About this programme
The Small Business Buy-Down Program is offered by CDFI Friendly Fort Worth, a nonprofit that aims to bring at least $250 million in CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) financing to Fort Worth over five years, in partnership with LiftFund, a CDFI lender with more than 30 years of experience that has provided nearly $1 billion in loans across 15 states.
The program targets for-profit small businesses of any industry located in, or relocating to, Fort Worth city limits, and covers costs such as startup expenses, business expansion, staffing, inventory, equipment, and day-to-day operations.
CDFI Friendly Fort Worth notes that LiftFund has previously distributed more than $7 million through similar interest-free loan programs in Texas, giving the Fort Worth program a track record to draw on.
CDFI Friendly Fort Worth's broader mission includes supporting minority and women business enterprises (MWBE), homeownership, affordable rental housing, consumers, developers, and nonprofits, alongside small businesses.
How it works
The loan is interest-free (0%), up to $100,000, made through LiftFund as the lending partner.
LiftFund's general application process runs in three steps: complete a Capital Readiness Check to identify financing needs, gather financial and credit history documentation, and submit the application for review of funding options. LiftFund advertises funding decisions in as little as 24 hours for some products.
Who can apply
Any for-profit small business, across a wide range of industries, located in or relocating to Fort Worth city limits.
How to apply
- Start the application online through LiftFund's borrower onboarding portal.
- Prepare financial statements and credit history in advance, since LiftFund's process centers on reviewing financials and credit history.
- Contact CDFI Friendly Fort Worth directly by email for questions about the program before or during the application.
Frequently asked
Is the loan really interest-free?
Yes, the program's own page describes it as a 0% interest loan, up to $100,000.
Do I need to already be operating in Fort Worth?
No. The program covers businesses already located in Fort Worth city limits as well as those relocating there.
Who actually issues the loan?
LiftFund, a CDFI lender that has provided nearly $1 billion in loans across 15 states, is the lending partner for the program, administered locally by CDFI Friendly Fort Worth.
What can I use the loan for?
Startup costs, business expansion, staffing, inventory, equipment, and day-to-day operations.
What do I need to apply?
LiftFund's general process asks applicants to be ready with financials and credit history before submitting; the exact document checklist is on LiftFund's own site rather than the Fort Worth program page.
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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.