About this programme
ScaleUpSTL is a low-interest loan program for small businesses and nonprofits operating within St. Louis city limits. The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) has committed $2.5 million of its own capital, working in partnership with St. Louis Community Credit Union (SLCCU) and the Small Business Empowerment Center. Underlying funding traces back to Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), passed through the City of St. Louis Community Development Administration.
SLDC does not determine creditworthiness or make lending decisions itself, and meeting the program's eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
As of this writing, SLDC is not accepting new applications: it says it is currently evaluating 160 applicants already in the pipeline.
How it works
Qualified borrowers can access $10,000 to $5 million across five loan products: Working Capital Lines (12-month term, interest-only initially with principal due at maturity), Construction Lines (60-month term, interest-only for the first 12 months, then principal plus interest), Term Loans for equipment (5 to 10 year terms with monthly principal and interest payments), Owner-Occupied Commercial Real Estate loans (5-year terms based on 15 to 25 year amortizations), and Investment Real Estate loans (5-year terms based on 15 to 25 year amortizations).
SLCCU prices commercial loan products for qualified borrowers as low as 1.5% APR below prime, up to 0.5% APR above prime.
Who can apply
The business must have been in operation for at least 2 years, with corresponding tax returns to show it.
Owners holding 20% or more of the business must be US citizens or legal permanent residents.
No defaults on government-backed loans, and no bankruptcy or foreclosure within the past 3 years, and no current significant credit issues.
The applicant must be able to demonstrate cash flow calculation ability and provide a personal financial statement.
How to apply
- SLDC is not currently accepting new questionnaires for ScaleUpSTL while it evaluates 160 applicants already in the pipeline. Check the program page for when applications reopen.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Tax returns (2 years)
- Year-to-date profit and loss statement
- Balance sheet
- Business debt schedule
- Six months of business bank statements
- Personal financial statement
Frequently asked
Is ScaleUpSTL currently accepting applications?
No. SLDC says it is not accepting new questionnaires while it evaluates 160 applicants already in the pipeline.
How large a loan can I get?
Qualified borrowers can access $10,000 to $5 million, depending on which of the five loan products fits their need.
What interest rate applies?
SLCCU prices commercial loans for qualified borrowers as low as 1.5% APR below prime, up to 0.5% APR above prime.
Does meeting the eligibility rules guarantee I get funded?
No. SLDC does not determine creditworthiness or make lending decisions, and meeting the program's eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
How long does my business need to have existed?
At least 2 years, with tax returns to show it.
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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.