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Access Funding to Grow Your Business

Our consultants help you find the right financing solutions from loans to grants.

Power Your Potential

The Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Finance Center helps guide you through the loan process, from assessing your business and preparing a strong loan package to connecting you with reputable lenders. Our consultants work with you to create a bank-ready package, then present it to a network of trusted financial partners, including banks, Community Development Financial Insitutions, and nonprofit lenders. We work directly with decision-makers and underwriters, helping you get faster, more informed responses.

Beyond traditional loans, we also assist with disaster relief funding, local grant and loan programs, and improving your internal financial systems. If you’re not quite ready for capital, we’ll help identify growth opportunities and get your business prepared for future funding.

Common Funding Paths

Finding the right type of funding can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your operations, there are many ways to fund your business. Each option has its pros, requirements, and best-fit scenarios.

Here is a quick overview of the most common funding paths our consultants can help you explore. We’ll work with you to understand your goals and guide you toward the options that match your needs and stage of growth.

A traditional bank loan is a common source of funding for established small businesses. These loans are issued directly by commercial banks or credit unions and typically range from $50,000 to several million dollars, depending on the borrower’s financial strength and creditworthiness. While they often offer competitive interest rates and longer repayment terms, qualifying can be challenging. Banks usually require strong personal and business credit, a solid operating history (typically two or more years), healthy cash flow, and adequate collateral. This type of loan is best suited for businesses that are already stable and looking to fund large purchases such as equipment, commercial property, or expansion efforts.

SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, making them more accessible for small businesses that might not qualify for a traditional bank loan. Although the funds are distributed through participating banks and lenders—not directly by the SBA—the SBA guarantee reduces the lender’s risk and allows for more flexible terms. Businesses can secure between $10,000 and $5 million through different SBA loan programs such as the 7(a), 504, or Microloan programs. These loans often come with lower down payments, extended repayment periods, and fewer collateral requirements. SBA loans are a great option for growing businesses in need of working capital, equipment purchases, or real estate, especially if they have a good business plan but only moderate credit.

Microloans are small, flexible funding options typically designed for startups or businesses that need a modest amount of capital. Ranging from as little as $500 up to $50,000, microloans are usually provided by nonprofit organizations or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Because of their smaller size and more relaxed qualification criteria, they are ideal for entrepreneurs with limited credit history, solo business owners, or those in the early stages of growth. These loans can be used for inventory, supplies, working capital, or equipment and often come with added business development support to help the borrower succeed.

Grants are a unique funding option because they provide capital that does not need to be repaid. They are typically awarded by government agencies, nonprofits, or private foundations, and can range from $1,000 to well over $100,000 depending on the grantor and program. While grants are incredibly valuable, they are also highly competitive and usually tied to specific eligibility criteria such as industry focus, community impact, demographic background (like women- or veteran-owned businesses), or innovative business models. Grants are best suited for business owners who meet these criteria and are able to craft strong, compelling proposals aligned with the goals of the funding organization.

Explore local grants here.

Equity funding involves raising capital by offering ownership shares in your business in exchange for investment. The amount raised can vary significantly, from as little as $10,000 from friends, family, or angel investors to millions of dollars from venture capital firms. Unlike loans, equity funding doesn’t require repayment, but it does mean giving up a portion of ownership and potentially some control over your business. This form of funding is ideal for high-growth startups that need significant capital to scale quickly, especially those in tech, biotech, or other innovative industries. It’s best suited for entrepreneurs who are comfortable collaborating with investors and sharing decision-making authority.

The California Loan Guarantee Program is designed to help small businesses that may have difficulty obtaining conventional financing. Through this program, the State of California, via IBank, provides guarantees to lenders on a portion of loans made to small businesses. This guarantee reduces the risk for lenders, making it easier for them to approve loans that might otherwise be considered too risky, thereby increasing access to capital for eligible California small businesses. The guarantee typically covers up to 80% of the loan amount, with a maximum guarantee amount of $5 million per business, including affiliates.

Crowdfunding is a way for businesses or individuals to raise money by collecting relatively small amounts from a large number of people, typically through online platforms. Instead of seeking funding from a few traditional sources like banks or venture capitalists, crowdfunding taps into a “crowd” of individuals who are willing to support a project or business. Crowdfunding provides small businesses with crucial access to capital that might be unavailable through traditional channels. Beyond funding, it also offers valuable opportunities for market validation, audience building, and marketing.

The SBDC Finance Center connects you with over 100 qualified small business lenders, significantly boosting your chances of securing the funding you need. We’ll guide you through every step of the process. Let us help you get the funding your business deserves.

