How We Work

How is NCIF different from a traditional bank?

As a CDFI, NCIF differentiates itself from conventional lenders in many important ways:

• We will consider financing a start-up business or one that has an uneven operating track record
• We consider loans as small as $15,000
• We will consider equity and near-equity investments to help clients leverage additional debt financing from senior lenders
• We will provide rates that are below the prevailing market rate (but not below our cost of funds)
• We do not assess penalties or fees for early prepayments
• We tailor the repayment schedule to meet the business owner's needs, including features such as deferred interest or interest only periods and balloon payments
• We usually consider more lenient collatoral positions, including loan subordinations and often take a second or third lien position
• We provide targeted technical assistance on an as-needed basis
• We have a mission-based triple bottom-line underwriting approach to promote sustainable development and have a positive impact on human health and the natural environment.