest rate of 10% to 14%, plus a 3% closing fee.
Where does the program's funding come from?
Missouri's allocation of the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative, administered in partnership with the Missouri Technology Corporation.
Does my business need to be registered with the state?
Yes. It must be registered and in good standing with the State of Missouri.
How does IgniteMO compare to Justine PETERSEN's other loan products?
It lends more than JP's micro-loan products (up to $500,000 versus up to $50,000), and it costs less than the standard CDFI Micro-Loan: 10-14% interest and a 3% closing fee, versus 12-20% interest and a 6% closing fee on the CDFI Micro-Loan.
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All 8 programmes in Missouri →
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.