About this programme
PeopleFund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit lender and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in Texas. It is not a bank; it makes flexible loans to small businesses, startups, and nonprofit organizations across the state, with a focus on businesses in low to moderate-income areas. Its mission is to create economic opportunity and financial stability for underserved people and communities by providing access to capital, education, and resources.
Over more than 25 years, PeopleFund reports lending over $130,000,000 to more than 3,000 unique small businesses and nonprofits, which it says created or retained over 11,000 jobs across Texas. Of the businesses it serves, it reports 42% are women-owned, 62% minority-owned, 14% veteran-owned, and 53% are startups.
Alongside lending, PeopleFund is rated A+ by Aeris and is a member of the Opportunity Finance Network and the Association for Enterprise Opportunity.
How it works
PeopleFund offers financing for equipment purchases, permanent working capital term loans, and revolving lines of credit, with a low down payment or equity contribution, flexible underwriting, and no pre-payment penalties.
It is a certified SBA micro-lender, SBA Community Advantage lender, and SBA 504 lender, and lends up to $5 million through SBA programs, with no fee to apply.
For larger loans to purchase land, buildings, or equipment, PeopleFund directs applicants to its separate SBA 504 program.
Every loan comes with access to one-on-one consulting and group training so borrowers get support before and after the loan, not just the financing itself.
Who can apply
PeopleFund lends to small businesses, startups, and nonprofit organizations across Texas, with a particular focus on businesses located in low to moderate-income areas.
It states it considers a wide range of businesses, from green technology startups to neighborhood cafes, and gives each application individual consideration.
How to apply
- Review PeopleFund's loan programs to identify the right product (general small business loans, SBA 504 for larger real estate or equipment purchases, or other specific programs).
- Apply online through PeopleFund's website (the site recommends Windows users apply via Internet Explorer and Apple users via Google Chrome or Firefox).
- Work with PeopleFund's lending team, which offers one-on-one training and business assistance through the process.
Frequently asked
Is PeopleFund a bank?
No. PeopleFund describes itself explicitly as not a bank, but a nonprofit lender and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
Is there a fee to apply?
No, PeopleFund states there is no fee to apply for its SBA loans.
What is the largest loan PeopleFund can offer?
PeopleFund lends up to $5 million through SBA programs.
What if I need to buy real estate or heavy equipment?
PeopleFund directs applicants seeking larger financing for land, buildings, or equipment to its separate SBA 504 loan program.
Do I get support beyond just the loan?
Yes, every borrower gets access to one-on-one business consulting and group training as part of the relationship, not only the financing.
More funding in Texas
Austin Technology Incubator (ATI)
IC² Institute, The University of Texas at Austin · Texas
UT Austin's deep-tech incubator connects startups to mentors, corporate partners, and investors rather than providing cash directly.
Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN)
Central Texas Angel Network · Texas
Austin-based angel network running six funding cycles a year for startups with a working product and early customer validation.
DivInc Accelerator Programs
DivInc · Texas
An Austin and Houston nonprofit accelerator for underrepresented founders; its pages give no per-company cash award.
Harris County Opportunity Fund
Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity, administered by PeopleFund · Texas
Low-interest micro and growth loans of $5,000 to $250,000 for small businesses located in Harris County, administered by PeopleFund.
LiftFund Small Business Loans
LiftFund · Texas
A San Antonio-based nonprofit CDFI lending up to $250,000 to Texas small businesses that may not qualify for a traditional bank loan.
OwlSpark Accelerator
Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Rice University · Texas
A summer accelerator for Rice-affiliated founders covering both tech startups and small businesses, offering mentorship rather than a fixed cash award.
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.