Are you eligible?
FCC is designed for those who have historically been underserved by traditional lenders. If you've been turned down before, we encourage you to reach out.
We Welcome
- Low-to-moderate income (LMI) individuals
- Entrepreneurs in underserved communities
- Businesses in rural or under-invested areas
- Startups with limited credit history
- Individuals with past financial challenges
- Reentry entrepreneurs (second-chance borrowers)
- Women-owned and minority-owned businesses
- Youth and young adult entrepreneurs
- Businesses in Inland Empire, Riverside & San Bernardino Counties
- Businesses in
Good to Know
- We consider the full picture, not just your credit score
- Business coaching is paired with most loan products
- We serve both business and personal loan needs
- Prior FCC loan is not required to apply
- We serve Southern California and
- HSTEP Loan is limited to Westmont nursing students
- Commercial referrals require capital readiness prep
- All applications are reviewed by a real person
- We offer services in English and Spanish
- Contact us even if you're unsure. We'll help you figure it out
Five steps to funding.
Our process is straightforward, supportive, and designed to set you up for success, not just approval.
Initial Inquiry
Contact us by phone, email, or the form below. We'll learn about your needs and point you to the right loan product.
Coaching Session
Meet with an FCC advisor who will help you prepare your documents, financials, and business plan before you formally apply.
Application Submission
Submit your completed application and supporting documents. Our team reviews every application personally, no automated rejections.
Underwriting & Decision
We review your file, may request additional documents, and make a lending decision. We communicate throughout the process.
Funding & Ongoing Support
Loan closes, funds are disbursed, and your ongoing coaching relationship continues with FCC by your side.
Everything you need to know about each product.
Start Up Loan
Designed for early-stage entrepreneurs preparing to launch or formalize a new business. Whether you're transitioning from a side hustle or launching your first venture, this loan provides the seed capital to get started - paired with required business coaching to set you up for success.
- Two forms of ID will be required
- EIN required for all businesses
- Business plan
- 3 years of financial projections
- 2 years personal tax returns
- 2 months personal bank statements
- Business coaching & workshops required
- Additional documents will be requested for upload once your pre-application is accepted
Microloan
Our flagship microloan is designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses needing flexible capital to launch, stabilize, or grow. Use funds for working capital, inventory, equipment, marketing, or operational needs.
- Two forms of ID will be required
- EIN required for all businesses
- 2 years business tax returns
- Year-to-date financials
- 2 months business bank statements
- 2 years personal tax returns
- Business coaching & workshops required
- Additional documents will be requested for upload once your pre-application is accepted
Small Business Loan
For established small businesses seeking capital for growth, equipment purchases, expansion into new markets, hiring, or operating capital. Suited for businesses with a track record and the financial documentation to support a larger request.
- Two forms of ID will be required
- EIN required for all businesses
- 3 years business tax returns
- Year-to-date financials
- 3 months business bank statements
- 3 years personal tax returns
- Collateral verification may be required
- Additional documents will be requested for upload once your pre-application is accepted
Nonprofit Loan
Flexible financing for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and community organizations that need working capital to bridge grant cycles, cover operations, or invest in program growth - paired with the coaching and capital-readiness support that traditional lenders rarely extend to the nonprofit sector.
- Two forms of ID will be required
- EIN required for all businesses
- 501(c)(3) or equivalent nonprofit status
- Recent financial statements or Form 990
- Board resolution authorizing the loan
- Grant or revenue documentation supporting repayment
- Additional documents will be requested for upload once your pre-application is accepted
TechStart
Part of the Riverside Green Tech & Innovation Financing program, offered in partnership with the City of Riverside. TechStart helps early-stage businesses (under 2 years) invest in clean, sustainable, and technology-forward operations - from energy-efficiency upgrades to innovation-driven equipment for Riverside-area entrepreneurs.
- Two forms of ID will be required
- EIN required for all businesses
- Riverside-area business or operations
- Clean-technology or sustainability-focused use of funds
- Business plan required
- 2 years of financial projections
- Additional documents will be requested for upload once your pre-application is accepted
TechGrow
Part of the Riverside Green Tech & Innovation Financing program, offered in partnership with the City of Riverside. TechGrow helps established businesses (2+ years) expand clean-technology and sustainability initiatives with larger growth capital for Riverside-area operations.
- Two forms of ID will be required
- EIN required for all businesses
- Riverside-area business or operations
- Clean-technology or sustainability-focused use of funds
- 2 years of business tax returns
- Year-to-date financial statements
- 2 months of bank statements
- Additional documents will be requested for upload once your pre-application is accepted
Nano Loan
Offered in partnership with Access Plus Capital, a certified CDFI. Underwriting looks at cash flow, transaction history, and overall business performance rather than relying strictly on credit scores or collateral - so owners who are shut out of conventional lending still get a real review. Two tiers are available: Nano Loan Express for businesses already operating, and Nano Quick Start for true start-ups. Eligible use of funds: working capital.
