Small Business Association – This page provides a guide to federal SBA loan and grant programs for which you may be eligible.

Non-traditional Funding Resources

Don’t want to take out a loan?  There are other ways to find funds.

Your Friends and Family -  Don’t know how to talk to granny about your start-up idea?  Read this.

CAFE Huntington – CAFE Huntington provides small (micro) grants to artists and activists in the Huntington, WV area.   One day each month we invite people to a great location for a meal.  Guest chefs cook some fantastic meals and it only costs $10 per person to join us.  All of the income from that meal is given as a grant to support a local project.

Entrepreneurs’ Cafe – The Entrepreneurs’ Cafe lunches provide cash and business services to entrepreneurs in the Huntington Area. On the third Wednesday of each month join us for the Entrepreneurs’ Cafe lunch.  During lunch, three businesses have 10 minutes to sell their idea to the group.  Everyone who buys lunch gets to vote on their favorite business/business idea.  The entrepreneur with the most votes wins.  The winner receives a cash prize plus business services donated by local businesses.  The price for the lunch is $15 per person, $10 of this goes to the winning entrepreneur.

Crowdfunding Websites – Don’t know what “Crowdfunding” is?  Read this!

Kickstarter - Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects. Everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of ambitious, innovative, and imaginative projects that are brought to life through the direct support of others.

Indiegogo - At Indiegogo you’ll find a welcoming, supportive community that embraces collaboration, fearlessness and authenticity. You provide the passion, we’ll provide industry leading tools and support to help you promote your campaign and raise funds quickly, easily and securely. Have a look around and get inspired by the amazing people and campaigns raising funds every day. You could be the next, great success story!


Loans Through UFI

The UFI Micro Loan Program can help you get the financial assistance that you need to be a competitive business.

Only UFI graduates may apply for Micro Loan Funds. The loan application package requires a comprehensive business plan including cash flow projections, market research, business organization plans and more.

Requirements and Micro Loan Information

  • Eligible Businesses: For-Profit business with one to ten employees, that have graduated from Planning for Profit course, have a written business plan, and an owner or partner with established credit.
  • Length of Loan: Up to five years
  • Ineligible Uses of Loan: Purchase of land or buildings, or refinancing loans
  • Amount of Loan: $5000 to $15,000
  • Interest Rate: Not greater than prime plus 5%
  • Other Requirements: Credit counseling, if applicable.
  • Business Location: The business must be in one of the following counties in West Virginia – Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln, Boone, Mingo, Logan, Putnam, Mason and Kanawha.

For more information on Micro Loans call UFI at (304) 697-3007.

Amortization Chart

SBA Express Loan through Borrego Springs Bank

Who is Eligible?

All SBA eligible businesses and/or borrowers

Loan Features:

  • Loan is fully amortized with no access fees per transactions
  • Automated process provides fast turn-around time
    • Loan amounts of $5,000 to $50,000
    • 7 year term – Fully Amortized
    • Collateral may not be required
    • Variable Interest Rate based on Wall Street Journal Prime, adjusted calendar quarterly:
      • Loans of $ 5,000 – $25,000 at Prime + 4.75%
      • Loans of $26,000 – $50,000 at Prime + 3.75% – 4.75%
      • Loans of $51,000 – $100,000 at Prime + 4.5%
    • $525 packaging fee – deducted from loan proceeds.
    • SBA Guaranty fee of 2% of the guaranteed portion (85%) of the loan will be deducted from the loan proceeds
    • Loan payments automatically drafted from the business checking account at your established financial institution
    • No prepayment penalty – 21 day payoff notification required
    • Technical Assistance Included – borrowers receive pre-and post loan closing management and technical assistance

For more info click here

KIRSA SBA Micro Loan

KISRA is the only organization to become a certified statewide lender under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s micro loan program.

The program provides financial assistance to women, low-income individuals, minority entrepreneurs and other small businesses that need loans ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The program is open to entrepreneurs who generally do not qualify for conventional loans or other, larger Small Business Administration-guaranteed loans.  For more information contact Patricia Scott at or 304-768-8924 x203

Click here for more info