Eligibility

Thank you for your interest in obtaining a small-business loan from Thrive Community Lending!

A borrower must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply for a Thrive loan:

  • Be 18 years of age or older

  • Have legal status in the United States

  • Live within the Thrive geographic market (Georgia)

  • Have, or aspire to have, a business located in Thrive’s geographic market (Georgia) and commit to use loan funds strictly for this business.

  • Be at least three years beyond any bankruptcy

  • Be current on any child support payments

  • Be current on payment of any tax lien or government judgment

  • Completion of required Thrive business training

  • Thrive staff or a Thrive staff family member are not eligible for a Thrive loan.

  • Members of the Thrive Board of Directors or a Thrive committee are not eligible for a Thrive loan

Loan Products 

Thrive Community Lending currently offers two loan products to refugee entrepreneurs to help them start or strengthen their own microenterprises:

  1. Step-up micro loans of $3,001-$7,500

  2. Micro loans of $7,501-$15,000

We offer Islamic-compliant financing.  Please inquire for more information.

Technical Assistance 

  • We offer credit and business training to prepare you to secure a loan and to run your small business

  • We offer to match borrowers with trained volunteer microenterprise coaches to provide expert guidance and encouragement

Steps to Applying for a Loan

  1. Contact our staff at the Financial Opportunity Center to schedule an initial intake and to attend a required training series (Mr. Hang Lian at 404.825.8412 or Mr. Enock Kabwende at 404.394.2532)

  2. No appointments necessary on Thursdays at the Financial Opportunity Center 9 AM - 3 PM. 3919 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021

  3. Submit the loan application documents below to our staff members after completion of the intake and business classes:
    our loan application
    home budget and balance sheet
    credit release authorization

Small Business Resources 

SCORE offers free business training events and resources for small business owners covering many topics. SCORE also connects entrepreneurs with mentors to provide advice and guidance.

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small business owners around the country by providing resources and capital to entrepreneurs and advocating for small businesses across the US. 

Decide DeKalb Development Authority provides resources and connections locally for small business start-ups.

Annualcreditreport.com offers free online credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus. Building and maintaining good credit is important and you should regularly check your credit history.