About this programme
LendTN is a $47 million debt program administered by Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across Tennessee. It is part of Fund Tennessee, the state's broader capital access program built on $117 million in federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The program serves new and existing Tennessee small businesses and entrepreneurs, covering everything from a business entering the market to loans that help a company stabilize, pivot, expand, or re-start.
How it works
LendTN routes applicants to one of six CDFI lenders, each with its own loan size range and service area: BetterFi ($1,000-$25,000, South Cumberland Plateau and Hamilton County), Communities Unlimited ($1,000-$200,000, statewide with a West Tennessee focus), Pathway Lending (up to $5,000,000, statewide), River City Capital (up to $250,000, Shelby County/Memphis), Tennessee Rural Development Fund ($50,000-$5,000,000, Middle/Upper/East Tennessee), and Three Roots Capital (up to $5,000,000, statewide with an East Tennessee focus).
Eligible uses include equipment, working capital, real estate, and startup costs. Ineligible uses include speculation, lending businesses, pyramid schemes, cannabis, federal law violations, and gaming. Maximum total project size is $20 million, and SSBCI funds are capped at $5 million per business.
Businesses must remain registered and operating in Tennessee for at least 24 months after funding.
Who can apply
Business must be registered to do business in Tennessee, with 51% of employees domiciled in-state.
Borrowers cannot be lender executives, family members of the lender's principals, or debarred parties.
Businesses must commit to remaining in Tennessee for 24 months or more after funding.
How to apply
- Reach out directly to one of the six CDFI lenders through their websites, or complete the LendTN interest form at stateoftennessee.formstack.com.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; processing time varies by lender.
- Complete required certifications, including Use of Proceeds, Conflict of Interest, and sex offender disclosures.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Use of Proceeds certification
- Conflict of Interest certification
- Sex offender disclosure
Frequently asked
How much can I borrow through LendTN?
It depends on the lender: from $1,000 at BetterFi up to $5 million at Pathway Lending, Tennessee Rural Development Fund, or Three Roots Capital.
Is there a deadline to apply?
No, applications are accepted on a rolling basis and processing time varies by lender.
What can't the loan be used for?
Speculation, lending businesses, pyramid schemes, cannabis, activities that violate federal law, and gaming.
What if I'm rejected?
Rejected applicants can access AssistTN for technical support to help prepare for future funding.
Do I need to stay in Tennessee after getting the loan?
Yes, businesses must remain in Tennessee for at least 24 months after funding.
More funding in Tennessee
100Knoxville
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Five Black founders in Knoxville each get $10,000, five mentors and a five-week programme per cohort.
AssistTN
Fund Tennessee (Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development) · Tennessee
Free legal, accounting and financial advisory help, plus an angel-investor training track, for Tennessee founders seeking capital.
CO.LAB Accelerator
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InFlight
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InvestTN Regional Seed Fund
Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) · Tennessee
Equity investments of $25,000 to $250,000 in early-stage Tennessee startups, funded through the federal SSBCI program.
Pathway Lending Small Business Lending
Pathway Lending · Tennessee
A CDFI lending $10,000 to $5 million to established Tennessee small businesses, with a focus on underserved borrowers.
All 8 programmes in Tennessee →
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.