Oregon’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is a federally funded program administered by Business Oregon. Oregon received $83.5 million through SSBCI. The funding strengthens small business financing programs and create new ways for businesses to access capital.
The program’s funding is used across different lending and investment programs serving Oregon, with a focus on socially or economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) and very small 
businesses.
Oregon SSBCI expands access to funding by putting more capital into community lending. Through Oregon’s Relender Program, SSBCI can co-fund eligible loans made by community lenders like Business Impact NW. This increases the amount available and helps fill gaps when traditional financing isn’t an option.
The program also provides Business Impact NW with funding to offer free loan-readiness services, helping small business owners be better prepared before applying.
So far, six Business Impact NW loans totaling $430,000 are using Oregon SSBCI capital.
Funding Needs and Barriers
Our business advisors have worked with Oregon businesses seeking funding for space renovations and buildouts, refinancing high-interest debt, and moving into physical locations. They also see some of the challenges that can make getting funding more complicated.
A childcare business, for example, may need financing to complete a buildout. But the space cannot be inspected and licensed until the work is finished, while a license is required before we can consider the loan.
Businesses preparing to move into a physical location may need to identify the space, begin negotiations, and determine specific buildout costs before completing a loan application. Existing debt, limited collateral, and credit history can also affect the financing available to a business. These barriers can be difficult to navigate without help.
Getting Ready for Funding
Our business advisors help Oregon entrepreneurs work through the steps that may need to come first. This can include financial records, loan documentation, licensing, and planning for major expenses.
Some business owners also need help with incorporation, taxes, or understanding what type of financing makes sense for their business.
For SEDI-owned and very small businesses, Oregon SSBCI can help lower barriers to financing by putting more capital into community lending and funding services that help business owners prepare to pursue it. Business owners who are considering financing can learn more about Business Impact NW loans and loan readiness.
About the author
(fAYth ham-uhl-tuhn)
As Senior External Affairs Manager at Business Impact NW, Faith provides strategic oversight for marketing, website management, and organizational events, ensuring day-to-day efforts align with broader organizational goals. She acts as the project manager for key events, coordinating timelines, deliverables, and cross-departmental collaboration while maintaining consistency in branding and messaging. Faith holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from Central Washington University.