Carolina Small Business Development Fund — Small Business Loans
Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF)
Up to $350,000
North Carolina statewide CDFI lender
Carolina Small Business Development Fund is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and SBA microlender serving all 100 counties of North Carolina. Its core loan product provides up to $350,000 across a wide range of industries with flexible terms, for both start-ups and existing businesses, with a focus on entrepreneurs who have difficulty accessing traditional bank financing. CSBDF also offers Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) loans up to $50,000 at a 7% interest rate for businesses in USDA-designated rural areas, and a Mecklenburg County 'Meck Lending' product up to $75,000. The loan process begins with a business consultation so CSBDF can recommend the best fit.
- Funding type
- Loan
- Level
- Private
- Amount range
- $1,000 – $350,000
- Realistic amount
- Most CSBDF borrowers take a loan well under the $350,000 ceiling — commonly microloans (RMAP…
- Deadline
- Rolling
- Status
- active
- States
- North Carolina
- Payment model
- loan
Who qualifies
- Business located in North Carolina (statewide, all 100 counties)
- For-profit small business (start-ups and existing businesses both eligible)
- All industries except 'sin' businesses
- RMAP microloans require a USDA-designated rural area
- Meck Lending product requires a Mecklenburg County business
- Entrepreneurs who have difficulty accessing traditional bank financing are the focus
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Working capital
- Inventory and supplies
- Equipment and machinery
- Start-up costs
- Business expansion and improvements
Ineligible expenses
- 'Sin' businesses (excluded)
- Personal, non-business expenses
How to apply
-
1
Request a business consultation
Start with a consultation so CSBDF can assess your needs and recommend the best loan product (core loan, RMAP rural microloan, or Meck Lending).
~2 hrs
-
2
Assemble financials and apply
Provide business and personal financials, tax returns, and a use-of-funds plan (plus a business plan/projections for startups). Submit the application for the recommended product.
~6 hrs
-
3
Underwriting and decision
CSBDF underwrites the loan based on repayment ability and the business plan, with mission focus on borrowers underserved by traditional lenders.
~3 hrs
-
4
Close and fund
Execute loan documents and receive disbursement for your stated business use.
~2 hrs
Lead with the free business consultation — CSBDF uses it to steer you to the cheapest product you qualify for, and a rural business can land an RMAP microloan at a flat 7%. Because RMAP funds are 'while supplies last,' rural applicants should apply early in the funding cycle rather than waiting.
Deadline & timing
Applications accepted on a rolling basis; the process begins with a business consultation. RMAP microloans are described as available 'while supplies last,' so rural microloan funding can be limited.
Programs that stack well
Related programs
Explore more funding
Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.