Small Business Loan Program

We provide small businesses located in the City of Portland with financing for equipment purchase, working capital, and tenant improvements.

Contact: lending@prosperportland.us

Work with us

Prosper Portland is a mission-driven lender that offers flexible financing for small businesses that may not fully qualify for traditional financing.

We support a wide range of business needs—from working capital to equipment or tenant improvements.

Our small business loan program, with financing up to $250,000, is designed to help entrepreneurs grow, create jobs, and strengthen Portland’s neighborhoods. As a public agency, we strive to tailor loan terms to meet small business needs while upholding responsible stewardship of public funds.

FAQs

To qualify, your business must meet the following criteria:

  • Be located within the City of Portland (check your address at portlandmaps.com)
  • Be a for-profit business
  • Have at least 2 years of operating history with revenue
  • Be profitable in the most recent year, or able to demonstrate profitability aside from one-time expenses
  • Use the loan proceeds to support operations within the City of Portland

To determine if you’re eligible, take this short eligibility quiz.

The following are not eligible for funding:

  • Cannabis-related businesses
  • Home-based businesses
  • Age-restricted businesses (those that exclude individuals under 21)
  • Vehicle financing (including automobiles, trucks, and food carts)

To determine if you’re eligible, take this short eligibility quiz.

Yes. All projects financed through Prosper Portland must be located within Portland city limits. (Check your address at portlandmaps.com)

At this time, our loan programs are designed for businesses with at least two years of revenue. If you’re a startup, we may be able to connect you with other support services or partner programs.

Loan funds can be used for working capital, tenant improvements, equipment purchases, or other eligible business expenses. All uses must support operations within the City of Portland.

Loan sizes vary based on program guidelines, your financing need, and your repayment ability. Most loans range from $25,000 to $250,000.

Our loans require a personal guarantee and usually a collateral, depending on the loan size, type, and risk. Our team will walk you through the requirements during the application process.

Yes. Our loans often complement other sources such as bank loans, equity investments, or grants. We can work with you to fill gaps in your project’s capital stack.

Our interest rates are typically higher than those of conventional lenders. Rates are determined based on the risk rating of the guarantors and the business, which includes a number of factors.

Start by reaching out to our lending team. We’ll help assess whether our loan programs are a good fit and guide you through the next steps.

We’ll provide a full checklist during the intake process. Required documentation typically includes:

  • Business financial statements
  • Tax returns
  • A business plan or project narrative
  • Documentation for intended use of funds

The timeline depends on your project’s complexity and how quickly we receive complete documents. We strive to move efficiently while maintaining thorough due diligence.

Our lending team is here to support you. Use the contact form below to get in touch, and we’ll connect you with someone who can answer your questions and walk you through the process.

Yes, you may pay online at prosperportland.us/pay.

Connect with us

The Lending Team at Prosper Portland has extensive experience in banking, lending, and related financial services and they are prepared to answer questions and ensure you have the information necessary to make informed decisions. If you are interested in applying for a loan or would like assistance understanding our offerings, please email us at lending@prosperportland.us or use the form below to get started.