Oregon Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund (EDLF)
Business Oregon
Up to $1,000,000
Oregon state loans for small businesses banks turn down
Oregon's EDLF provides direct state loans of up to $1,000,000 (aggregate lifetime) to Oregon micro-enterprises and small businesses that don't qualify for conventional financing. Eligibility requires either revenues under $1.5M, 25 or fewer full-time employees, or majority ownership by a severely disabled individual. Applicants must work with a certified Oregon SBDC counselor who reviews and supports the loan application at no cost. Interest is fixed at Prime plus 2% minimum.
- Funding type
- Loan
- Level
- State
- Amount range
- $1,000,000
- Realistic amount
- Most EDLF loans are in the $50,000–$300,000 range for micro-enterprises and early-stage small businesses. The $1M ceilin…
- Deadline
- Rolling — applications accepted year-round through certified Oregon SBDC partners.
- Status
- active
- States
- OR
- Payment model
- advance
Who qualifies
- Business must be located in Oregon
- Must meet at least ONE of: (1) total revenues ≤$1,500,000 in preceding 12 months; (2) 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees; OR (3) at least 50% ownership by severely disabled individual(s)
- Must demonstrate good collateral or repayment capacity
- Must enroll in small business counseling through a certified Oregon SBDC entity
- For-profit businesses (nearly every type eligible)
Hard requirements
- Maximum $1,500,000 annual revenue
- Max 25 employees
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Business startup costs
- Equipment and machinery purchases
- Working capital
- Inventory
- Leasehold improvements
- Business real estate (within loan limits)
Ineligible expenses
- Personal expenses not related to the business
- Refinancing of non-EDLF debt (check with SBDC for specifics)
- Businesses operating outside Oregon
How to apply
-
1
Contact your local Oregon SBDC
Find and contact the Oregon Small Business Development Center nearest you. EDLF applications must go through a certified SBDC counselor — you cannot apply directly to Business Oregon. SBDC counseling is free.
~1 hrs
-
2
Work with SBDC counselor on loan package
The SBDC counselor reviews your business plan, financial statements, and loan purpose. They help you build a complete loan package meeting Business Oregon underwriting standards. No fees charged for counseling.
~8 hrs
-
3
SBDC submits loan package to Business Oregon
Once the counselor approves the package, it is submitted to Business Oregon. Business Oregon reviews collateral, repayment capacity, and equity compliance.
~1 hrs
-
4
Loan approval and disbursement
Business Oregon approves or declines the loan. Approved applicants sign a loan agreement. Funds are disbursed for the approved purpose.
~2 hrs
The SBDC counselor is the real gatekeeper — Business Oregon follows their recommendation. Build a real relationship with your SBDC contact before applying.
Deadline & timing
No application cycle. Applicants contact their local Oregon SBDC to be matched with a certified EDLF counselor who reviews the loan package before Business Oregon. No application or counseling fees.
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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.