About this programme
CommunityWorks Carolina is a Greenville-based nonprofit lender, a CDFI, that offers small business and startup loans to help South Carolina companies build sustained success. Since 2008 it has distributed $7,398,229 in micro and small business loans, and it pairs its lending with free financial wellness coaching aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs, having run 22,841 coaching sessions and served 10,081 clients through its trainings since founding.
The organization runs several loan products sized for different stages of a business, from a credit-builder savings product for people just establishing credit, up to loans of $350,000 for established businesses.
How it works
Credit Builder Secured Savings: up to $1,000, 12-month term, fixed 2.00% rate, for business owners looking to build personal credit, business credit, and a savings habit.
Express Loans: $1,000 to $10,000, up to 48 months, fixed rate up to 9.50% plus a 3% origination fee, for businesses operating less than 2 years. CommunityWorks is currently not accepting new startup applications for this product due to high volume.
Microbusiness Loans: $10,001 to $50,000, up to 60 months, fixed 8.75% rate plus a 3% origination fee, for businesses open at least 1 year.
Small Business Loans: up to $350,000, terms up to 10 years for equipment or working capital and up to 25 years for real estate, rate typically the Wall Street Journal Prime rate plus up to 6.00%, for existing business entities.
Start-up Loans: up to $50,000, up to 5 years, fixed 8.75% rate plus a 3% origination fee. This product is also currently closed to new applications due to high volume.
Who can apply
Businesses in NAICS Code 62 (healthcare and social assistance) are not currently accepted.
Express Loans and Start-up Loans are limited to businesses operating less than 2 years, counted from tax returns rather than the state registration date, and both are currently paused for new applications due to demand.
Microbusiness Loans require the business to have been open at least 1 year.
How to apply
- Use the online eligibility checker to see which loan product fits your business.
- Book a 30-minute consultation call with a loan officer.
- Gather the required documents and submit your application.
- CommunityWorks also offers a capital readiness checklist and financial coaching sessions through its resource portal for founders who are not yet ready to apply.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Legal picture ID
- 3 months of personal and business bank statements
- Federal tax returns
- Business plan or Business Plan Canvas
- Personal financial statement
- Profit & loss statements and cash flow projections
- Articles of incorporation or operating agreement (if applicable)
Frequently asked
Can I get a start-up loan from CommunityWorks Carolina right now?
Not at the moment. Both Express Loans and Start-up Loans, the two products aimed at businesses under 2 years old, are currently closed to new applications due to high volume.
What is the largest loan CommunityWorks offers?
The Small Business Loan product goes up to $350,000, with terms up to 10 years for equipment or working capital and up to 25 years for real estate.
Does CommunityWorks lend to healthcare businesses?
No. Businesses classified under NAICS Code 62 (healthcare and social assistance) are not currently accepted.
What documents do I need to apply?
A legal picture ID, 3 months of personal and business bank statements, federal tax returns, a business plan, a personal financial statement, profit and loss statements with cash flow projections, and formation documents if applicable.
Does CommunityWorks offer anything beyond loans?
Yes, free financial wellness coaching sessions and a capital readiness checklist are available even if you are not ready to apply for a loan yet.
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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.