Why Choose Us

Getting funding for your business is about more than filling out forms; it’s about having the right guidance and support at your side. At the OCIE SBDC, we offer personalized, no-cost consulting to help you confidently navigate your funding journey. Here’s how we support you:

Expert Guidance at No Cost — Our services are paid for in full through state and federal funding, which means there is no cost passed onto our clients. You’ll work with experienced consultants who are dedicated to helping you reach your business goals, not selling you a service.

Real Connections to Real Funding — We’ll help you understand your options and connect you with lenders, grant programs, and alternative funding sources that fit your needs. No guesswork required.

Support from Start to Finish — Whether you’re launching a new business or expanding an existing one, we’ll help you with every step: preparing financials, refining your business plan, strengthening your pitch, and more.

A Team That Reflects Your Community — Many of our consultants are small business owners themselves, and we offer our services in several different languages. We meet you where you are, with respect, empathy, and a focus on what makes your business unique.

A Track Record You Can Trust — Our clients have secured millions in funding with our help. We know the process, we know the lenders, and most importantly, we know how to set you up for success.

Success Stories

Behind every successful business is a story, and we’re proud to be part of so many. From securing startup loans to expanding through strategic funding, our clients have turned their dreams into thriving businesses with the help of our team.

Check out some stories from OCIE SBDC clients:

La Taza Coffehouse

La Taza Community Coffeehouse started as a dream to restore the people and property of Lake Elsinore. With the help of the OCIE SBDC, it’s now a thriving cornerstone of Main Street.

Learn more

Biryani Boys

Biryani Boys Modern Pakistani Food brings the flavors of owner Irfan Ahmed’s family recipes to new audiences, thanks to the help of the OCIE SBDC.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying for a small business loan starts with understanding what type of loan fits your needs and gathering the right documents. At the OCIE SBDC, we help you every step of the way, from preparing a loan-ready package to connecting with lenders. Whether you’re applying for an SBA loan, microloan, or any other financial assistance, we’ll guide you through the process to make sure your application is strong and complete.

Every business is different, and the right funding option depends on your goals, stage of growth, and financial profile. The SBDC Finance Center works with you one-on-one to understand your needs and help identify the most appropriate options, whether that’s a traditional loan, SBA loan, microloan, grant, or another path.

Yes. The Finance Center will review your situation, assess the reasons for the decline, and help you explore other funding options through our network of lenders.

Not at all. While strong credit can open more doors, there are funding options available for businesses with less-than-perfect credit. Our team can connect you with lenders who consider the full picture—not just your credit score—and help you build toward better credit over time.

With our network of more than 100 lenders, we’ll find the best fit for you and connect you with them. Our partners will help you finance your loans, and they may even be able to aid you in acquiring a lower rate. Several of our lenders may be able to lend in as little as two weeks!* We also assist in obtaining a quick turnaround for working capital. Our job is to find you the right lender for your situation and make sure that the loan meets your business needs.

*Since turnaround times depend on many factors, we cannot guarantee turnaround times.

A lending package includes the key documents lenders use to evaluate your loan request. This usually includes a business plan, financial statements (like profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow), projections, tax returns, and a personal financial statement. Depending on the loan type, you may also need a summary of how the funds will be used and any available collateral. Our team helps you gather and organize everything to present a strong, bank-ready package.

Yes. Lenders require these documents to thoroughly evaluate your loan application and make an informed decision. The Finance Center will assist you in gathering the necessary documents.

The Orange Count Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network is funded in part through grants from the US Small Business Administration and the California Office of Small Business Advocate. The grants we receive from these agencies, alongside support from our host organizations, allow us to offer our services at 100% no cost to our clients.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, our team is here to help you find the right funding — and guide you through the process, every step of the way. Let’s get you funded.

Schedule your no-cost one-on-one consultation today.

ORANGE COUNTY INLAND EMPIRE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK

Your community of business experts.

(800) 616-7232

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Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Funded in part through a grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. 

Copyright © 2025 – OCIE SBDC – All Rights Reserved.

Let's get you funded.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, our team is here to help you find the right funding — and guide you through the process, every step of the way. Ready to take the next step?

Schedule your no-cost one-on-one consultation today.

Access to Capital

Mike Daniel is the network director of the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network, which assists aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners throughout Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Mike was formerly the director of the SBDC office at Long Beach City College. As business owner and entrepreneur himself, he started his career as the owner of a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory location in Manhattan Beach and went on to open a second location in Long Beach in 2001. In 2007, Mike sold the Manhattan Beach store for an above-market offer then invested in several additional locations as a minority shareholder. Mike further expanded his candy empire with venture located in Shoreline Village in Long Beach called Sugar Daddies Sweet Shoppe, based on fill-it yourself candy options.

Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.