Financing

Diversity lending programs.

53 banks, CDFIs, and government-backed programs offering financing tailored to diverse-owned businesses. Compare loan amounts, interest rates, eligibility, and which certifications each lender accepts at underwriting.

Get certified →

Advertiser disclosure: SupplierDiversity.com may earn a commission when you apply through links to some of the lenders below. This does not influence which lenders we list or how we describe them. See our editorial standards.

All Banks CDFIs Government Credit unions

Advertisement

All lenders 16

Featured
Live Oak Bank logo

Live Oak Bank

Traditional Bank ·Nationwide

SBA Loans & Veteran Financing

Loan amount: $50K - $5M

8(a) · SDVBE · VBE
View details →
Featured
U.S. Bank logo

U.S. Bank

Traditional Bank ·Nationwide

Business Diversity Lending Program

Loan amount: Up to $2.5M

MBE · SDVBE · VBE · WBE
View details →
Citi logo

Citi

Traditional Bank ·Nationwide

Small Business Diversity Lending Program

Loan amount: $10K - $500K

MBE · SDVBE · VBE · WBE
View details →
PNC Bank logo

PNC Bank

Traditional Bank ·Nationwide

Minority Business Development Group

Loan amount: Varies

MBE · SDVBE · VBE · WBE
View details →
TD Bank logo

TD Bank

Traditional Bank ·Regional (Multi-State)

Diverse Business Credit Resources

Loan amount: Up to $350K (SBA Express)

MBE · VBE · WBE
View details →

FAQ

Common questions about diversity lending.

What is diversity lending? +

Diversity lending refers to specialized financing programs designed to support businesses owned by underrepresented groups including minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. These programs often offer more flexible terms, lower rates, or reduced collateral requirements to help diverse businesses access capital.

What is a CDFI and how can it help my business? +

A Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is a specialized financial institution focused on serving underserved communities and businesses. CDFIs often provide loans to diverse businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing, with more flexible underwriting, smaller loan amounts, and business support services.

Do I need certification to access diversity lending programs? +

Most diversity lenders verify your certification status at underwriting. Some programs accept self-certification of diverse ownership, but the more attractive rates and terms typically require third-party certification (NMSDC, WBENC, NGLCC, NaVOBA, Disability:IN). Government-backed programs like SBA loans have their own eligibility criteria that don't require these certifications.

What loan amounts are available for diverse-owned businesses? +

Loan amounts vary widely. CDFI microloans start at $500 to $50,000. SBA loans range from $500 up to $5.5 million. Major bank diversity programs can provide credit lines and term loans from $100,000 to several million dollars for qualified businesses with established revenue.

Before you borrow

Get certified, then get funded.

Most diversity lenders require an active certification on file at underwriting. The certification quiz checks which programs you qualify for, then matches them to the lenders that recognize each one.

Run the certification quiz → Browse certification guides