Charlotte Business INClusion

​Accessible funding for small businesses

A Special Message

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has drastically changed the landscape for businesses through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg regions. We want you to know that we and our financial partners Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) and Self-Help Credit Union (SHCU) are open for business. We are ready to provide small businesses with technical assistance, access to resources, and the guidance deemed necessary during these most challenging times. We are here for you!

Charlotte Community Capital Fund

The Charlotte Community Capital Fund (CCCF) is a small business loan program created in 2003 by supporters that believe in fostering small business growth. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, Foundation for the Carolinas, and others have joined the City of Charlotte in contributing to the Fund. These partners have made it possible for CCCF to continue its 15+ year legacy of assisting Charlotte-area small businesses to access capital.

CCCF is not itself a lender but provides financial assistance by guaranteeing up to 85% of the loan amount. Self-Help Credit Union (SHCU) administers and also services as a third-party lender along with Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF).

How the CCCF Fund Works

Your business wants to borrow money for growth, expansion, hiring, acquisition, etc. but don’t have enough collateral (assets to secure the loan), so it is unable to obtain a loan.

Instead of giving up, contact CCCF. CCCF can guaranty up to 85% of your loan amount, meaning you don’t need as much collateral to qualify for a loan. It’s that simple.

Underwriting Guidelines

CCCF is a loan guarantee fund, not a grant. CCCF is also not itself a lender. The Fund helps small businesses access capital by guaranteeing up to 85% of a loan amount. To do this, CCCF partners with lenders: Self-Help and Carolina Small Business Development Fund. These lenders can underwrite and originate loans with limited collateral by using CCCF as a guaranty. These lenders provide favorable rates and terms and flexible underwriting.

For more information, email us with questions or complete the below Contact Form.

Charlotte Community Capital Fund Form

For more information, contact one of the Participating Lenders:

Self-Help:

​800.966.7353

Self-Help Credit Union

Carolina Small Business:

​704.409.5900

Carolina Small Business Development Fund

Contact

​For more information, email us with questions or complete the below Contact Form.

info@charlottecommunitycapitalfund.com

Contact Form

Other MWSBE Resources

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Contact
​For more information, contact one of the Participating Lende​rs:

Self-Help
704-409-5900
charlotteinfo@self-help.org

The Support Center
704-526-0468
sbl@thesup​portcenter-nc.org

The Charlotte Community Capital Fund is made possible by the following community partners:

  • Bank of America
  • Branch Banking and Trust
  • City of Charlotte
  • First Citizens Bank
  • Foundation For The Carolinas
  • John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
  • Piedmont Natural Gas
  • PNC Bank
  • South State Bank
  • Spectrum
  • Wells Fargo

  • Existing for-profit small businesses based in the following counties: Mecklenburg, Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Lincoln, Rowan or Union
  • Business owners must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Although underwriting guidelines are more flexible than with conventional loans, businesses should demonstrate loan repayment ability, collateral availability, positive credit history, and management experience. Lenders may have additional requests
  • Business owners must have less than $750,000 of personal net worth (various exclusions such as home equity and retirement funds can be excluded)
  • Prohibited businesses include adult-oriented businesses, nightclubs, bars, hotels/motels, tattoo or body-piercing shops, check cashing, pawnshops, car sales lots, gambling and non-profits
  • Start-up businesses can be considered subject to additional underwriting scrutiny

 

Businesses that are ready to seek financing should complete the CCCF Contact Form below, and a CCCF representative will reach out with next steps.

The turnaround time for loan approval and closing varies depending on the size, complexity, and risk-level of the loan request.

Carolina Small Business Development Fund can be reached by visiting Carolina Small Business Development Fund web site or calling 704-412-7031

Self-Help can be reached by visiting Self-Help website or calling 800-966-7353

 

After initial screening from one of our lenders, we may recommend a Technical Assistant Provider, available through both Self-Help and Carolina Small Business Development Fund, to assist with the financing request.

Technical Assistance Providers not only can help assess a businesses' financial condition and readiness to seek financing, they can also help the business develop long-term business planning goals and strategies and provide ongoing technical assistance.

Business Technical Assistance Providers are passionate about the success of small businesses and have a breadth and depth of business knowledge to help take a business to the next level.

​

Traditional lenders considering small business loan requests in the Charlotte region that are just under their institution's normal underwriting guidelines can refer those clients to the Charlotte Community Capital Fund as a possible source of funding.