- Two forms of ID will be required
- EIN required for all businesses
- Completed online credit application
- Government-issued photo ID (front & back)
- Bank statements (2 months)
- Tax return - business or personal, depending on tier
- Start-ups: lean business plan + 1-year projections
- Additional documents will be requested for upload once your pre-application is accepted
Nano Loan Express
$5,000 – $20,000Existing businesses (1+ years in operation)
- Completed online credit application
- Government-issued photo ID (front & back)
- 2 months of business bank statements
- Most recent business tax return
- Interim financials if 4+ months since last tax filing
Nano Quick Start
$5,000 – $10,000True start-ups (under 1 year in operation)
- Completed online credit application
- Government-issued photo ID (front & back)
- Most recent personal tax return
- 2 months of bank statements (if available)
- Lean business plan + 1-year financial projections
HSTEP Loan
The Healthcare Student Tuition and Education Program (HSTEP) is available exclusively to final-semester students in the Westmont Downtown Grotenhuis Nursing Program. Loan proceeds are paid directly to Westmont College, removing financial barriers for students in their final push to become licensed nurses.
- Two forms of ID will be required
- Enrollment in Westmont Downtown Grotenhuis Nursing Program
- Final semester standing
- Funds paid directly to Westmont College
- Program-specific eligibility documentation
- No co-signer required under program guidelines
- Additional documents will be requested for upload once your pre-application is accepted
Small Dollar Loan
For approved personal needs including emergency expenses, credit-building opportunities, or improving financial stability. Paired with financial coaching to help borrowers strengthen their financial health.
- Two forms of ID will be required
- Valid government-issued ID
- Proof of income or ability to repay
- Current address and contact info
- Recent bank statements may be requested
- Financial coaching & workshops required
- Additional documents will be requested for upload once your pre-application is accepted
Commercial Referral
For borrowers with capital needs beyond First Community Capital's direct lending capacity, we connect qualified businesses to SBA lenders, bank partners, and institutional capital providers - with capital readiness support and loan packaging to strengthen your application.
- Two forms of ID will be required
- EIN required for all businesses
- SBA 7(a) loan referrals
- SBA 504 loan referrals
- Commercial real estate financing
- Business acquisition capital
- Loan packaging & readiness support
- Additional documents will be requested for upload once your pre-application is accepted
Compare all loan products.
Find the right fit for your stage, goals, and financial situation.
| Loan Product | Max Amount | Best For | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Up Loan | $5,000Great for first-time entrepreneurs | New & early-stage entrepreneurs | Apply Now |
| Microloan | $50,000Most popular loan product | Launch, stabilize, or grow | Apply Now |
| Small Business Loan | $100,000For established businesses ready to scale | Established businesses | Apply Now |
| Nonprofit Loan | $10,000+ | Mission-driven nonprofits | Apply Now |
| TechStart | $10,000Riverside Green Tech & Innovation Financing | Start-ups under 2 years | Apply Now |
| TechGrow | $20,000Riverside Green Tech & Innovation Financing | Established businesses 2+ years | Apply Now |
| Nano Loan | $20,000 | Fast capital for growing businesses | Apply via APC portal |
| HSTEP Loan | $20,000Healthcare Student Tuition & Education Program | Final-semester nursing students | Apply Now |
| Small Dollar Loan | $2,500For individuals building financial stability | Emergency expenses & credit building | Apply Now |
| Commercial Referral | $100K – $2M+FCC connects you to the right lender | Larger business & real estate needs | Apply Now |
Common questions answered.
What is a CDFI and why does it matter?
A Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is a specialized lender certified by the U.S. Treasury to serve underserved communities. CDFIs like FCC can offer more flexible terms and serve borrowers who don't qualify for traditional bank loans.
Do I need perfect credit to apply?
No. We look at the full picture (your character, capacity, and business potential) not just your credit score. Many of our borrowers have limited or imperfect credit histories.
How long does the process take?
It varies by loan type and how prepared your application is. Our coaching process helps speed things up by ensuring your documents and business plan are ready before you apply.
Why is coaching required for some loans?
We believe coaching is what turns capital into lasting success. Required coaching ensures every borrower has the skills, plan, and support to make the most of their loan.
Can I apply for more than one loan?
Yes, in some cases. Clients who successfully repay an initial loan may be eligible for subsequent loans as their business grows. Talk with your FCC advisor for guidance.
What can I use the loan funds for?
It depends on the loan type. Business loans can be used for working capital, inventory, equipment, hiring, and expansion. Personal loans are for approved individual needs. Contact us for specifics.
Is there a fee to apply?
FCC does not charge an application fee. Some loan products may include closing costs or origination fees, which will be clearly disclosed before you sign anything.
What if I was denied by a bank before?
That's exactly who we're here for. A bank denial is not an FCC denial. Reach out. We evaluate borrowers differently and our mission is to open doors that traditional lenders close.